Book excerpt: Jazz Viola Wizard Junior 2 is a continuation of Jazz Viola Wizard Junior (Mel Bay, 2002) and is designed for upper middle school and high school string students. JVWjr 2 uses the same basic approach as JVWjr; students learn mainly through imitation, the same way we learn to speak our native tongue. It also introduces very easy optional chord theory but only AFTER the student has experienced improvising with chords aurally. the books come in three versions—violin, viola, and cello/bass—designed to be used together in studio and classroom situations. This volume introduces three basic concepts that are prerequisites to advanced jazz improvising: solo development, modes, and inner melodies - the single most potent technique to get students to improvise on advanced progressions immediately.