Mary Goodman BA GRSM ARCM
Violin teacher and author of the 'Fast Tracking' method...
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"The Fast Tracking Fiddle" and " The Fast Tracking Viola"
In
1997, 26 years after "Let's Go!", Mary was commissioned
to write both these further more detailed tutors - "The
Fast Tracking Fiddle" and "The Fast Tracking Viola".
They were published by Piper
Publications in
1998, and are based on "Let's Go!" but
with considerable additional material including, in the final
sections, some tempting violin and viola repertoire.
The experience of studying The Fast Tracking Fiddle / Viola can lead to beginners, whether learning singly or in groups, mastering the requirements for their Grade 1 exam in less than a year. Both books are in two parts - Part 1, including techniques required for Associated Board Grades 1 to 4; Part 2, Grades 4 to 7. Piano accompaniments by Kenneth Gange are available for all four books.
The Doodle Bow - An invaluable practice aid - is featured in the video and is available from its inventor, Alan Broadbent, 15 Temple Street, Rugby CV21 3TB. Tel. 01788 543496
Doodle
Bows help to establish a correct bowhold but are also especially
useful in group teaching. Instead of a 'free for all' situation where
all can be playing slightly different notes, the group first sing, then
pluck, any tune to be learnt. In a group of four, three of the group
then 'play' the tune with their doodle bows while the fourth plays it
with a real bow. Finally, all play it with their real bows and all
are in tune! When being taught singly, the teacher plays with the real
bow. A useful practice aid, too, if silent practice is necessary, or
for practising advanced techniques without tension, eg difficult bowings
required for Grade 7 and above, including Diplomas.
The
benefits of the Fast Tracking method were highlighted when on 23
October 2003, Classic FM broadcast a programme in which John Brunning
interviewed Mary Goodman about her teaching career. It became clear
that neither age nor previous experience need prevent anyone wishing
to learn a stringed instrument from actually doing so. As John Brunning
concluded:- "The
secret then is to get people actively engaged [in playing real
tunes] at
the earliest opportunity." Mary agreed:- "And it
works. And the results can be incredible."
Here are some further comments:
Richard
Quick -
Head of Strings, Hymers College, Hull
"...'Fast Tracking' has made me take a new look at my approach. I had not
dreamed possible the progress my pupils have made, using this book. Emphasis
on tone production through early use of the whole bow - and all 4 fingers straight
away - leads to correct posture all round from the very beginning.."
Yfrah
Neaman -
Professor of Violin, Guildhall School of Music and
Drama
"The books look lively and stimulating... just
what children need to encourage them to make good progress
as all the technical facets are based on the best principals."
John
White -
Professor of Viola, Royal Academy of Music
"...excellent violin and viola tutors... a practical
progressive method, clearly set out - I'm sure this will
be a valuable addition to the material for beginners
of all ages."
Jean
Harvey -
Former Chief Examiner to the Associated Board
"You have managed to put so much valid and vital advice into simple language,
yet the pace is never laborious. Usually tutors either go so quickly
that basic important rules are said once, but never followed up subsequently
in pieces - or they are very dull and repetitive. You have avoided all these
things."
Ian Jewell - Head of Strings at the Purcell School
and Professor of Viola at the Royal College of Music
"Mary Goodman's 'Fast Tracking Viola' is the viola
tutor for young viola players - based on sound principles and clearly
explained."
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"Fast Tracking Together" and "Fast Tracking Bowings"
Mary Goodman and her daughter Wendy Waldock have developed entertaining ways of practising bowing exercises. "Fast Tracking Together" is for beginner string groups and young string orchestras (now with piano accompaniments by Kenneth Gange.
Wendy's "Fast Track Bowings" (plus CD) are individually for viola, cello and double bass.
Three composers - all of them upper string players - have composed some entertaining pieces plus piano accompaniment to supplement the Fast Tracking Violin and Viola books. Their names are Anthony Hedges, Kenneth Gange and Clare Ward. The books are "Companion Pieces for Fast Trackers", "Playtime for Fast Trackers" and "Serendipity for Fast Trackers"