Guitarist's First Steps, vol. 1

Well produced, dearly set out and easy to read, this volume of ten short pieces for early stage players is full of imaginative and characterful ideas.
A playing level of around grade one is sufficient for the first few pieces - Folk Style Piece and Homeless Child's Song are simple melodies on the treble strings in first position with open basses and An Old Organ Crinder requires two note chords, sometimes taking notes in higher positions to maintain an open E. Russian Tune has
a passage in sixths, and the attractively lilting Little Herdboy makes use of simple arpeggiated techniques, all in first position apart from an excursion to the twelfth fret for harmonics. Prelude of the Rain develops p, i, m repeated figures and is more ambitious in its use of the fingerboard; the level required here is closer to grade three, and the following Callant Dance also requires good left hand development in certain stretches. My favourite piece here, A Dream on a Train uses some clichéd melodic ideas but could be very popular with young players who enjoy jazzy rhythms. After this, Forgotton Harpsichord seems a bit tame, although it has a nicely phrased melodic line and the final Birds Awakening produces an attractive texture with birdcall-like fragments. Useful material, ideal for younger players.
Linda Kelsall-Barnett (Classical Guitar Magazine)