SKU: MB.30091
ISBN 9781513466378. 8.75 x 11.75 inches.
Appalachian fiddle music, based on the musical traditions of the people who settled in the mountainous regions of the southeastern United States, is widely-known and played throughout North America and parts of Europe because of its complex rhythms, its catchy melodies, and its often-ancient-sounding stylistic qualities. The authors explore the lives and music of 43 of the classic Appalachian fiddlers who were active during the first half of the 20th century. Some of them were recorded commercially in the 1920s, such as Gid Tanner, Fiddlin? John Carson, and Charlie Bowman. Some were recorded by folklorists from the Library of Congress, such as William Stepp, Emmett Lundy, and Marion Reece. Others were recorded informally by family members and visitors, such as John Salyer, Emma Lee Dickerson, and Manco Sneed. All of them played throughout most of their lives and influenced the growth and stylistic elements of fiddle music in their regions. Each fiddler has been given a chapter with a biography, several tune transcriptions, and tune histories. To show the richness of the music, the authors make a special effort to show the musical elements in detail, but also acknowledge that nothing can take the place of listening. Many of the classic recordings used in this book can be found on the web, allowing you to hear and read the music together.
SKU: CF.BF131
ISBN 9781491153765. UPC: 680160911264. 9 x 12 inches.
Inspired by Clarence Cameron White’s book The Violinist’s Daily Dozen, The Violinist’s Daily Sixteen is a collection of daily exercises compiled by Roland Vamos. Intended for student and professional violinists, the collection provides the performer with a variety of exercises for daily warm-ups. Mr. Vamos also focuses on developing dexterity and flexibility in the fingers and joints, the first and fourth fingers in particular. Each of the sixteen exercises is notated for each of the four strings, and Vamos recommends that the exercises be practiced as warm-ups, choosing a different string for each day of practice.Also included with the Daily Sixteen is a comprehensive set of studies for developing fluency with scales and arpeggios. Mr. Vamos’ unique methodology is to begin with major scales and arpeggios, followed by minor scales and arpeggios, all of which are notated in two, three and four octaves. Alternate fingers are provided, as well as a variety of slurred and mixed bowings using the three parts of the bow whenever feasible. It is a remarkably systematic approach to performing scales and arpeggios on the violin and will surely benefit students and professionals alike.ForewordThis short hand-setting set of exercises was inspired by a book entitled The Violinist’s Daily Dozen, conceived by Clarence Cameron White, a prominent African-American violinist, composer and arranger who enjoyed the bulk of his career in the first half of the twentieth century.I have practiced this set of exercises since I was twelve years old. It has served me as a superb warm-up and hand setting tool. Over the years, I have found that there are some aspects of this warm-up routine that were not given sufficient attention or not addressed at all. Consequently, I have expanded the Daily Dozen to create a new work entitled The Violinist’s Daily Sixteen.I have also paid particular attention in this work as to how these exercises are to be practiced. In exercises one and two, I have indicated some notes to be played before the actual written exercises. This is to ensure that the fourth finger will be over the string in a position ready to strike even though it is not being used. Before playing exercises three, four, nine, ten, eleven and twelve, I have indicated silent fingers to be placed on the notes they would be playing if they were being used.I have replaced Mr. White’s grace notes with notes of specific value and have slowed down the exercises so that the first joint (the joint nearest the string) of each finger can move with flexibility and strength. At no time should the first joint buckle.In Mr. White’s version, the last exercise gave the first finger some very valuable backward extensions. In this exercise (number 14 in this book), I caution the student not to move the hand along with the first finger. The hand should remain in position while the first finger independently moves back and forth.It became obvious to me that if the first finger were given the opportunity to develop the dexterity that Mr. White’s twelfth exercise emphasizes, the fourth finger could benefit from an exercise that gives it a forward extension. Consequently, I added another exercise to create a Baker’s Dozen (thirteen).Several years later, I felt that the second and third fingers should also have an exercise to further develop their dexterity…hence exercise fourteen was added to create a “Vamos Dozen.â€Because the first finger did not have sufficient practice in the development of the first joint in the original version, I have added two exercises to precede White’s fifth exercise. After re-working and re-numbering these exercises, I have come up with a total of sixteen exercises. It is my suggestion that these be practiced as a warm-up, choosing a different string each day.—Roland VamosEvanston, Illinois 2017 PrefaceScales are a means of teaching a person the fingerboard on his or her instrument. The fingers move across the strings and are required to make shifts, all in highly organized patterns. Scales and arpeggios are the foundation upon which our repertoire is built. Many scale books have been written; each one being organized in its own specific way. The Flesch Scale System has been a standard for many decades. It is very comprehensive and systematic. From the point of view of establishing similar patterns, it has one drawback: it is organized by starting with a major key, followed by its relative minor, going through the circle of fifths. I believe that it is more profitable to do only major scales with their arpeggios first, going up chromatically, and then follow them in a similar way with the minor scales. In using this approach, the similarities in fingerings between the various scales are more apparent. It is also profitable to have alternate fingerings whenever possible. My approach to scales and arpeggios includes a variety of slurred and mixed bowings using the three parts of the bow whenever feasible. These bowings are not all-inclusive. Whenever a particularly awkward bowing pattern is encountered in the repertoire, it can be practiced as an additional bowing variation in the scales and arpeggios.   I have chosen to introduce the three and four octave scales by teaching two octave scales across the strings in one position going up chromatically through seven positions; starting on the first, second, third, and finally fourth fingers in major and melodic minor.—Roland VamosEvanston, Illinois 2017.
