Reviews | Hey Presto Strings

Hey Presto! for violin, Book 4 (Platinum)
My students were overjoyed to hear that Georgia has now published her Platinum Hey Presto! and those taking Grade 4 this term can’t wait to learn these fabulous pieces! The first 5 pages feature charts and exercises (with backing tracks) to practice 3rd position shifting, followed by pieces using 3rd position and introducing sequences in a swung jazz piece, an Aria in classical style, and a boogie-woogie. The next 2 pages introduce 2nd position with a Rondo in F minor, and on page 7, the student plays ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ in 2nd to 5th position before embarking on Roadrunner, Cantabile and the lively Box Clever (reminiscent of a Martinu study) with a myriad of time signatures and rapid octave quavers. At the top of each page (up to piece 12) there is a helpful chart showing which notes first finger plays on each string and in each position. As technical challenges increase, the player glimpses Handel, Bach Partitas, Paganini, Bohm, Klezmer and gypsy fiddlers (and others), and without realising it, the student is becoming familiar with technique and position work but has also mastered memorable and performable pieces – all in one book!…There are 3 duets at the back, plus a page of fiendish rhythms, a list of musical terms used, and a certificate to award to the pupil who completes the challenges. A piano accompaniment is available, making this book ideal for high-level technical study and concert performance.

Sue Rivett, ARCO magazine, April 2013

Top Ten for Violin, Books 1-4
…All basic aspects of violin technique are covered, including shifting and double stopping, in imaginative and entertaining ways, making this collection a lovely addition to the selection of technical volumes aimed at children.

Alex Laing, The Strad, Feb 2017

Top Ten for Violin, Books 1-4
…As in her earlier books, Vale’s ideas are very entertaining and enjoyable while detailed and progressive at the same time…Tips and tricks abound together with Georgia’s delightful stick-figure drawings to keep the student fully engaged.
These are the ‘go-to’ books I would choose for the upcoming generation of young violinists.

Mary Nemet, AUSTA Stringendo magazine, April 2017

Top Ten for Violin, Book 1-4
…The presentation is extremely clear, with clean, clutter-free pages. Off-putting lengthy explanations are entirely avoided and instead there are a few succinct comments in the form of hints…the brevity of the exercises makes them easily memorable…catchy titles fire the pupil’s imagination…Techniques covered are surprisingly numerous…working through these books in their entirety enables pupils to receive a mixed diet of highly palatable exercises…I believe they are one of the most significant contributions to beginner repertoire in recent times.

Sarah Greinig, ARCO magazine, Feb 2017

Hey Presto for Violin,’ Books 1 & 2 (Books 3 & 4 are now available also) are a must for young learners. The books are very carefully graded, and colour coding, rhymes and comments from the characters will surely draw the child into their pages. Parents wishing to help their children should also find them easy to follow as all the information needed at each stage is clearly stated.
The pace of the accompaniments provided on CDs is just right to encourage rather than panic a young player, and the concert pieces at the end of the books are very satisfying and make pleasant listening for group performance, as well as enjoyment for the players.
These are two of the most attractive books for violin that I have seen.

Sue Ashby, music teacher, RGS The Grange, Worcester

Hey Presto! for Violin
A couple of my students have been using the books since the beginning of term. They really love the pieces and accompaniments, and the technical points (and ESTA influence) demonstrated through the pieces are obvious. These books come highly recommended.

Sue Rivett, ARCO magazine

Hey Presto! Violin tuition books and theory books are easy to follow, colourful and concise books which my students very much enjoy. The pieces are fantastic, and every one is enjoyable to play. The early use of musical signs and Italian words give the students a head start compared with other beginner violin material. A must have for any violin teacher’s or student’s bag!

Caroline Ince, violin teacher

Hey Presto! for Violin
Hey Presto! is an invaluable and innovative resource for all young violin students, and bound to sell like hot cakes. Lively, colourful presentation and lots of original ideas combine to make learning fun for all ages and abilities. I can’t recommend these books highly enough. All children should have the chance to try them.

Anne Tupling, Assistant Head Teacher, Shropshire

Hey Presto for Violin – tutor and theory books
I made truly surprising progress and enjoyed playing every different piece.

Jill Bate, adult beginner

If you want to learn the violin, get Hey Presto!

Lily, age 8

Hey Presto! is a really fun book for when you start the violin!

Isobel, age 8

Hey Presto! is really good for learning to read the notes!

Ellie, age 7