THE OLYMPICS BOOK SERIES
These comprehensive books by master teachers Susann McDonald and Linda Wood Rollo provide everything needed for a young beginning harp student. Each volume is divided into “Work-Outs” (or exercises) for technique, “Games and Drills” which are similar to note spellers and rhythm workbooks for note reading and musicianship, and “Solo Rounds” which are easy progressive pieces. Each weekly lesson should include pages from each section, as well as work on memorization and improvisation. “Marathons” at the end of each book serve as a review of all the material covered, and include a certificate of completion. The exercises and drills are presented in ways that are fun to play, and the whimsical illustrations of bears throughout keep you smiling as you learn. The books can be used with either a lever or a pedal harp. There are only a few pieces in the more advanced books that require pedals. These can be skipped or modified for students with lever harps. These books cover many subjects often overlooked in other beginning books, such as parts of the harp, replacing strings, signs and symbols, and how to deal with problems such as blisters. Each volume is from about 80 to 100 pages, spiral bound. We highly recommend these comprehensive books for any child learning the harp.
STAGE I The second book in the Harp Olympics Series, Stage I, is designed for the beginning harpist with basic note-reading and rhythmic skills. A child who has played the piano for one to two years should use this book. Stage I introduces turn-around glisses, four-finger scales, triplets, basic pivots or change of direction, and sixths, sevenths and octaves. In the Games and Drills section, the student will review note-reading, practice rhythm counting, and increase their understanding of pedals and levers, music signs and symbols, and improvisation. The student is introduced to the Circle of Fifths and sight-reading. Many Brain Drills and Home Games reinforce new and old material.
As with all of the Harp Olympics books, qualifying Marathons at the end of each book will serve as a review of the Material covered and be an incentive for the student to progress to the following stage. A special certificate is included, signifying a certain level of accomplishment, to be given to the student upon completion of each book.
Solos in Stage I include:
Chinese Moon
Little Waltz
Leap Frog
Dreaming
The Cuckoo
Carnival Suite
Scarborough Fair
Away in a Manger
Silent Night
Chanukah, Chanukah
All pieces composed or arranged by Susann McDonald or Linda Wood Rollo.
Save $5 by ordering the Set of Four Books: Preliminary, Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III for $94.80.
Click here to see short bios of Susann McDonald and Linda Wood Rollo
