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Above:
Front cover. Below:
Sample page from the basic section of the book
at the start. Click on picture for full size
version. |
Above:
Contents page. First sectio to page 36 deals
with basics. After page 36 deals with more advanced
topics in detail. Below:
Sample page from the detailed section of the
book on controlling tone. Click on picture for
full size version. |
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Illustrated Fluteplaying, now in a third revised edition, is a true classic. The new edition contains a number of important improvements and clarifications. All these are the result of Robin Soldan’s continuingly widening experience. As well as teaching the best young flute players in Britain, Robin has ongoing discussions of flute technique and the contents of this book with flute teachers and players of all levels and with the world’s leading flute experts.
Throughout Illustrated Fluteplaying, hundreds of sensitively drawn and anatomically accurate pictures explain the details of flute playing in a way that makes it come alive. This is combined with a marvellous sense of fun, making Illustrated Fluteplaying a magical book.
Illustrated Fluteplaying is a must for practising flute players, students, teachers and those who are teaching themselves. It has also proved a boon to general woodwind teachers who are not experts on the flute. It features:
· A superbly illustrated discussion
of the basics of Fluteplaying bringing the subject
immediately to life.
· Detailed descriptions and pictures of breathing,
tonguing, vibrato, tuning and advanced techniques
giving a new sense of clarity to the most difficult
topics.
· A picture for every point to be taught or
remembered.
· A comprehensive index, making it an ideal
reference book.
Below is a selection of the comments
made about earlier editions, and remember that the
third edition is better than ever. For notes about
the authors see the last page of the book.
James Galway
“This book is wonderful. I think it is one of
the most original and interesting books on the flute.
It is very instructive and will be an invaluable aid
to all fluteplayers.
This book by Robin Soldan and Jeanie Mellersh is a most original treatise on the use of the body in the art of playing the flute.
Jeanie Mellersh’s illustrations are informative and amusing with very good accompanying text. Robin Soldan has certainly employed all his wide experience and knowledge in producing a very accurate and readable book.
I would say that this book would find a very important place in the library of every flutist, young, old, amateur or professional. It is a manual no one who is serious about the flute should be without, and a boon to teachers world-wide.”
Robin De Smet, Music Business (UK)
“The authors have a knack of getting to the heart of a problem and prescribing a remedy that is so obvious and simple that one wonders why on earth no one has thought of putting it that way before. Whether you are a beginner or a teacher this book will be sure to have something for you. It is a unique and valuable publication …. Heartily recommended.”
Wally Horwood, Journal of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles (UK)
“Jeanie Mellersh’s pencil drawings are superb in illustrating lip, finger, tongue and diaphragm positions together with all aspects involved in handling the flute. Clarity is such that this is surely the next best thing to a personal demonstration from an expert teacher ... An ideal companion whether working with a teacher or alone.”
Mark Underwood, Times Educational Supplement (UK)
“ … seldom have I seen a more clearly, copiously and imaginatively illustrated book. As a flute player and teacher myself, I can scarcely thing of a better companion book to regular tuition or a more welcome substitute in its absence. The publishers claim that it is for everyone who has a flute is hardly overstated.”
William Dyer, Journal of the Finnish Flute Society (Finland)
“ … Marcel Moyse’s investigations and discoveries … Frans Vester’s Catalogue … Now another book has been published that stands, in originality, a comparison to the above works … it is a book which is intended to explain to the beginner the physical side of playing the flute. There are over 350 illustrations, which almost without exception, clearly explain what they intend to do … The text is simple, but not childish …Too many flute methods simply present exercises and pieces, but this book teaches the beginner to think for himself … So the beginner shows up for his first lessons. Under one arm is, of course, his flute, and under the other, his first flute school, a collection of little pieces, and Illustrated Fluteplaying.”
Trevor Wye, Pan – Journal of the British Flute Society (UK)
“A wealth of good advice is contained here … the book answers many of the basic questions in a practical and helpful way.”
Dr Mary Jean Simpson, New Flute Review (USA)
“A completely different approach, presenting solid information on basics and more advanced techniques with delightful artistically done illustrations. Covers everything from basic playing position to minute lip movements … Lots of humour thrown in, making the book entertaining as well as informative. This 81 page text is an excellent teaching and learning aid.”
Robin Soldan is one of Britain’s leading flute teachers and has taught many of the best flute students in the UK. After studying at the Guildhall School of Music in London, he worked as a flute teacher and performer for several education authorities in the UK. He is now a freelance player and teacher, travelling extensively to take master classes, give recitals and organize flute events. He has been the senior flute teacher at four specialist music courses Including the Wells Cathedral School and Peter Symonds College in Winchester, and he was the Head of Woodwind at Southampton University.
He organized the annual Flute Teachers’ Course for many years on behalf of the British Flute Society, and he is the author of a number of other recent books on flute technique - Flute Fingers (PEM) and Fit Fluteplaying. His 60 strong flute orchestra “Flautissimo” as well as a number of other flute ensembles have regularly appeared at the School Proms on TV and have collected many awards.
Jeanie Mellersh studied
at Liverpool College of Art where she was noted for
her brilliant drawing and won a scholarship to study
in Italy. Her talent for flute illustrations was discovered
when James Galway was shown her sketchbook, and she
went on to provide the instructional illustrations
for his book “Flute”.
In Illustrated Fluteplaying she has gone very much further. Together with her flute teacher Robin Soldan, she has succeeded in illustrating aspects of flute playing that have never before appeared in print.
Jeanie has recently illustrated two books for parents of special needs children, Stepping out, and Small Steps Forward. For more about Jeanie go to her home page http://www.mellersh.net.
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