Search results for ""associated board of the royal schools of music""

The first extended account of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, better known as ABRSM, has influenced the musical lives and tastes of millions of people since it conducted its first exams in 1890. This ground-breaking history explores how ABRSM became such a formative influence and looks at some of the consequences resulting from its pre-eminent position in British musical life. Particular emphasis is given to how free ABRSM has been to impose its musical view of things and to what extent its exams respond to the circumstances and musical preferences of its customers. The book's exploration of how ABRSM has negotiated music's changing social, educational and cultural landscape casts fresh light on the challenges facing music education today. David Wright's comprehensive history of the Board from its origins in 1889 to the present day represents a significant and original investigation. Not only is it the first extended account of ABRSM, but it sets the institution and its work firmly within its historical and cultural context. ABRSM's exams were exported all across the Empire, and this study shows how both exams and examiners made a telling cultural contribution to the idea of the 'British World'. It relates the exams to changing historical perceptions about musical education as well as to attitudes about the value of music as a social and recreational activity. By demonstrating the impact of the Board's commercial success in dominating the grade exam market, the book shows how this has had significant consequences for the organization of British musical training and for the formation andsustaining of a particular sort of British musical culture. Before his retirement, David Wright was Reader in the Social History of Music at the Royal College of Music, London.

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Of the three known compositions of Richard Jones, who was leader of the orchestra at the Drury Lane Theatre in London, only one is devoted to keyboard music: Suits or setts of Lessons for the Harpsichord or Spinnet, published about 1732. The various pieces from these suites, which have been selected for this album of moderate difficulty, are particularly tuneful and also provide an invaluable compendium of 18th-century dance forms and rhythms.

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The Soviet composer Glière was very much influenced by the 19th-century Russian romantic tradition. As the short pieces in this album demonstrate, he was particularly skilful at expressing a melody in simple and direct terms while at the same time creating a colourful and romantic picture.

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C.P.E. Bach's Selected Keyboard Works have been published as part of ABRSM's 'Signature' Series - a series of authoritative performing editions of standard keyboard works, prepared from original sources by leading scholars. Includes informative introductions and performance notes.

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM''s Grade 8 Piano syllabus for 2025 & 2026, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C - ideal for both Practical and Performance Grade exams. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. Recordings of all pieces are available on all major streaming platforms.

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This book brings together, for the first time, nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 4 Guitar syllabus from 2019. The pieces - two solos and one duet chosen from each of lists A, B and C - have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. The enclosed CD features inspiring recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 4 syllabus, performed by Abigail James, Gary Ryan and Laura Snowden. ABRSM also offers a range of apps to support musical learning, available from www.abrsm.org/apps.

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Violin Star is a three-book series offering beginner violinists a refreshing and inspirational choice of pieces to help build confidence and musical skills. The repertoire is imaginatively tailored to develop specific techniques through an exciting range of musical styles. This Accompaniment book includes separate piano and violin accompaniments for every piece featured in the Student's book (available separately). The Student's book contains the solo violin parts, along with colourful illustrations, activities and a playalong CD. Key features of the series include: an approachable progression from beginner level to Grade 2; playalong CDs with each Student's book, which contain specially created instrumental arrangements to convey style and mood; and original compositions and arrangements by Edward Huws Jones.

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Time Pieces is an exciting new series of repertoire which explores the wealth of music written from the sixteenth century to the present day. The pieces are presented chronologically within each volume and all include the year in which they were written too so you can map your journey through time. Time Pieces for Cello is a three-volume anthology providing a graded selection of well-crafted and idiomatic arrangements, as well as some original pieces, for cello and piano. All of them have been carefully written to provide practice of the keys, note ranges and fingering patterns encountered in the early grades, and there are suggestions for position work and varied bowing patterns. Each volume balances well-known pieces with less familiar music, and the emphasis throughout is on tuneful repertoire perfectly suited to the cello with a simple supportive piano accompaniment. From Tallis to Tchaikovsky and from Haydn to Britten, Time Pieces for Cello allows the pupil to get a real feel for the different styles of music through tune and will prove an invaluable, varied source of further study and recital repertoire. Perfect for learners exploring repertoire for the own-choice piece in ABRSM's Performance Grade exams

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 2 Piano syllabus for 2023 & 2024, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C - ideal for both Practical and Performance Grade exams. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer.The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. A version of this book with audio download is also available.

