The long awaited Sassmannshaus method ?Early Start on the Double Bass? is now here. At last students of the largest instrument in the string family can make use of this tried and tested method for beginners, developed by Egon Sassmannshaus for the other string instruments and applied here to the double bass by Holger Sassmannshaus and J. Peter Close. This method will meet the needs of the growing number of young bass students.?Early Start on the Double Bass? encompasses everything that one would expect from a Sassmannshaus method: an easy start, progression at a suitable rate, many cross-references to the other string instruments, songs and scales in different positions from early on, as well as many duets. Lively and colourful illustrations by Charlotte Panowsky complete the edition.For more than three decades ?The Sassmannshaus Tradition? has been the household name for excellence in beginner string methods in German-speaking countries. The English editions for violin, viola and violoncello, which were introduced to the international market in 2008, have proven to be very successful, particularly in the United States.Kids to the Bass!While children learning other string instruments can start as early as the age of four, the appropriate age to begin the double bass is approximately eight (possibly even six); this allows for a faster progression than on the other string instruments, and the method consists of only three volumes. The first volume will be published separately in an English and a German edition; the following two volumes will have German and English text in each book. Original compositions by Boguslaw Furtok enrich the volumes.- Based on the tried-and-tested Sassmannshaus methods for violin, viola and cello- Volume 1: Separate editions in German and English- Volumes 2 and 3: Bilingual, German/English editions- Moderate increase in difficulty- Position playing, duets- Includes new original compositions to B. Furtok- Volume 3 with piano accompaniments to 7 piecesThe authorsHolger Sassmannshaus is a double bass player with the Niederrheinische Sinfoniker in Mönchengladbach/Krefeld. He also teaches the double bass and performs with several other ensembles.J. Peter Close is a teacher for violoncello and double bass in Munich.

Par COHEN MARY. Favourite carols and festive tunes have here been creatively arranged for the beginner quartet (Grade 1?2 ) by the ever-resourceful Mary Cohen. From the more solemn to the extremely boisterous, these arrangements explore a wide range of musical styles as well as many interesting string effects (including simple harmonics, col legno, pizzicato and tremolo). Conscious of the limited rehearsal time available in the mad rush up to the annual carol service or Christmas concert, Mary has also provided invaluable technique tips to help deal with problems which might otherwise disrupt the musical flow. There are plenty of opportunities for audience participation too for the more adventurous! / Ensemble Music, Methods and Tutors / Répertoire / Violon, Violoncelle et Alto