SKU: ST.C545
ISBN 9790570815456.
Combines and replaces the two original publications of Sounds of a Rainbow Book 1 from Spartan Press (SP950-1), into this volume that includes both duets and violin and piano versions in one volume.Whether a student or a great artist, the desire to make a beautiful sound is a constant in the life of any musician. Sound is the musician’s voice, the means of communicating an artistic vision to the audience and it should be the aim for children of any age or standard to be engaged in good tone production.The inspiration for writing the pieces for this book came to me from the wish to give the young children I teach music which would develop their ear for both good intonation and beautiful tone production. All the pieces have a strongly implied harmonic structure allowing them to be played without accompaniment. The purpose of the second violin part is therefore to enable the teacher to underline the harmony as well as to influence the student’s tone production and intonation through his own sound, as much can be taught by good example. The violin student also has the option to play with piano. The accompaniments included within this book are written by Heidi Rolfe.The choice of keys in this book covers most of the requirements for scales in the Associated Board syllabus Grade 1.Finally I think that children enjoy the challenge of expressing different moods and emotions musically, and I hope that the range of ideas implied by the keys and the titles of these pieces will fire their imagination.Nigel GoldbergGrade 1Former Spartan Press Cat. No.: SP950 and SP951.
SKU: SU.29120120
String Trio for Violin, Viola, & Cello is a single-movement work albeit with distinct sections including a fast paced and energetic opening, the slow and very emotional middle, an off-beat lively waltz and, finally, a return to the rapid opening material. The harmonic language of this trio could be described as chromatic tonalism with a dissonant edge. Mason says: The goal of this Trio is to take the listener on an emotional journey of discovery. There are sounds of perhaps JanáÄek but, in other places, a bit of Hindemith or even a pinch of Beethoven. But the point is to tell a story where new and unexpected things are always happening.Violin, Viola & Violoncello Duration: 10' Composed: 2023 Published by: Todd Mason.
SKU: PR.144407530
ISBN 9781491136614. UPC: 680160687992.
A violinist herself, Lauren Bernofsky has described SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLIN as drawn from autobiographical inspiration, including gestures from Bachâ??s beloved Partita in E Major. Bernofsky opens with a Preludio movement whose references to Bach may be disguised, but they are surely lurking. The second movement is lusciously contrapuntal with the idiomatic finesse of a violinist composing for her own instrument, while musically journaling the emotional pain of living through 2020. The third and final movement is aptly marked â??white-hot,â? and the music certainly is.My SONATA FOR SOLO VIOLIN was commissioned by violinist Megan Healy as part of The Maud Powell Project, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The project included the creation of five new works for solo violin inspired by and dedicated to the memory of pioneering American violinist Maud Powell (1867-1920). Healy premiered the sonata on May 8, 2021 at PianoForte Studios in Chicago.Among the works Powell most frequently performed in her recitals was the â??Preludioâ? movement from Bachâ??s E major Partita, and I decided to refer to that music in my own first movement, also titled â??Preludio.â? The beginning subtly reflects Bachâ??s opening three-note motive, wherein the music dips down a semitone and then comes back up. This melodic material returns throughout the movement in various forms. I also refer to Bachâ??s sixteenth-note dominated texture, and the gesture in the third measure, which outlines a perfect fifth and then fills it in with notes that alternate between a scale and a pedal tone. The corresponding passage in my piece occurs in the same place, measure 3. Apart from these references to Bach, my sonata is much more modern sounding, especially in its chromatic character.I was still thinking of Bachâ??s solo violin writing while composing the second movement, particularly the polyphonic nature of the slow movements, where the melodic interest moves around between the voices. Emotionally, I wanted my movement to reflect the acute sadness I had been experiencing over the political and social situation in the United States as I wrote the piece. I realized that this is a historically noteworthy time in U.S. history, marked not only by political unrest, but also by a challenge to the very values that I consider essential to what makes a person fundamentally human. I wanted to create a record of that pain in my music.The final movement is marked â??White-hot.â? It is imbued with a relentless, passionate intensity. Wanting again to reflect aspects of our own time, I included glissandi that refer to rock music, specifically the â??fall-offsâ? I frequently hear played by electric guitarists. I borrowed from another (completely different) musical tradition as well, one that is near-and-dear to my heart: Klezmer. Klezmer (Eastern European Jewish folk music) is characterized in part by scales colored by augmented seconds, and is often performed by solo instrumentalists who improvise embellishments like quick grace notes. The second, more lyrical theme in this movement is my nod to Klezmer style.While this piece is an homage to Maud Powell, I also think of it as my own musical autobiography, as it combines some of my favorite aspects of music, and is played on my own instrument.
