SKU: MB.WBM15

ISBN 9780988832732. 8.5 X 11 inches.

The guitar has so many moods and colors. I have always loved the expressive, lyrical pieces written for this unique instrument. This book is a collection of 19 solos of medium difficulty which present a colorful array of moods, harmonies and tonal textures. Each piece gives the guitarist ample opportunity for reflection, interpretation and expression. The solos should be played freely with maximum use of dynamics and tone color. The harmonies are rich and often contemporary. I hope you enjoy playing these compositions as I certainly enjoyed writing them.

SKU: UT.CH-321

ISBN 9790215326293. 9 x 12 inches.

Dediche is a series of short miniature pieces for solo guitar written in 1991 by Chiara Benati, an authoritative exponent of what can be called the School of Bologna, and who has devoted many pages of her catalogue to the guitar (Chiara won a first prize in 1986 at the Competition for Guitar Composition organized by the historic magazine Il Fronimo).
From the point of view of the guitar idiom, it is striking how the compositional research of Chiara Benati (who does not play the guitar) has penetrated deeply into the nature of the instrument. In my job of adding the fingering to the pieces, I started from the precise indications concerning the strings already provided by the Composer, who meticulously imagined the instrumental result created by the play of resonances and the consequent precise distribution of the parts on different strings (let us think of the tremolos superimposed on different strings in the second Dedica and the counterpoint in three parts each written on its own musical stave), with a skilful use of glissandos and other instrumental effects.
From the musical point of view, a similar meticulousness in writing is evident, shown, for example, by indicating the temporal separation between the figures by means of their spatial distance indicated in the score.
The result is an instrumentally and musically rigorous writing which also helps the performer by appealing to his ability to empathize, following the indications written in the score and in the key, with the expressive atmosphere of the work, and through that specific aspect of controlled performance flexibility and sound sensitivity necessary to render it properly.
These delicate miniatures, suffused with mystery and melancholy, and so masterfully written for the guitar, are in my opinion an important addition to the contemporary repertoire of the instrument.
(Piero Bonaguri).

SKU: BT.RSK200115

ISBN 9781789360905. English.

Rockschool Acoustic Grade 5 is for students who have acquired the intermediate skills and techniques and have developed an increasing sense of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumental techniques, increasing rhythmic complexity and convincing solo and improvisation work.

The 2019 Acoustic syllabus is a refreshed approach to acoustic guitar. The syllabus features six tracks for each grade that have been meticulously benchmarked to support students as they learn the instrument. At each grade two of the pieces ask the students to perform without backing track, exploring the sound and resonance of their instrument. The remaining tracks aresession style backing tracks that include vocal accompaniment. We've also included the vocal melody lines in the grade books for students who sing and play at the same time.

• 6 new arrangements of iconic rock, pop, and contemporary music tracks from classic and contemporary artists
• A diverse selection of contemporary music ever seen in a syllabus making the Grades accessible to everyone without precluding any musical tastes
• Fact Files: band and artist background information with recommended listening
• Walkthroughs: in-depth guidance on every track
• Downloadable audio: easily access audio content online
• All the essential music theory and technique you need to pass your exams

SKU: BT.RSK200118

ISBN 9781789360936. English.

Rockschool Acoustic Grade 8 is for students who have mastered advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance.

The 2019 Acoustic syllabus is a refreshed approach to acoustic guitar. The syllabus features six tracks for each grade that have been meticulously benchmarked to support students as they learn the instrument. At each grade two of the pieces ask the students to perform without backing track,exploring the sound and resonance of their instrument. The remaining tracks are session style backing tracks that include vocal accompaniment. We've also included the vocal melody lines in the grade books for students who sing and play at the same time.

• 6 new arrangements of iconic rock, pop, and contemporary music tracks from classic and contemporary artists
• A diverse selection of contemporary music ever seen in a syllabus making the Grades accessible to everyone without precluding any musical tastes
• Fact Files: band and artist background information with recommended listening
• Walkthroughs: in-depth guidance on every track
• Downloadable audio: easily access audio content online
• All the essential music theory and technique you need to pass your exams

SKU: BT.RSK200114

ISBN 9781789360899. English.

Rockschool Acoustic Grade 4 is for students who have been learning approximately two to two and a half years and have mastered the basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work.

The 2019 Acoustic syllabus is a refreshed approach to acoustic guitar. The syllabus features six tracks for each grade that have been meticulously benchmarked to support students as they learn the instrument. At each grade two of the pieces ask the students to perform without backing track, exploring the sound and resonanceof their instrument. The remaining tracks are session style backing tracks that include vocal accompaniment. We've also included the vocal melody lines in the grade books for students who sing and play at the same time.

• 6 new arrangements of iconic rock, pop, and contemporary music tracks from classic and contemporary artists
• A diverse selection of contemporary music ever seen in a syllabus making the Grades accessible to everyone without precluding any musical tastes
• Fact Files: band and artist background information with recommended listening
• Walkthroughs: in-depth guidance on every track
• Downloadable audio: easily access audio content online
• All the essential music theory and technique you need to pass your exams