The Sheku Kanneh-Mason Cello Collection combines the artist's renowned performance repertoire with his own inspirational compositions, all as performed by Sheku himself. Suitable for the intermediate cellist and beyond, this dynamic volume is sure to spark a desire to perform. With commentary from Sheku revealing the stories behind the pieces and his own expert advice, this collection is a must-have for all aspiring cellists.

Improve your sight-reading! Viola Grades 1-5, by renowned educationalist Paul Harris, is designed to help viola players overcome sight-reading problems, especially in the context of graded exams. Step by step you build up a complete picture of each piece, firstly through rhythmic and melodic exercises related to specific technical issues, then by studying prepared pieces with associated questions, and finally 'going solo' with a series of meticulously graded sight-reading pieces.

Bach for Violin contains a varied collection of 14 attractive and popular pieces arranged for upper-intermediate standard violinists (Grades 5-7), exploring a range of keys, finger patterns, styles, and moods. The collection covers simpler dance movements and chorale melodies, as well as the solo Gigue from the Partita in E major. Other popular pieces include arrangements of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria. Each piece is accompanied by background footnotes explaining provenance and points of style.

Violins: Local Meanings, Globalized Sounds examines the violin as an object of meaning in a variety of cultural and historical contexts, and as a vehicle for introducing anthropological issues. Each chapter highlights concepts as taught in lower-level anthropology courses, and includes teaching and learning tools. Chapters range from a memoir-like social biography of a single instrument to explorations of violins in relation to technology, labor, the environment, migration, globalization, childhood, cultural understandings of talent and virtuosity, and prestige.

"Few cello players currently before the public have enjoyed the kind of international success in all conceivable musical career roles as Janos Starker. In his lifetime, Starker has gained renown as teacher, soloist and orchestra player." -Chicago Tribune "Starker . . .remains one of the wonders of the musical world, an artist who finds innumerable ways to shape and color lines." -Cleveland Plain Dealer "Starker is not just a cellist. He is widely recognized as one of the finest of the last 50 years." -Indianapolis Star "Starker emerges here as the rare artist who respects the past but lives enthusiastically in the present. . . Essential. All readers; all levels." -Choice Janos Starker is universally acknowledged as one of the world's great musicians. Known for a flawless technique paired with expressive playing and interpretation, the Hungarian-born cellist is arguably also the premier teacher of his instrument in our time. String players flock to his masterclasses from all over the world, and cellists compete vigorously to study under him at the Indiana University School of Music. More than the consummate musician, however, Starker is also a raconteur and writer, occasionally quirky and droll, always witty and with a pointed opinion to share. The World of Music According to Starker is a colorful autobiography spanning the author's fascinating life. From his early musical education during World War II in Hungary, to his world tours, educational philosophy, and recording and pedagogical legacy, Starker takes the reader on a riveting, entertaining, and informative journey. Included in the book are several of Starker's short stories and commentaries on world events, academia, and-of course-music that have appeared in newspapers, music periodicals, and trade magazines. Also includes a bonus CD recording of Starker's last public recital, which is unavailable commercially and includes his only recording of the Strauss Sonata in F, Opus 6. Included on the CD: Richard Strauss, Sonata in F, Opus 6 Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata in C major, Opus 102 no. 1 Johannes Brahms, Sonata in E minor, Opus 38 Franz Schubert, Sonatina in D, Opus 137 no. 1 (Starker edition)

Written for the cellist looking for an approach that demystifies cello playing, Cello, Bow and You is an innovative text in the field of string pedagogy written by a 40+ year veteran of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and certified teacher of the Alexander Technique. Author Evangeline Benedetti has a unique voice and approach, and invites cellists of all levels to explore, make discoveries and organically internalize technique. Benedetti's approach compliments the work that students do with their teachers by encouraging them to be more aware of themselves and responsive to internal and external guidance. The book is organized as its playful title implies. In the Cello and Bow sections, Benedetti explores the natural physical and mechanical properties of the instrument and bow, the laws of movement, the influence of gravity, and the dynamic interaction between them. The "You," or the one who plays, is explored from the point of view of the player's musical conception, anatomy, and principles of movement based on the Alexander Technique and bio-mechanics. Cello, Bow and You allows students and professionals access to Benedetti's vast performance and teaching experience. She has pioneered an approach to playing that is a synthesis of the cellist's musical thought, the knowledge of the dynamic properties of the instrument and bow, and the ability to move effectively according to the mechanics of the human body. The synergy of these elements leads to physically healthy playing and frees players to be musically expressive. Written in engaging, informal prose, the book is a must-read for cellists and cello teachers - beginning, intermediate, or professional.

(Educational Piano Library). Piano Solos features original performance repertoire from 14 different composers. These inviting compositions provide ample reinforcement of skills and concepts learned in the corresponding level Piano Lessons book. The outstanding variety of musical styles makes every solo and important piece in its own right exciting to both performer and listener. Fully orchestrated accompaniments for every piece are available separately on CD or General MIDI. The CDs include both a practice and performance tempo for each piece. Click on the audio icon to hear a sample of "Viva La Rhumba" by Carol Klose from Piano Solos Book 2 .

(Guitar Method). Newly revised The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and ensembles and strumming. Features a chord chart, and traditional songs like: Amazing Grace * Greensleeves * and When the Saints Go Marching In.

