Short
and Sweet Volume
III: Accessible Solos
$3.00
Each
of these early solos will build skills within the context of
performable music. If you've worked through the exercises found on our
Free Tutorials page, then you should be able to master the songs in
this collection, adding to your repertoire. The entire set (six
original compositions, one Scottish tune, and one Renaissance dance) is
suitable for 22
strings or more, no pedal changes, no lever changes, everything is in key
of C.
Skills taught: note reading,
the ability to place up to four fingers in
a row, thirds, sixths, with some (optional) replacing and some
glissandi.
Felicitation-
Focuses on finding the F and C strings to give a solid base in note
reading. Some adult students have used this for family weddings when
they've been asked to perform as beginners.
Irish Love Song - begins with LH and RH playing the same
thing in octaves, then focuses on placing step wise groups, thirds
Meditation - Focuses
on finding white strings on the staff, to furthur note reading skills
while adding to repertoire with music appropriate for worship settings,
therapeutic settings, recitals or just for fun.
Spring Song
(includes tutorial) focus is on F
& C strings, thirds, glissandi. This was composed for an adult
student with MS who struggled with note reading, hence the focus on the
colored strings.
Still Waters - this can be played with only 2nd finger if
needed and is calm and meditative. It's great for therapeutic playing as well as appropriate for worship settings.
Kelvingrove
- This pleasant Scottish tune is used in the Gather
book of worship as the tune for The
Summons.
Gives practice in thirds and stepwise placing. This version is in the
less common but easier to manage meter of 3/4 instead of the
traditional version with lots of dotted rhythms. Both versions are
included in the lead sheet collection of hymns.
Sweetheart Waltz
- thirds, sixths and playing scales without watching hands: perfect for weddings or anniversary celebrations.
Pavane d'Espagne
- This stately Renaissance dance would have been used as a
processional. No intervals larger than a third, good practice placing
stepwise patterns. A more
advanced version of this pavane is included on my CD, Pleasantries
& Diversions. The lead sheet
is included in the Harpsichore collection of lead sheets. You can hear a sound clip on CD Baby or iTunes.
