The Tricks To Tunes series is designed for teaching mixed string instruments in groups. It is a systematic program developed over many years from many years experience teaching strings in schools. The tutors are aimed at the primary and lower secondary school age group but are also suitable for older beginners.
The children learn 'tricks' for their fingers or bows, which are fun when done in a group. 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 lessons. Theory homework is included at the end of most sections, providing the complete theory required as children progress.
The tutors for each instrument are identical in content except where differences are required to accommodate the different instruments.
Books 1 and 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 and end of year concert pieces.
These brilliant tutors make playing music fun, as it should be!