Renowned pedagogue Shirley Givens' series for beginning violinists is widely respected for its clear, child-friendly format, and its sensible progression through techniques. There are lots of pictures, fun and familiar songs, and even pages for coloring! Ms.Givens uses a "Movable Do" system to teach pitch relationships and good intonation. Recommended for very young children.\n
Book 4C, Wandering Off the Beaten Path: The concept of modulation is presented in an entertaining way in The Note People Story, Chapter 15. The circle of fifths is introduced, notes visit their "neighbors" next door and return home again. Fast finger exercises promote left hand agility. Double-stops and vibrato are continued. Further "Musical Math" exercises encourage good bow direction in the upper half and lower half. Bow exercises for beginning well, finger flexibility, string levels and clear tone are emphasized. Bow strokes include mixed bowings, slurs and staccato. The interval of the 5th is studied and leads to recognizing major and minor thirds and triads. Book 4C includes 9 duets and 9 piano accompaniments, as well as music by Poldini, Leopold Mozart, Schumann, W.A. Mozart, Bartk, J.S. Bach, Haydn, Purcell, C.P.E. Bach, Clementi, Handel, Rossini, Gilbert & Sullivan, Brahms, Dvorak and Telemann.
"Young children love the violin! It is small and huggable, and it makes sounds! How to nurture this initial enthusiasm for the instrument and to transform it into a deeper love of music is the object of my books."
"Don't be misled by the seeming simplicity of the material! The books are written from a child's point of view while incorporating the most exacting standards of modern violin technique. But there are other important features of the books that contribute to their uniqueness:
*The young student is encouraged to participate actively in his own learning by developing his own imagination.
*There is discovery and improvisation. No imitation or copying from CDs.
*Training the child's own pitch awareness from the start assures early in-tune playing.
*Note reading and harmonic awareness from the beginning cultivate musical literacy for a lifetime.
*A wonderful rhythmic foundation is established through body movement"\n
- Shirley Givens
Book 4C, Wandering Off the Beaten Path: The concept of modulation is presented in an entertaining way in The Note People Story, Chapter 15. The circle of fifths is introduced, notes visit their "neighbors" next door and return home again. Fast finger exercises promote left hand agility. Double-stops and vibrato are continued. Further "Musical Math" exercises encourage good bow direction in the upper half and lower half. Bow exercises for beginning well, finger flexibility, string levels and clear tone are emphasized. Bow strokes include mixed bowings, slurs and staccato. The interval of the 5th is studied and leads to recognizing major and minor thirds and triads. Book 4C includes 9 duets and 9 piano accompaniments, as well as music by Poldini, Leopold Mozart, Schumann, W.A. Mozart, Bartk, J.S. Bach, Haydn, Purcell, C.P.E. Bach, Clementi, Handel, Rossini, Gilbert & Sullivan, Brahms, Dvorak and Telemann.
"Young children love the violin! It is small and huggable, and it makes sounds! How to nurture this initial enthusiasm for the instrument and to transform it into a deeper love of music is the object of my books."
"Don't be misled by the seeming simplicity of the material! The books are written from a child's point of view while incorporating the most exacting standards of modern violin technique. But there are other important features of the books that contribute to their uniqueness:
*The young student is encouraged to participate actively in his own learning by developing his own imagination.
*There is discovery and improvisation. No imitation or copying from CDs.
*Training the child's own pitch awareness from the start assures early in-tune playing.
*Note reading and harmonic awareness from the beginning cultivate musical literacy for a lifetime.
*A wonderful rhythmic foundation is established through body movement"\n
- Shirley Givens