Ma guitare et moi

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Here is a carefully researched and beautifully presented tutor aimed at 6-7 year olds. It assumes the children have no previous knowledge and progresses systematically from note identification, through development of technique to pleasantly constructed duets. It is brightly illustrated with children's drawings, which add greatly to its appeal. Colour plays a role in the notation - the first exercise involves differentiating between the notes D (red) and A (blue) and drawing them on the stave. Apoyando with i and rn follow, with the gradual introduction of stopped notes in the first position, each presented in a new colour - an interesting visual effect. The children who tried the book out with me had great fun with this. However, it is quickly dispensed with until the introduction of the concept of playing apoyando with one finger and tirando with another - an exercise I found ambitious for this age group but useful for more experienced players. In fact, my young players found a lot of the exercises throughout quite complex to read and not particularly memorable.

Instructions are printed in: French, Spanish, English and German - this required carefull explanation and sparked interest but is an added complication for those developing their reading skills.

The emphasis is always on the development of good technique and work between thumb and fingers and is introduced early, stabilising the right hand. Ensemble playing is encouraged and I liked the way the concept of major and minor is introduced through the player hearing the difference sharps make to Frere Jacques in A minor. There are two pages of blank manuscript at the end of the book - I found this invaluable for individually tailored exercises.
(Linda Kelsall-Barnet, Classical Guitar, 10/2000)