STRING QUARTET�S FOR SCHOOLS

These arrangements of moderately difficult popular classics for string quartet are aimed at young players who are interested in developing the art of playing chamber music, which depends largely upon the faculty of thinking �chamber-musically�. There are some points that need to be made regarding some axioms of technique based on my own experience in coaching my own junior �quarteters�. In this first album of three works teachers will note that all three pieces are in the same key, as I firmly believe that �key sense� is a very important adjunct to good intonation, and I always start my own rehearsals with a scale study of the relevant key. Regarding tempi and good rhythm the square-bracketed metronome marks are suggestions only for a concert performance teachers should of course determine their own rehearsal tempi. Positions are used sparingly as are bowing directions, but double-stopping, which is very important for the inner voices, is explored fully in these arrangements. Finally try and develop the art of constant hard listening to one�s colleagues, as the reward will be a good ensemble, which literally means �playing together�.