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Discovering Music Theory is a suite of workbooks and corresponding answer books that offers all-round preparation for the updated ABRSM Music Theory exams from 2020, including the new online papers. This full-colour workbook will equip students of all ages with the skills, knowledge and understanding required for the ABRSM Grade 2 Music Theory exam. Written to make theory engaging and relevant to developing musicians of all ages, it offers: - straightforward explanations of all new concepts - progressive exercises to build skills and understanding, step by step - challenge questions to extend learning and develop music-writing skills - helpful tips for how to approach specific exercises - ideas for linking theory to music listening, performing and instrumental/singing lessons - clear signposting and progress reviews throughout - a sample practice exam paper showing you what to expect in the new style of exams from 2020 As well as fully supporting the ABRSM theory syllabus, Discovering Music Theory provides an excellent resource for anyone wishing to develop their music literacy skills, including GCSE and A-Level candidates, and adult learners.

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This book contains nine pieces selected from ABRSM''s 2018-2021 Grade 6 Flute syllabus. Key features: Nine pieces in a range of styles, chosen from Lists A, B and C with piano accompaniment Classic repertoire and newly commissioned pieces and arrangements Footnotes with helpful information about the pieces Audio performances of the nine pieces by expert musicians plus accompaniment-only tracks for use when practising (download code included in the book)

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Specimen Aural Tests provide teachers and students with many practice examples of the tests to use as part of a music lesson or when preparing for an exam. This volume covers Grades 1-3 and includes all new practice examples for each test in a range of musical styles including answers where appropriate, the examiner rubrics (the exact words that will be used by the examiner to deliver the tests), so that candidates can be fully prepared for what will happen on the day, and CD recordings of all the tests in the book. The Specimen Aural Tests volumes are each available in versions with or without CDs.

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This book contains nine pieces for ABRSM''s Grade 5 Drum Kit syllabus from 2024, providing drummers with everything they need to take ABRSM''s Performance Grade exam. The music spans a wide range of styles and includes an inspirational mix of new and existing tracks, as well as original pieces for solo drum kit. An ideal collection for exam candidates as well as any drummer seeking sensational new music suited to their technical ability. -Includes audio recordings for all nine tracks -Features ''Cold Sweat'' (James Brown), ''Delusions Of Saviour'' (Slayer), ''Lonely Boy'' (The Black Keys) and an original work by renowned drummer Ralph Salmins -Spans a range of styles including R&B, metal, funk and rock

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This book contains nine pieces for ABRSM''s Grade 8 Drum Kit syllabus from 2024, providing drummers with everything they need to take ABRSM''s Performance Grade exam. The music spans a wide range of styles and includes an inspirational mix of new and existing tracks, as well as original pieces for solo drum kit. An ideal collection for exam candidates as well as any drummer seeking sensational new music suited to their technical ability. -Includes audio recordings for all nine tracks -Features ''Skip Step'' (Nate Smith), ''The Self'' (Richard Spaven), ''The Sound of Muzak'' (Porcupine Tree) and an original work by renowned drummer Kaz Rodriguez -Covers a range of styles including prog. rock, electronica, metal, fusion and contemporary funk

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This book contains nine pieces for ABRSM''s Grade 4 Drum Kit syllabus from 2024, providing drummers with everything they need to take ABRSM''s Performance Grade exam. The music spans a wide range of styles and includes an inspirational mix of new and existing tracks, as well as original pieces for solo drum kit. An ideal collection for exam candidates as well as any drummer seeking sensational new music suited to their technical ability. -Includes audio recordings for all nine tracks -Features ''Don''t Look Back In Anger'' (Oasis), ''Give It Away'' (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and an original work by renowned drummer Steve White and Chris Hague -Spans a range of styles including metal, jazz, rock pop and funk

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 1 Piano syllabus for 2021 & 2022, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. The enclosed CD features inspiring recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 1 syllabus, performed by Nikki Iles, Dinara Klinton, Robert Thompson and Anthony Williams.

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 5 Piano syllabus for 2021 & 2022, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. The enclosed CD features inspiring recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 5 syllabus, performed by Yulia Chaplina, Mei Yi Foo, Nikki Iles, Dinara Klinton, Charles Owen, Robert Thompson and Richard Uttley.

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 6 Piano syllabus for 2021 & 2022, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. The enclosed CD features inspiring recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 6 syllabus, performed by Yulia Chaplina, Mei Yi Foo, Nikki Iles, Dinara Klinton, Charles Owen, Robert Thompson and Richard Uttley.