SKU: SP.TS556
ISBN 9781585609161.
Due to the success of our Instrumental Fingering Posters, we thought it would be helpful to create a smaller version that could be tucked comfortably into any method book as a reference guide. Unbeknownst to us after days of research, we were left with countless questions, much confusion, and a slew of poorly crafted images from contradicting publications. That being said, we realized that there weren't truly any trustworthy resources in print and decided to address the void. We consulted experts in every category asking questions until both we and they and we were satisfied. Finally, a guide to fingering for beginners that even the experienced players will find beneficial. Santorella's Basic Fingering Charts are essential for anyone that picks up an instrument. Initially intended for beginners but after understanding the importance of false fingerings or more appropriately called, alternate fingerings their necessity is vital for playing certain musical passages on a particular instrument. In addition, after observing the difficulties that students had in identifying key signatures, we decided to include the Circle of Fifths diagram and every major scale in two octaves in every key including their enharmonic counterparts. After all was said in done, we now know, we now have the best educational products available for fingering in the industry. Our Basic Fingering Charts are perfect for private students, classroom study, or simply for a quick and easy reference guide while practicing at home. These graphic reference guides for assorted brass, reeds, woodwinds, and orchestral strings are specifically available for Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, Flute, Piccolo, Recorder, Baritone Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Alto Sax, Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, French Horn, Euphonium, Tuba, Oboe, Bassoon, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. Every chart displays the entire range of each instrument by clearly depicting the fingering for each note including all their enharmonic substitutions. Each chart includes a diagram identifying the levers, valves, keys, slides, frets and more of each and every instrument. Learn where, when, and why to place your fingers. Now is the time to truly start playing with assured confidence.
SKU: ST.C309
ISBN 9790570813094.
An Advanced Guide to Quicker LearningKnow The Score is a guide to quicker learning for advanced violinists. It was originally published in 2012 and designed with the DipABRSM Quick Study in mind – a previously unseen extended piece of music for which 5 minutes preparation time was given prior to an assessed performance. The music was at roughly grade 6 level, based on an assumption that a diploma standard player should be capable of tackling the test in this relatively short amount of time. Following the recent withdrawal of the qualification, the continued aim of this newly edited series is to boost the more advanced player’s confidence at quick learning. Two assumptions are made here — that you are a diploma level violinist, and that a reasonable level of sight-reading skill is in place. That said, if you’re less proficient at sight-reading, you should find much in the book that will help you to improve and feel more confident. Alternatively, the book will be of interest to teachers seeking varied, approachable repertoire and theory content to support a keen grade 6 pupil’s longer-term learning. The book contains 15 original quick study pieces, 8 of which have guides.
SKU: CF.BF118
ISBN 9781491149812. UPC: 680160907311. 9 x 12 inches.
Continuing on the success of the popular Compatible series,Compatible Duets for Strings, Volume II contains 29 duets in avariety of styles (classical, folk music, new original pieces) thatcan be played with any combination of two string instruments.Students can develop their chamber ensemble skills whileplaying with their friends, no matter what string instrumentthey play. Ranging from grade levels 2–3, Compatible Duetsfor Strings, Volume II is perfect for orchestra directors to buyfor use in the classroom, and its flexibility makes it a musthavefor any string player.Having students play in small chamber music groups is a very beneficial exercise to improvethe student’s overall musicianship. The simplest form of chamber music is the duet. It is anopportunity for the student to play with a teacher or to play with another student of similarabilities. Aspects of playing such as tone quality, intonation, technique and ensemble skillscan be developed during the process of studying duets.These duets are different in that they have many different performance options since all ofthe books in this series are compatible. As former long time music educators we alwayshad student that wanted to come to the music room during lunch or after school and theyjust wanted to play with their friends. That was not possible since there is very little duetmaterial available that is compatible with all of the string instruments. This book and thefirst volume in the series takes care of that. A student can now grab their friend no matterwhat instrument they play and have hours of fun playing duets together. Most importantthey will learn something in the process.The duets have been generally placed in the book in order of difficulty and cover a rangeof keys that are appropriate for this ability level. Special care was given to making surethat both of the duet parts were on a similar ability level and that each line was givenan opportunity to play a lead role at some point during the arrangement. Also, most ofthe musical markings are attached to both systems and the point size of the music wasconsidered for ease of reading.It is our hope that this collection will help to stimulate and enhance the musicianship of theperformers. It was a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to put together this collection.We hope it is a useful tool for you for years to come.
SKU: HL.49045339
ISBN 9790001159654. UPC: 841886030633. 9.0x12.0x0.069 inches.
Chaya Czernowin wrote this composition for violin solo as early as 1981, it is thus one of her early works. The world premiere took place in Berlin in 1983, shortly after the Israeli composer had come to Germany from her home country to study on a scholarship. In this early creative period, her tonal language shows the slow introduction of the sound of new music. In 2015, Czernowin also arranged the piece for viola solo and for violoncello solo.
