To every pupil, the first concert is a special experience. The period of intensive preparation, the mixture of trepidation and joyful anticipation, the concentration during the performance, the applause of the audience and the pride after the successful performance. Such impressions will all stick in the pupil's mind and quite often influence his or her entire future development. The choice of the…

Johann Sebastian Bach opened the second year of his Leipzig church compositions on 11 June 1724 with a performance of the cantata 'O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort'. The work is based on a church hymn by Johann Rist that depicts, in riveting language, the terrors of the Last Judgment and the torments of Hell, followed by an admonition to live a life pleasing to God. The poem inspired Bach to write one of…

These studies have been written to provide the ambitious student with material with which to carry on beyond the point where most methods and study books leave off, after which point the player is either compelled to continue on his own or is left with the idea that, having conquered all of the material at hand, he is well equipped to enter the ranks of professional players. However, these days th…

Par BOULANGER NADIA. June 1914. Nadia Boulanger is at the height of her composing career, which she pursues alongside her other musical activities - concert performance and teaching - though only a few years later, she will deliberately give it up. Right now, however, she has gone to meet her sister Lili in Rome, where the two young musicians, united by a deep affection, will put their study trip …

Par PART ARVO. 'I have developed a highly formalised compositional system, which I have been using to write my music for twenty years. Summa is the most strict and enigmatic work in this series', said Arvo Pärt in 1994. The neutral title itself embodies the essence of the content as the work is based on the text of the Latin Credo. The great simplicity of the piece masks its complexity. The underl…

The first modern edition of Sivori's Capricci - the most important violin piece after Paganini's own Capricci - by Fulvio Luciani, who first played them. This revised edition provides all the indications needed for its performance. The notes analyse Sivori's extraordinary modernity - he was Paganini's only student and also a world-famous violinist - and track the evolutions in taste and technical …

Perfect pitch - also called absolute pitch - has been a source of endless fascination for hundreds of years. The ability to recognize musical tones with no reference is often viewed as a kind of magical power, a gift that only a select few musicians are born with, a skill that cannot be learned. But perfect pitch is largely a misunderstood phenomenon. The Hal Leonard Perfect Pitch Method is design…

Transcription for Violin and Piano by the Composer. Par SAINT-SAENS CAMILLE. In his symphonic poem “Danse macabre” Saint-Saëns takes up a poem by Henri Cazalis that he had already set as an art song. Here the Devil brings the dead to life by playing his violin. Although the orchestral work was given a lukewarm reception in its early performances, or was even rejected, it became highly popular and …

Arr. Ron Sebregts. Par CLAPTON ERIC. Eric Clapton’s CD Unplugged is one of the top-selling albums of all time. The collection of hits inspired Ron Sebregts to create the medley The Cream of Clapton. It consists of Sebregts favourite songs by this legendary blues and rock guitarrist, singer and songwriter. This medley is guaranteed to be an audience and band favorite for many years to come! / Nivea…

The Crash Course: Keyboard is a tuition method designed to allow you to learn the Keyboard in just 8 weeks. This fast-track guide will help you develop technique and style on the Keyboard, taking you from novice to competent performer day-by-day. The included audio download features demonstrations of every exercise.Crash Course Keyboard requires a commitment to learning, but features daily lessons…