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 2 Piano syllabus for 2021 & 2022, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. The enclosed CD features inspiring recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 2 syllabus, performed by Nikki Iles, Dinara Klinton, Robert Thompson and Anthony Williams.

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This book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 4 Piano syllabus for 2021 & 2022, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information.

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An exact contemporary of Bach, Silvius Leopold Weiss (1687-1750) was one of the greatest lutenists of all time. He was also a prolific and brilliant composer. This collection of arrangements for solo guitar is an ideal introduction to Weiss's music. The ten varied pieces were carefully chosen for their musical character and technical suitability. Placed in order of difficulty, they reflect the range of skills required for Baroque repertoire, at intermediate and advanced levels. Includes stylish and idiomatic adaptations, preserving the original ornamentation and left-hand slurs. Core repertoire for Grades 6-8, with pieces on the ABRSM guitar syllabus. Carefully considered fingering, both clear and consistent.

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This volume contains valuable practice material for candidates preparing for the ABRSM Grade 1 Piano exams. The book is written in attractive and approachable styles and representative of the technical level expected in the exam.

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Music Medals Guitar Ensemble Pieces are five volumes of enjoyable and accessible repertoire. Each volume contains original pieces and imaginative arrangements for duets, trios and quartet. Excellent material for mixed-ability groups as well as being an exciting resource for the individual musician. Includes fun pieces and arrangements in various styles. Ideal for group-teaching material. All pieces selected for ABRSM's Music Medals.

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The five-volume ABRSM Songbook series offers singers and their teachers an unrivalled choice of core repertoire that will provide the bedrock for many years of rewarding vocal study. The series features: Over 100 art songs, drawn from Grades 1-5 of ABRSM's Singing syllabus; A massive range of repertoire from the Medieval to modern musicals - many in practical new editions; Irresistible new arrangements by Carol Barratt of 18 classic songs; A rich collection of 60 authentic unaccompanied traditional songs, sourced from around the world; English singing translations for every non-English-language song - many newly-commissioned; Useful notes on the songs containing background information and performance suggestions; CDs of piano accompaniments to all the art songs, performed by Simon Lepper, as well as recordings of the text to every song, performed by native speakers.

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Einfache Notenwerte und Pausen einschliesslich Punktierungen. Einfache Taktarten, Taktstriche und Rhythmen. Das Notensystem im Violin- und Bassschlussel. Einfache Tonleitern: C-, G-, D- und F-Dur und deren Tonart-Vorzeichnungen. Wichtige musikalische Begriffe und Zeichen.

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Introduces characteristic patterns such as modes, the blues scale and the minor pentatonic, and explores these on roots and in key centres commonly found in jazz. Regular and flexible practice of these forms, using them as the basis for improvisation, will give you fluency and technical control, making your playing sound effortless.

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Violin Star is a three-book series offering beginner violinists a refreshing and inspirational choice of pieces to help build confidence and musical skills. The repertoire is imaginatively tailored to develop specific techniques through an exciting range of musical styles. This Accompaniment book includes separate piano and violin accompaniments for every piece featured in the Student's book (available separately). The Student's book contains the solo violin parts, along with colourful illustrations, activities and a playalong CD. Key features of the series include: an approachable progression from beginner level to Grade 2; playalong CDs with each Student's book, which contain specially created instrumental arrangements to convey style and mood; and original compositions and arrangements by Edward Huws Jones.

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Spectrum 3 is the latest addition to the enormously successful Spectrum series, established by ABRSM with Thalia Myers in 1996. the aim of the series remains constant: to commission some of the finest composers to write pieces of modest length and difficulty, whilst preserving the essential characteristics of their compositional style. This international volume contains twenty-five pieces written at the turn of the millennium by composers from twenty-five different countries. It demonstrates how the language and tradition of Western classical music have been absorbed and adopted by composers all round the world, and how that language has been enriched and enhanced by each composer's unique background, experience and musical personality. The pieces in Spectrum 3 range in standard from Grade 3 to Grade 7 and are suitable for student, amateur and professional pianists of all ages.

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Five superb albums of graded pieces provide a wealth of jazz repertoire for you to play. Throughout, there is a huge range of styles, from bebop blues to calypsos, boogie-woogie to ballads, jazz waltzes to free jazz. There are classic tunes by the jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. And there are brand-new pieces specially commissioned from professional British jazz musicians and educators. Each album presents 15 pieces in three lists: blues, standards and contemporary jazz. The head of each piece is set out with all the characteristic voicings, phrasing and rhythmic patterns you need for a stylish performance. The improvised section gives guideline pitches and left-hand voicings as a practical starting-point. Accessible, student-centred and of the highest musical standards, these pieces will get you playing jazz confidently and creatively.