Thomas D. Rossing String instruments are found in almost all musical cultures. Bowed string instruments form the backbone of symphony orchestras, and they are used widely as solo inst- ments and in chamber music as well. Guitars are used universally in pop music as well as in classical music. The piano is probably the most versatile of all musical inst- ments, used widely not only in ensemble with other musical instruments but also as a solo instrument and to accompany solo instruments and the human voice. In this book, various authors will discuss the science of plucked, bowed, and hammered string instruments as well as their electronic counterparts. We have tried to tell the fascinating story of scienti?c research with a minimum of mathematics to maximize the usefulness of the book to performers and instrument builders as well as to students and researchers in musical acoustics. Sometimes, however, it is dif?cult to "translate" ideas from the exact mathematical language of science into words alone, so we include some basic mathematical equations to express these ideas. It is impossible to discuss all families of string instruments. Some instruments have been researched much more than others. Hopefully, the discussions in this book will help to encourage further scienti?c research by both musicians and scientists alike. 1.1 A Brief History of the Science of String Instruments Quite a number of good histories of acoustics have been written (Lindsay 1966, 1973; Hunt 1992; Beyer 1999), and these histories include musical acoustics.

Pick and roll your way through bluegrass banjo basics The banjo nearly defines the bluegrass sound, and you'll be playing your own favorite tunes--or maybe writing some new ones--with the help of this book. Bluegrass Banjo For Dummies is the place to start if you're ready to start learning banjo or upgrade your skills to play in the bluegrass style. Written by an expert musician and educator, this book makes it easy to start plucking your 5-string banjo using common bluegrass techniques. You'll also have access to over 100 online audio files, and 35 video lessons, so you can see and hear the techniques in practice. This book serves as your first step to becoming a bluegrass banjo player, even if you're completely new to playing musical instruments. Choose the right banjo, pick up the basics, learn classic banjo licks, and more--the easy way. Learn how to read banjo tablature and perform on a five-string banjo Get insight on playing as part of a bluegrass combo band Practice with classic bluegrass tunes and banjo licks Create banjo solos that will wow your audiences This friendly For Dummies guide is great for fledgling banjo players interested in the bluegrass style. Whether or not you already play another instrument, you'll pick up the banjo basics you can show off at your next local bluegrass festival.

Construction methods, woods, varnishes, known instruments, types of instruments, life, special features. 93 illustrations, plus 4 color plates.

This volume contains valuable practice material for candidates preparing for ABRSM Violin exams, Grades 1-5. Includes many specimen tests for the revised sight-reading requirements from 2012, written in attractive and approachable styles and representative of the technical level expected in the exam.

The Brazilian "berimbau," a musical bow, is most commonly associated with the energetic martial art/dance/game of "capoeira." This study explores the berimbau's stature from the 1950s to the present in diverse musical genres including bossa nova, samba-reggae, MPB (Popular Brazilian Music), electronic dance music, Brazilian art music, and more. Berimbau music spans oral and recorded historical traditions, connects Latin America to Africa, juxtaposes the sacred and profane, and unites nationally constructed notions of Brazilian identity across seemingly impenetrable barriers.

"The Berimbau: Soul of Brazilian Music" is the first work that considers the berimbau beyond the context of capoeira, and explores the bow's emergence as a national symbol. Throughout, this book engages and analyzes intersections of musical traditions in the Black Atlantic, North American popular music, and the rise of global jazz. This book is an accessible introduction to Brazilian music for musicians, Latin American scholars, capoeira practitioners, and other people who are interested in Brazil's music and culture.

Learn to play the fiddle? Easy.

Tackling a new instrument can be intimidating, but with this easy-to-use guide, you'll have no trouble at all From selecting, tuning, and caring for your fiddle to mastering various music styles, "Fiddle For Dummies" walks you step-by-step through everything you need to start playing the fiddle like a pro. You'll discover how to hold a fiddle, master fundamental techniques, and take your skills to the next level. This title also features companion audio tracks and instructional video clips hosted online at Dummies.com to help further enhance your skills.

The fiddle is a popular instrument across many continents, and is a favorite for many because it is small and portable. Playing the fiddle can expose you to a range of musical styles from all over the world, such as Irish, Scottish, Celtic/Cape Breton, country, folk, bluegrass, and more. Plus, if you're already a violin player, you'll impress yourself and fellow musicians as you unlock your instrument to open up a whole new world of sounds.Learn fiddle techniques and fundamentalsSelect, tune, and care for your fiddleJoin the folk instrument movement and master the fiddlePlay fiddle music from all over the world

Whether you're a complete beginner or a violin player looking to branch out and try something new, "Fiddle For Dummies" will have you fit as a fiddle in no time.

Learn to play the ukulele with this beginner's guide that features information about basic techniques, tools, and music knowledge. What do George Clooney, Zooey Deschanel, Ryan Gosling, and James Franco all have in common? Answer: they all play the ukulele and now, with this easy step-by-step guide, you can too! With just this book and your ukulele in hand, you'll learn basic music skills, how to care for your instrument, and how to play some simple tunes. Whether you're looking to impress your friends with spontaneous sing-alongs, or just want to strum solo, How to Play Ukulele is the perfect entryway to the wonderful world of ukulele.

In this book, Steve Khan shares his approach to chord construction on guitar, an area in which he has become famous. He has taken a complex subject and broken it down into simple building blocks and small study units. Players will learn to extend their sense of harmony by the superimposition of chord forms which are familiar, as well as a world of new ones. With two CDs full of performed examples, play-along tracks, and five completely new compositions by Steve Khan available only in this package.