Solo Time for Violin Book 1

Kathy Blackwell studied music at Edinburgh University and continued with post-graduate studies in music at the University of Oxford. Kathy is a string teacher with many years' experience of teaching violin and viola. She was a strings consultant for the ABRSM Music Medals, and a contributor to the accompanying book All together! Teaching Music in groups (ABRSM, 2004). She has worked for Music Services, and privately and her teaching experience has led her to co-author Fiddle, Viola, Cello, and String Time with her husband, David.David Blackwell studied music at Edinburgh University, and for many years worked in music publishing, becoming Head of Music Publishing at Oxford University Press. He is co-editor of OUP's In the Mood: 17 Jazz Classics for Choirs and Carols for Choirs 5, and has published a number of single choral arrangements. He is co-writer with his wife Kathy of OUP's award-winning string series, Fiddle/Viola/Cello Time, which have twice won the MIA award for Best Educational Publication.

Kathy and David Blackwell need no introduction to string teachers and students; their Fiddle Time series has gained universal appeal ... All 48 pieces are carefully chosen for their educational value as well as musical appeal. Helpful fingering and bowing suggestions together with informative notes, stylish piano accompaniments and a CD with backing tracks as well as full performances provide an admirable follow-up to the Blackwells' considerable achievements. Mary Nemet, Stringendo (AUSTA), October 15 With the introduction of this latest addition to the Fiddle Time family of publications [Solo Time], it would now theoretically be possible to go from complete beginner to ABRSM Grade 8 using only one series of books. That this is the case is a testament to the vast accumulated experience of the Blackwells, which they have so generously shared with their violin teaching colleagues ... Pieces are not arranged in chronological order, which invites a more playful exploration. There are some real gems: my choice from Book 1 would be Joshua fit the battle of Jericho and also Bohm's Little Hungarian Rhapsody - one of those pieces that sound harder than they actually are to play, worth their weight in gold for concert situations ... these carefully crafted arrangements and editions give pupils access to some interesting and occasionally challenging new repertoire. The Strad, September 2015 I love the new Solo Time books - my students are giving great feedback too. Great pieces to learn in between grades - love 'Sunayama' and its pentatonics. The pieces are pushing my students in a positive way to explore new music and create a thirst to learn new techniques to be able to play these pieces. Thanks for helping us teachers on the front line; these books will definitely be a lovely addition for my students. Sian Phillips, music teacher and performer, June 2015 Super!! A lovely collection of 16 unhackneyed and varied pieces, well presented and well thought through ... The print is beautifully clear, there is information about each piece printed on the page and a good variety of styles are represented. Anne Inglis, ESTA Arco, Summer 2015

• Gavotte: from Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012 ; Watkins Ale: from The Fitzwilliam Virginal Book ; Daydream: from Album for the Young, Op.39 ; Cantabile: from Requiem ; No Man's Jig ; Presto: from Six Sonatinas for violin and keyboard ; La diva de l'Empire ; Minuets 1 and 2: from Piano Sonata, Hob. XVI/43 ; Sunayama ; Passepieds 1 and 2: from English Suite No. 5, BWV 810 ; Joshua fit the battle of Jericho ; Rondeau: from Piano Sonata, K309 ; Yellow Bird ; Little Hungarian Rhapsody ; Groovin' like Grappelli ; Russian Dance: from Danse caracteristique