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Time Pieces is an exciting new series of repertoire which explores the wealth of music written from the sixteenth century to the present day. The pieces are presented chronologically within each volume and all include the year in which they were written too so you can map your journey through time. Time Pieces for Cello is a three-volume anthology providing a graded selection of well-crafted and idiomatic arrangements, as well as some original pieces, for cello and piano. All of them have been carefully written to provide practice of the keys, note ranges and fingering patterns encountered in the early grades, and there are suggestions for position work and varied bowing patterns. Each volume balances well-known pieces with less familiar music, and the emphasis throughout is on tuneful repertoire perfectly suited to the cello with a simple supportive piano accompaniment. From Tallis to Tchaikovsky and from Haydn to Britten, Time Pieces for Cello allows the pupil to get a real feel for the different styles of music through tune and will prove an invaluable, varied source of further study and recital repertoire. Perfect for learners exploring repertoire for the own-choice piece in ABRSM's Performance Grade exams

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This five-volume graded anthology acts as an introduction to the flute music of the early- and mid-eighteenth century. All important composers of flute music of the period are represented, starting with the French pioneers La Barre and Hotteterre, and culminating in the great Germans Handel and Bach. Texts faithfully follow the original sources, any editorial additions being carefully differentiated as such. These marks, which include ornament realizations and breathing suggestions, together with the editorial notes that accompany each piece, are designed to help the progressing flautist to cultivate an authentic playing style. In addition, useful information is given about the composers represented and about the pieces selected and the sources from which they are drawn. A separate continuo part is provided, allowing the bass line to be doubled on cello or viola da gamba, in accordance with standard continuo practice. This part, in which the bass is figured, may also be used by keyboard players who wish to improvise their own accompaniment.

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Provides an introduction to the basic elements in harmony and musical structure. Covers the basics of rhythm and tempo, an introduction to pitch, intervals and transposition, articulation, ornaments, and reiterations.

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Brahms' Six Piano Pieces are published as part of ABRSM's 'Signature' Series - a series of authoritative performing editions of standard keyboard works, prepared from original sources by leading scholars. Includes informative introductions and performance notes.

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A five-volume graded anthology of short piano pieces from the Romantic era. As well as featuring the great German composers from the period, this collection includes works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Moszkowski, Glazunov, Albéniz, Granados, Delius and many others. Perfect for learners exploring repertoire for the own-choice piece in ABRSM's Performance Grade exams

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First published over seventy years ago, this imaginative series of studies is as useful and relevant now as it ever has been. Each volume has studies composed by well known and lesser known composers and is carefully graded to offer a variety of keys, time signatures, textures and tempi, whilst each study is given a title which tells the student exactly what it is trying to achieve. These books provide invaluable practice material for the building of technique and are also enjoyable to play in their own right.

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This book contains valuable practice material for candidates preparing for ABRSM's Clarinet exams at Grades 6-8. It features sample sight-reading tests for the new requirements from 2018, written in attractive and approachable styles.

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This book brings together, for the first time, nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 5 Guitar syllabus from 2019. The pieces - two solos and one duet chosen from each of lists A, B and C - have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. Recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 5 syllabus are available. These can be purchased as part of the Guitar Exam Pieces with CD package or as audio downloads (see www.abrsmdownloads.org for more details). ABRSM also offers a range of apps to support musical learning, available from www.abrsm.org/apps. Support material for ABRSM Guitar exams [GEPs with CD] [Scales] [Specimen sight-reading] [Specimen aural tests]

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This combined book of scales, arpeggios and sight-reading contains valuable practice material for candidates preparing for ABRSM's Clarinet exams at Grades 1-5. Key features: All the new scales and arpeggios from 2018, arranged in grade order Sample sight-reading tests for the new requirements from 2018, written in attractive and approachable styles

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Encore is the official collection of best-loved ABRSM piano exam pieces, selected from syllabuses of the past few decades. Pianists will find an appealing mix of repertoire, while teachers can be confident that the perfect balance of content has been selected at every level. Book 4 features 14 popular pieces at Grades 7 and 8. Have fun exploring modern favourites and timeless classics, like Willie Wagglestick's Walkabout or Chopin's Nocturne in B, Op. 32 No. 1. Footnotes provide background information, a summary of the key skills that each piece develops, and new ideas for exploring the music. Whether you're working through our exams, playing informally, or planning a performance, Encore is full of music you'll want to play again and again! Perfect for learners exploring repertoire for the own-choice piece in ABRSM's Performance Grade exams

