SKU: CF.BF159

ISBN 9781491162163. UPC: 680160920914.

The 26 masterworks contained in this collection have been carefully arranged for any combination of string duet. The selections appear in chronological order. They span nearly 200 years with 22 composers and feature works from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods of music. The arrangements are drawn from a variety of sources, including piano and chamber works. However, the majority of works were taken from actual duets originally written for two instruments by the composers themselves. Each work was selected for its quality, musical interest, and appropriateness. Arranged specifically for a chamber setting, the duets may be performed at recitals, adjudications, weddings, and social events. The various moods created through these works will compliment any occasion.

SKU: CF.BF154

ISBN 9781491162064. UPC: 680160920808.

Learning to play chamber music is an important milestone in the music student’s journey. Playing with a teacher or friend helps develop rhythmic independence, intonation, listening skills, and sense of pulse that are vital to playing in an ensemble. These progressive duets offer beginning and developing players the opportunity to play along with others, or with the helpful support of the teacher in a lesson. Each duet adds new techniques and challenges that align with the natural advancement of lessons, moving from easy rhythms and keys to staccato bow strokes, slurs, accidentals (low or extended finger patterns), and more complex or independent rhythms. While the melody remains in the top line, musicians can alternate playing the melody as all efforts have been made to keep both parts at a similar difficulty level. This book features familiar melodies from traditional, folk, and Classical repertoire including tunes that many string teachers will recognize from Suzuki books. Appropriate for recitals or even small group concerts, there are 30 selections of different tempi, styles, and keys for variety, while remaining in string-friendly ranges. Each duet is one page or less in length, ensuring an immediate sense of success for young players. The perfect supplement to method book exercises and solo repertoire.

SKU: MB.99402M

ISBN 9780786686285. 8.75 x 11.75 inches.

The book is designed to make the personal aspects of traditional Irish fiddle playing, improvisation and interpretation, accessible to novice players. Drawing on his experience writing out reels, jigs and other tunes for new players at a North London session and teaching fiddle, the author conveys what to do with tunes to make them your own. The first part of the book discusses such subjects as the language of traditional music, posture, bowing, and effective practice, with a detailed analysis of left and right hand technique. The second section is a selection of tunes that demonstrate the ideas in the first part. The aim of the book is to allow the player to look more closely at their technique while also improving accuracy and speed. A recording adds an extra dimension to the learning experience. Includes access to online audio.