This piece introduces the low 2nd-finger pattern for violins and viola, and the 2nd finger for cellists. It can be very easily learned by rote so all the attention can be focused on this new pattern. Use the improvisation sections to consolidate this pattern, allowing your pupils to make up small tunes. The Accompaniment part uses just open-strings and the first finger, useful if you have a mixed ability group. Inspired by the title of Beethoven’s famous piano Sonata, this simple tune uses scales and slurs in the new key of A major. When performing as a group, it can be nice to offer solos to individuals for specific lines.

Conductors Batons Conductors Batons Conductors Batons with a choice of handle shape and materiel and length of shaft The familiarity of this famous piece will ease the learning. If slurs have not yet been introduced, it is OK to leave them out and add them at a later date. The third line offers a harmonic alternative. This is for use if you have a group lesson and wish to make it more challenging, otherwise ignore the lower harmony part. Double Bass Exam Books Double Bass Scales, Sight reading and prescribed repertoire books for the Associated Board and Trinity College London. Electric Instrument strings These strings are constructed in such a way that they are more suitable to electric instruments than normal orchestral strings would be. This is especially true in the case of the D’Addario NS electric strings which have been specially designed and developed in conjunction with Ned Steinberger to suit the NS range of electric instruments.If you are in a situation where you are required to carry two instruments around – a violinand a viola perhaps or two violins if you use one for teaching purposes, it will make your life so much easier to have both in one case.

A double violin or violin/viola combination case is a must for any musician living the hectic lifestyle of the 21st century! Modern combination cases are strong, light and compact, and often can accommodate up to eight bows as well.

Synthetic Cello bows

Synthetic, or often referred to as Carbon fibre Cello bows (although not all are carbon fibre), are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden cello bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent bow for a low price. Synthetic or Carbon Fibre Cello bows are not affected by temperature variations so are an excellent choice if playing outside. It also means they are highly resistant to warping or losing their spring.

Synthetic Double bass bows

Synthetic/Carbon fibre Double Bass bows offer playing qualities that are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden Double Bass bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent bow for a low price. Carbon Fibre Double Bass bows are not affected by temperature or humidity variations.

This gentle tune evokes a calm and reflective mood. This is the first tune that is firmly in the key of C major. The use of the 4th finger is encouraged in the violin part with a lower octave alternative offered. If slurs have already been learned, it would be nice to add them here, pairing quarter-notes into one bow. Cello Exam Books Associated Board of Royal Schools (ABRSM) and Trinity College prescribed exam pieces and supporting publications for cello. Please remember that you will need an original copy to take with you into an exam.

Piano stools Piano stools Piano stools which are adjustable allowing pianists of all ages to sit comfortably. Choose the finish you require and then a fabric to match. Christmas Sheet Music Christmas Books For all your favourite Christmas tunes. Christmas books arranged for violin, viola, cello or piano. Tuning pegs Tuning pegs for violin, viola and cello are available in a variety of shapes and woods, the most common being the ebony pegs in the Parisian style. The Posture peg is an innovative invention allowing cellists to play comfortably without the C and G string peg getting in the way. The precise engineering on the Wittner fine tune pegs has revolutionized the way student instruments can be tuned to precision with the same authentic look. Instrument stands & hangers Stringed Instrument stands Stringed Instrument stands are an essential. There’s nothing more risky than putting a violin or viola down on a bed or standing a cello or Double bass in the corner while you have a break from practicing! One mishap could be the end of the instrument or at best a very expensive repair. Stands for violins (or violas), cellos and basses are essential for every player. If putting your violin away every time is hindering you practicing, try a violin wall hangar from Hercules or K&M – the instrument is right where you need it, when you need it!

This is a simple duet that consolidates the left-hand shape with a simple open-string accompaniment. When teaching in groups, it is nice to switch parts to vary the lesson. Violinists might like to walk around, following each other in a line like a train if there is room to do so. This helps to dilute any tension into the whole body and helps to feel the pulse from the legs upwards. This simple melody combines high and low 2nd finger (2nd and 3rd finger on the cello) in the key of G major. Synthetic Viola bows

Synthetic, or often referred to as Carbon fibre Viola bows (although not all are carbon fibre), are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden Viola bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent Viola at a very reasonable price. Synthetic and Carbon Fibre Viola bows are not affected by temperature variations so are an excellent choice if playing outside. It also means they are highly resistant to warping due to tension or humidity.

