Published by Robin Ireland in January 2014.

The Viola Concert Etudes aim to provide new technical material for advanced Viola students, which is specific to the viola and well suited to the instrument.  They are in response to the marked shortage of specific Viola studies for Viola students, who invariably have to learn technique from studies transcribed from the violin, with melodic patterns and fingerings which suit the violin better than the viola.

The Concert Etudes are unusual, perhaps unique, in that they cover a range of styles, and thus provide a focus for developing an understanding of bowing styles and articulation appropriate to different periods of music. The later Etudes include some material for developing confidence with meter change and other basic rhythmic skills, and atonality.  The last Etude introduces some extended techniques and an improvisatory style of playing.

Appropriate for viola students from Grade 8 upwards.

Copies are available at £8.95 through Stainer and Bell.

Read  reviews following the  January 2014 launch event here

For more information see Robin Ireland's website

Violinbabies® – Violababies® - Cellobabies®

 Stringbabies is an approach developed for teaching strings and general musicianship to KS1 but is also used with older children and children with special educational needs. It has been shortlisted twice, for the Rhinegold Music Teacher Awards for Excellence.

 Stringbabies is aimed at Violin, Viola & cello students and is being increasingly adopted by teachers throughout the UK and abroad as a 'way in' to reading & comprehending music in step with development of instrumental technique & aural skills. It is currently being developed for flute, recorder and Double Bass.

Stringbabies has a lengthy track record of measurably enhancing sight reading and aural skills.

Stringbabies is  being delivered to years R to 3 (Primary1 -4 in Scotland) at Surrey Arts, Music Cornwall, Hackney Music Service and Music for Bedford Borough. Since the publication of the National Music Plan, there has been increased interest expressed by Music Services throughout the UK, as Stringbabies specifically addresses the needs of children aged 3 years upwards.

Teacher Training days take place each year and include

• Teaching strings and general musicianship
• Reading & comprehending music

Find out when the next course is by emailing kay_tucker@o2.co.uk.