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Alan Bullard's award-winning Joining the Dots series now includes five books that develop sight-singing skills. By working through creative exercises and pieces students can prepare for ABRSM Singing exams. The books can also be used to build confidence in musicianship classes, as a resource for choirs or audition preparation. Joining the Dots Singing covers the requirements for ABRSM's sight-singing tests at Grades 1 to 5. Each book includes workouts and simple songs to build the rhythm and pitch skills required for the grade. There are characterful pieces to sight-sing in a range of approachable musical styles, and simple improvisation exercises in which students can explore ideas and develop their sense of rhythm and key. Plus, there are songs and rounds to sing with others, for additional sight-singing practice or to learn quickly and sing for fun.

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Alan Bullard's award-winning Joining the Dots series now includes five books that develop sight-singing skills. By working through creative exercises and pieces students can prepare for ABRSM Singing exams. The books can also be used to build confidence in musicianship classes, as a resource for choirs or audition preparation. Joining the Dots Singing covers the requirements for ABRSM's sight-singing tests at Grades 1 to 5. Each book includes workouts and simple songs to build the rhythm and pitch skills required for the grade. There are characterful pieces to sight-sing in a range of approachable musical styles, and simple improvisation exercises in which students can explore ideas and develop their sense of rhythm and key. Plus, there are songs and rounds to sing with others, for additional sight-singing practice or to learn quickly and sing for fun.

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Joining the Dots is designed to improve students' skills in reading music at sight, enabling them to perform new music with confidence. The books feature short, creative exercises which help students to develop their ability to read music more quickly and easily, both in exams and when learning new pieces. They're perfect for use during lesson time or individual practice! The series covers the requirements for ABRSM's sight-reading tests at each of Grades 1 to 8. Each book includes: * Key Features - help the student familiarise themselves with the keys at each grade * Workouts - warm up and technical exercises help establish basic hand shapes and finger patterns within each key * Transpose - encourage a confident sense of key and develop skills in reading by shape * Make Music - build confidence in creative and imaginative work, and develop musical ideas and aural skills through simple improvisation exercises * Read and Play - work through examples and practice how to approach sight-reading in the exam: read the title, work out the rhythm, find the notes and play the music!

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Joining the Dots is designed to improve students' skills in reading music at sight, enabling them to perform new music with confidence. The books feature short, creative exercises which help students to develop their ability to read music more quickly and easily, both in exams and when learning new pieces. They're perfect for use during lesson time or individual practice! The series covers the requirements for ABRSM's sight-reading tests at each of Grades 1 to 8. Each book includes: * Key Features - help the student familiarise themselves with the keys at each grade * Workouts - warm up and technical exercises help establish basic hand shapes and finger patterns within each key * Transpose - encourage a confident sense of key and develop skills in reading by shape * Make Music - build confidence in creative and imaginative work, and develop musical ideas and aural skills through simple improvisation exercises * Read and Play - work through examples and practice how to approach sight-reading in the exam: read the title, work out the rhythm, find the notes and play the music!

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This new edition contains all the scales and arpeggios required for ABRSM's Grades 1-5 Viola exams. Contains all scales and arpeggios for the revised syllabus from 2012, with bowing patterns and suggested fingering, and a helpful introduction including advice on preparing for the exam.

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This volume contains valuable practice material for candidates preparing for ABRSM Violin exams, Grades 6-8. Includes many specimen tests for the revised sight-reading requirements from 2012, written in attractive and approachable styles and representative of the technical level expected in the exam.

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This new edition contains all the scales and arpeggios required for ABRSM's Grade 3 Violin exam. Includes all Grade 3 scales and arpeggios for the revised syllabus from 2012, with bowing patterns and suggested fingering, along with a helpful introduction including advice on preparing for the exam.

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This volume contains all the scales, arpeggios and exercises required for all ABRSM Organ exams. Provides suggested fingering and a helpful introduction including advice on exam preparation.

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Music in Words is both a guide and an invaluable reference tool for researching and writing about music. Fully updated and revised, the book aims to address all the issues that anyone, from students to professional musicians, may encounter when undertaking a writing task, irrespective of the style of music they are writing about. The book: * Teaches effective use of the internet and libraries * Explains the use of scholarly conventions * Offers advice on the form and content of writing tasks * Provides a glossary of terms and phrases used in musical writings

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