JAVS Summer 2026

they encourage students to engage with music beyond their lesson assignments and ensemble repertoire. For students who are already naturally curious, these projects provide opportunities for further exploration. For those who are less inclined toward independent musical discovery, they offer an accessible entry point into developing greater inquisitiveness. The following three projects focus on learning unfamiliar repertoire and encourage students to explore works they may not otherwise encounter. In addition to expanding their knowledge of viola literature, each project develops a variety of related musical and academic skills. Below is the language I use in my syllabi. American Viola Project Choose a piece or complete movement of a work by an American composer to learn during the month of March. You should select your piece by March 11. You will be asked to perform your piece and make a few brief comments about it in studio class on April 7 or 14. Visit the American Viola Society’s American Viola Project for repertoire ideas. Through this process, the instructor hopes you will gain: • Experience learning and polishing a piece within a set timeframe • Research skills for discovering unfamiliar repertoire • Greater awareness of American viola repertoire • Improved sight-reading skills • Increased independence and confidence in your viola playing The Spring Chicken Project Choose a short piece or complete movement of a work to learn over spring break. You may begin practicing the piece only on March 4. Select a work that you can learn independently and polish during the break. You will perform the piece in studio class and/or in your lesson during the week of March 20. Visit the music library, IMSLP, or the American Viola Society website for repertoire ideas. Through this process, the instructor hopes you will gain: • Experience learning and polishing a piece within a short timeframe • Research skills for discovering unfamiliar repertoire

• The ability to make independent musical and technical decisions • Increased independence and confidence in your viola playing Turkey Trot to the Library This year’s Turkey Trot challenge includes a twist: all music must be obtained through the Virginia Tech music library. This project is designed with the following goals in mind: • Gaining experience learning and polishing a piece within a short timeframe • Utilizing library resources • Honing the ability to make independent musical and technical decisions • Developing independence and confidence in viola playing Instructions 1. Explore the viola repertoire available through the Virginia Tech music library. Begin with a search of the library catalog and, if desired, visit the library to browse scores in person. Choose any work for solo viola or viola and piano. Scores may be physical or downloadable. 2. Choose a piece and check out or download the music. 3. Take the music with you over Thanksgiving break. 4. Learn and polish either the entire work or movement, or a substantial section that is appropriate for your level. 5. Be prepared to perform the music in your lesson during the week of November 27. As these projects demonstrate, the goals extend well beyond simply becoming familiar with viola repertoire. They also provide an excellent opportunity to introduce students to the resources of the American Viola Society and encourage them to explore the many opportunities the organization offers.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue

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