Tricks for TunesÂ
Tricks for Tunes is a systematic method for group tuition of mixed string instruments, designed for use in Primary and Junior Schools, but is also suitable for individual use.
In each book, the student learns 'tricks' for their fingers or bows, which are fun when done in a group, and reading skills are developed at the same time. Each page represents a small step in musical and technical development based on reading music from the very first lesoons and there is some theory homework included at the end of most lessons.
The tutors for each instrument are identical in content except where differences are required to accommodate the different instruments.
Books 1 & 2 of the series are each intended to cover one year of group tuition, based on a school year of 40 weeks. Book 3 provides material for two years. Progress will vary according to the age of the children, the size of the group and the extent of their previous musical experience.
Additional repertoire at the end of the books provides:
- extension work for pupils who reach the end of the book before the rest of the group
- additional work for those who want it
- end of year concert pieces
These tutors make playing music fun, as it should be!
Accompaniment Books
For each of the books in the series there is one accompaniment book that covers all four instruments.
The Accompaniment Books contain piano parts that are simple enough to allow parents or siblings with some musical skills to play. For many of the simple pieces the right hand piano part is suitable as a violin accompaniment.
These are great resource books for ensemble work. Many tunes are arranged for duets, trios or quartets and allow more advanced pupils to play along with beginners. Accompaniment Book Three has harmony parts that span the range of ability from beginner to able fourth year player.
Books One and Two contain over a dozen games that provide variation for the class while reinforcing notation recognition and musical concepts. All books contain teaching notes and lesson ideas and explain the approach being used.
The content of the student books is repeated for easy reference. Differences between instruments in the student books are highlighted. All page numbers are cross referenced and indexed for ease of use.
