A viola method for childrenThe leading German viola method now available in English.For more than three decades the Sassmannshaus Tradition has been the household name for excellence in beginner string methods in German-speaking countries. More than half a million students have successfully learned to play string instruments using this publication.The publication of the four violin books in 2008 in a fully adapted English version has been a big success.On the back of this success story Bärenreiter published the four books for cello in 2009 and now presents the four books for viola in a newly adapted version for today?s English speaking children.What makes this viola method so unique?- Large print notes and texts as well as many colourful illustrations are ideal for pre-school as well as school children.- Note reading is emphasised from the first lesson, encouraging ensemble playing from the very beginning.- Songs and scales in different positions are easily mastered within the first year of playing to ensure that children are not confined to first position playing.- Advanced viola techniques such as varied bow strokes and shifting are introduced in a basic form.The new English viola method for children 4 years and older?The early emphasis on ensemble playing and the many duos in this method are so much fun for the kids. They pick up important chamber music skills right from the beginning!(Peter Winograd and Laurie Carney, American String Quartet)

10 Intermediate-Level Arrangements. Par DIVERS AUTEURS (ARR.BROOKER DAVID). Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, David Brooker has been a performer on the viola and a music educator with a special interest in using ensemble music in instrumental teaching. His first two books, 'Stringplay” and 'Stringplay Around the World” reflected this, providing resources for elementary string orchestra and now 'String Trios from Around the World” takes the idea to the smaller ensemble of violin, viola and cello. This book of folk music from four continents, with an emphasis on love songs, keeps to the spirit of the original pieces while making the music idiomatic and fun to play. The parts are equal in difficulty (easy to intermediate) - in fact, David says that, as a violist himself, he has made sure that the violinist doesn't get all the tunes! The arrangements include a few unusual techniques but David promises they are not as hard as they look or sound./ Recueil / Trio à Cordes

Christmas round the world brings together carols from five countries, in settings which explore the vivid national characteristics of each country through the ages. Ideal for both string orchestra and quartet use, the arrangements exploit all the techniques and colours of the school or amateur ensemble. There is plenty of melodic interest for the inner parts and cello, while jazz, Latin-American and medieval music provide the inspiration for the up-beat accompaniments. The beginners' line (suitable for violin, viola and cello) allows everyone to join in the fun of festive music making at Christmas. / Ensemble Music / Recueil / Violon, Violoncelle, Alto et Contrebasse