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 4E,Viewing the Flat Lands, explores the flat keys. It builds on the ideas presented in previous volumes: modulation, syncopation, and chromatics are used abundantly in new material. Bow division is emphasized and there is further development of legato, spiccato, mixed bowing and rubbing d??tach??. There is continued use of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions, double-stops and chords, and 2/2 and 3/2 time signatures. Note-writing and pencil play round out the book. Book 4E contains 13 duets and 10 piano accompaniments, as well as music by Handel, Tchaikovsky, Czerny, Stravinsky, Chabrier, Glinka, Gilbert & Sullivan, L. Mozart, Purcell, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Dubourg, Bach, Joplin, Saint-Saens, etc.

“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.”

– Shirley Givens