Tricks for Tunes
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!
Tricks for Tunes - Cello Book 1
Book 1 progresses in steps from a single open string to the scale of D major. One divergence from the usual approach is that the note G is taught after E but before F#. This better develops the left hand position, especially for cellists. The tunes in this section of the tutor are based on the minor 3rd interval and correlate with the Kodaly method in classroom music.
As the primary intention of this tutor is for group tuition of mixed string instruments, the note A is initially presented as an open string.
All tunes until late in Book 1 are in common time to establish a strong sense of basic rhythm and a solid understanding of beat before adding other variations.
