Review of ‘COLLECTIONS’ by Nicola Anderson
From European String Teachers Association Magazine ARCO
Spring 2024 Vol.50 No.1
Having used ‘Collections’ with young beginner cellists successfully for many years, I can thoroughly recommend these books as they encourage musical creativity and the ability for pupils to express themselves.
Julian's step by step approach gives the perfect chance for the basics of the musical language to be learnt quickly and easily. The ‘Do you know this?’ information at the beginning of each of the 8 progressive Volumes have the new items included in the following pieces which of course reaffirm the child's memory processes. Separate accompaniment books are available which include both piano and instrument parts. I've always accompanied pupils by playing the cello part as it helps them to breathe and move naturally - imitation often being the way that children learn - but it is good for them to get the feeling of being accompanied by a piano as well.
An excellent article in the February Strad [magazine] underlining that Fun is an important part of learning, amused me as Julian has made Fun paramount throughout in many delightful ways since these books were first published in 1992.
For instance, following the very first open string four-bar piece are the words: ‘Sdrawkcab siht gniyalp yrt won’ and it is fascinating how children react to this. It definitely helps them to realise that they also can be creative, when they see Julian having his own bit of fun! After all, Haydn had his with ‘The Joke’ Quartet and there are so many other works that can get a laugh from an audience if played as the composer intended - suitably good timing in music being as important as it is when one gets a message across well when speaking.
The Scale Collection with its grid of finger placing couldn't be clearer and children who haven't started with piano lessons often find it very useful when not fully understanding the basic concept of scales.
The two Overview sections - Notes at a Glance and ‘Do You Know This?’ - with a final alphabetical glossary, are all very useful for the quick revision of facts!
Julian's consideration for pupils' thoughts and feelings is always present in abundance, the list of questions ‘Pupils might ask’ being an excellent starter for the less thoughtful and enquiring child. At the end of each Volume, as well as the list of question boxes to fill in, there are boxes for the teacher to add dates and signatures and enough room for comments, making happy feelings of achievement almost tangible.
‘Collections’ are available for all string instruments, including the Double Bass, and therefore ensemble playing with any or all combinations is easily organisable- the fun of playing with one's friends being the perfect way forwards to a life of fulfilment and enjoyment.
As with all cottage industries, not only being the writer but also the composer, artist and publisher, Julian's ‘Collections’ continue to evolve, the latest being a website: ovalmusicedition.bandzoogle.com
In the early days, a few compositions by Alan Bullard were added and then for the front covers of the revised edition Julian's wife, Ilfra, supplied colourful and thought-provoking paintings for the front covers.
Sensibly the very important subject of technique has been left entirely to individual teachers, there being so many different methods. What has been produced is the perfect book to start all young string players. Learning to express and project music from the beginning, even if only plucking open strings!, will mean that the present fashion of playing everything as fast as possible, presumably to show off flashy techniques, will, (ever hopefully!) be forgotten and what composers composed in their minds and on to manuscript paper will thankfully become of prime importance again!