Reviews of Violin Globetrotters
“…style has been closely imitated and the pieces are likely to be more satisfying for students to play than authentic tunes, which are harder to master … This book as an educational package is second to none, with fresh and lively presentation and violin accompaniments, technical warm-ups and backing tracks for each picece, as well as piano parts in PDF format on the enhanced CD. Thoroughly recommended for a varied musical diet.” – (*****) Helena Ruinard, Music Teacher, February 2011
“Everything is set out clearly and attractively, together with explanation of the different types of music and – really helpfully – some suggested warm-ups are included to help the player grasp the specific points to be learnt in each piece. I think this book is brilliant and good value – with a lot of variety – and I heartily recommend it as a fun and enriching addition to whatever else your students are learning.” – Vivienne Blumfield, ESTA News and Views, Spring 2011
Reviews of Cello Globetrotters
“As a collection of works to enthuse aspiring cellists – suitable for beginner to intermediate players – this book ticks all the boxes . . . with a nicely recorded CD performed by an excellent band, which includes guitar, accordion, clainet and percussion. Following the usual format for these books, the pieces appear on the CD with and without the cello, so that they can be used as backing tracks. And it’s all such fun – from the laid-back loveliness of bossa nova-styled Relaxing in Rio to the pentatonic wanderings of Shanghai Rickshaw Ride or the 3/4 versus 6/8 pull ofIguazu Rapids. . . Stephen includes a useful section at the back with exercises for each piece, focusing on particular aspects of technique or interpretation. . . There’s a trickier cello accompaniment part for each piece too, and the CD includes PDFs of piano accompaniments with guitar symbols. Every bass is covered in this well thought out and worthwhile collection.” – Catherine Nelson, The Strad, December 2011
“The accompanying CD provides performance tracks to listen to, which are all recorded with a live band. These are realistic, but with a simply-played cello melody line, which would enable a pupil to emulate a similar tone. The CD has backing tracks for the pupil to play along with, using manageable tempos. There are also interesting cello accompaniment parts, so that pieces should be enjoyable for both pupil and teacher when playing as a duet . . . The warm-ups allow the pupil to gradually build up the techniques required in order to play the pieces, which are all clearly explained. The melodies are catchy so pupils would enjoy playing them, probably without realising the technical things that they may be learning as a result. All in all, a very well presented, explained and enjoyable teaching accessory!” – Laura Seddon, Arco (ESTA) September 11