Givens, Shirley - Adventures in Violinland, Book 2E: "Meet Sammy XLR8 the Space Violinist" - Arioso Press Publication

Renowned pedagogue Shirley Givens' series for beginning violinists is widely respected for its clear, child-friendly format, and its sensible progression through techniques. There are lots of pictures, fun and familiar songs, and even pages for coloring! Ms.Givens uses a "Movable Do" system to teach pitch relationships and good intonation. Recommended for very young children. Book 2E, Meet Sammy XLR8 the Space Violinist, the technical aim of this fast-finger game is to achieve clear left hand articulation and agility through finger pattern exercises. The quick 'tap' preparations and the remedial 'hazards' exercises help train the fingers to pronounce the notes with quick energy and strength, then 'let go', so that the hand remains supple and relaxed. "Sammy XLR8" takes the student on this adventure in to Outer Space. This fun game is full of maps, flight patterns and hazards. Reaching the planet Mysteroid is the end of the game. The student receives an Award page, "My Trip to Mysteroid" song, and a prize. "Young children love the violin! It is small and huggable – and it makes sounds! How to nurture this initial enthusiasm for the instrument and to transform it into a deeper love of music is the object of my books." "Don't be misled by the seeming simplicity of the material! The books are written from a child's point of view while incorporating the most exacting standards of modern violin technique. But there are other important features of the books that contribute to their uniqueness: *The young student is encouraged to participate actively in his own learning by developing his own imagination. *There is discovery and improvisation. No imitation or copying from CDs. *Training the child's own pitch awareness from the start assures early in-tune playing. *Note reading and harmonic awareness from the beginning cultivate musical literacy for a lifetime. *A wonderful rhythmic foundation is established through body movement" - Shirley Givens