A Flying Start for Strings

The A Flying Start for Strings series presents a carefully graded sequence of music for teaching the beginning string player. The books are suitable for teaching individuals or groups of the same instrument. Many tunes in the series for violin, viola, and cello are in the same key and can be played together.

Teachers can use this versatile series in a way that suits their own teaching style. There is ample room in all books for the teacher wishing to add more dynamics, slurs, bowing signs, tempos, instructions, or explanations. The large easy-to-read notes and clear and simple layout help students concentrate on the notes they are learning. Lively folk and traditional tunes make learning fun and lead to confident playing.

With only one tune on most pages, the young student gains a sense of achievement from turning the pages quickly and moving on.

Book 1

Book 1 is ideal for getting young beginners off to a flying start. The early part of the book can be used flexibly, accommodating the approach preferred by the teacher and suited to the progress of the student. Learning areas may be introduced separately and combined when ready.

• Reading rhythms
• Bowing
• Using left hand fingers
• Pitch notation

Rhythm exercises are used before any pitch notation. Rhythms may be clapped or played, bowed or plucked, on open strings or using fingering. Left hand fingers may be introduced in the order preferred, using the rhythms to develop finger skill and strength.

Major scales and arpeggios are played starting on an open string. Many short, easy tunes gradually introduce reading and playing with all fingers on each string.