Mutes Mutes The saying goes ‘Good mutes make good neighbours’! But mutes aren’t only to please the neighbours; sure it helps keep the volume down if you’re spending hours practicing but then some scores may also require you to play softer in parts. The heavy metal or ultra rubber mutes are very quite while the tourte mute is ideal for leaving on the strings while you’re playing so it can be engaged at any time. Bow Cases

Bow cases are essential for the protection of your bow, especially if you carry your bow separate to your instrument.

The Col Legno bow case is an excellent low cost case that can take one violin, viola or cello bow and is very protective with a wood shell.

Music Carry cases Music Carry cases Music Carry cases keep all your music books and small accessories in one place. It is not recommended that books are put in an instrument case as the extra pressure could cause damage. A Music Carry case makes an excellent gift for a musician. Bowing and Fingering Aids & Accessories Bowing and fingering Aids & Accessories from Caswells Strings are sourced from across the globe to assist you in learning to play a stringed instrument. Not only are they designed to help you become proficient at bowing, but to make it as comfortable as possible. Revolutionary products such as the Bowhold buddie for violin and the Cellophant for cello assist in the bow hold. The Bowzo and HorACE help to develop a good bowing technique. Bowgrips for violin and cello bows also assist in correct technique while making the bow more comfortable to play and reducing wear on the bow. The best selling Doodle bow is excellent for doing flexibility exercises. Bow and bowing accessories

At Caswell’s Strings, we have sourced accessories from across the globe to assist you in learning to play a stringed instrument and once you’re proficient at bowing, to make it as comfortable as possible.

Revolutionary products such as the Bow hold Buddie and the Cellophantassist in the bowhold while the Bowzo and HorACE develop a good bowing technique.

Bowgrips such as the Viotech or the best selling Stringvision bowgripalso assist in correct technique, make the bow more comfortable to play and protect your bow.

Don’t forget to keep the Hair of your bow clean with the Old Master bow hair cleaner.

Synthetic Violin bows

Synthetic, or often referred to as Carbon fibre Violin bows (although not all are carbon fibre) offer playing qualities that are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden Violin bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent violin bow for a low price. Synthetic Violin bows are not affected by temperature or humidity variations so are an excellent choice if playing outside. It also means they are highly resistant to warping or losing their spring.

Viola cases

Viola Cases

At Caswell’s we offer a large range of viola cases to suit all budgets in a range of materials, colours and shapes. All too often there is no expense spared when it comes to purchasing an instrument but then we leave it very unprotected! Modern Hitech material is very strong and very light and comes highly recommended with it comes to protecting your viola properly.

Music Stands, Stand lights & Accessories Music Stands, Stand lights & Accessories Wooden music stands are not only functional but make a superb furniture piece. For a cheaper option, the Solid Conductors stand is a popular choice. If you’re on the move and prefer a fold up stand, the ultralight stand is excellent and comes with a bag. Music stand lights are a must – you don’t think you need one until you take the plunge and wonder however you managed without it! And last but not least the magnetic pencil holder which sell by the dozen – need we say more! Shoulder rests Violin and Viola Shoulder rests are very personal and what suits one player may not suit another. Many young students start off with the Huber pad or Jegro shoulder pad before moving on to a shoulder rest. Most teachers would then have a preferred option – Kun and Wolf are the long standing favourites but there are now many very good and comfortable alternatives. If you’re undecided and in the area you’re most welcome to spend some time in the shop trying them to find one that suits you. Top Nuts and Saddles Top Nuts and Saddles Violin, viola, cello and Bass Top nuts and saddles. Available in ebony or best ebony recommended for repairers and makers. This simple tune introduces slurs as well as drawing attention to the difference between slurs and ties.Jargar Strings Jargar strings for violin, viola, cello and double bass. Handmade is a word that is seldom used today in relation to strings yet Jargar still upholds the tradition in their home town of Copenhagen in Denmark. Skilled string makers attend with care, dedication and professional pride to produce the Jargar strings we know so well that produce a unique and characteristic warm and brilliant sound Jargar Violin strings Jargar violin strings are chromesteel wound on steel, and come in three gauges: Dolce, Medium, and Forte. After fitting Jargar strings it is recommended not to immediately tune up to pitch, instead you should bring them up slowly over a few hours. Available for full-size violins only. Jargar Viola strings Jargar viola strings have been a long time favourite for violists possessing a powerful and robust tone. Available in Medium, Dolce and Forte gauges. Steel core with chrome winding. Jargar Cello strings Jargar cello chromesteel strings have a clear, bright response, with ample power and projection. Available as a set or individually, in Medium, Forte (heavy), or Dolce (soft) gauges and now in smaller sizes. New to the range are the A & D Superior with enhanced volume & power in 3…