Method Books

Esteemed concertmaster, teacher, and virtuoso Rodney Friend puts a lifetime of orchestral experience into the pages of this essential book. With carefully selected excerpts from the repertoire, Rodney Friend shares his technical and musical knowledge in the form of fingerings, bowings, tricks of the trade, and hundreds of interpretive notes about performing these difficult pieces. A must for any violinist starting out on an orchestral career, The Orchestral Violinist goes well-beyond conservatory training, to the very heart of what audition committees and music directors look for in successful violinists.

A unique collection of 66 fiddle tunes illustrating the major regional styles found across America and Canada. This book contains rare vintage photographs, player's biographical profiles, historical and performance notes, bowing indications, and information on cross-tunings and the American institution of fiddle contests. The authors have collaborated brilliantly on this labor of love to produce a definitive volume of tunes transcribed from recordings by many of the best fiddlers in North America. Exemplary tunes are included from the Northeast, Southeast and Western regions, plus various widespread ethnic styles including Cajun, Irish, Scandinavian, Klezmer, and Eastern European styles.