Colors & Moods Flute Volume 2

Includes CD

In each of the three volumes, the ten short diverse characterful pieces fit the description ‘Colorful Playalongs’. The books are very clearly set out with a colourful cover and playalong CD containing each of the tracks with the flute, and then without. The accompaniments are fun and use varied instruments and percussion which can serve as a “training and playing partner”. Some are flute duets, others are for solo flute, suitable for a group lesson or simply playing one of the solo parts along with the accompanying track. Volume1( would roughly suit Grade 1 students, and then 2 for Grade 2 and 3 for Grade 3, although none appear on the syllabi, so this could be used as an additional tool for the student. The main benefit is the young flautist can get used to playing along with a track and keeping to the beat while having fun with some imaginative melodies, and playable without too much effort. However, they do progress in terms of difficulty, bringing in more notes and rhythmic patterns to allow focus on these different aspects to increase technique as well as expression and musicality and getting used to playing and keeping time with an accompaniment. There’s an introduction to each piece making coming in easy and with the catchy foot-tapping rhythms they get you in a good mood before you’ve played a note! The styles vary and are true to their titles, including a Salsa, Minstrels’ Dance, Irish Dance and Flamenco to name a few. Highly recommended as something different for some fun.