Violin Alive
“Here are all the exercises required for the early AMEB Violin Grades on one handy CDROM. Fintan Murphy, Editor of the AMEB Series 7 Grade Books and Senior Lecturer in Strings at Monash University School of Music together with John Quaine, Editor of the new Violin Technical Syllabus (2001) have put together everything needed for an excellent start on the violin. Both Fintan and John bring their performing and teaching experience to this ingenious project. Violin Alive explores every facet of basic string-technique from literally every angle in colourful video presentations and attractive graphics that cannot fail to engage the young student. This CD is user-friendly and takes one through all the available options on a menu that includes a Glossary, useful websites, and a complete rundown of every facet of technique that will be needed to embark on these AMEB requirements. The young student can watch and listen in between lessons. Fintan or John very carefully plays each scale, arpeggio and exercise for these early grades, with close-ups and different angles to guide the student to the correct method. Additionally there is a suggested warm-up routine and many useful tips and explanations on how to practice each action such as chain bowing, string crossing and shifting. Due regard is given to ensuring a stable left hand frame as well as a flexible bow-hold. The excellent visuals will indeed make the violin come alive for youngsters who are feeling slightly jaded with their technical practice. From the point of view of educational resources for young string students, there has never been a better time to teach! Teachers will welcome this additional tool and students will enjoy exploring over 100 video clips and the CD quality sound to help them on their way.”
– Mary Nemet, violinist and teacher, Toowoomba, formerly Lecturer in Violin at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne. Stringendo, Journal of the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA), vol 26 number 2, October 2003