Hi, would really appreciate any help. I'm starting a new pupil next week who plays the flute and did her Grade 1 in the summer. She says she hates exams but her mum's keen for her to do them. I don't want to start her immediately on Grade 2, but want something fun that will still please her mum for her to play.
Any advice guys, you've never failed me before!
Sarah x x x x

You could try Harlequin Book 1, edited by Cecilia McDowall and Simon Hunt, which comes with a CD. This is a combination of well-known pieces such as the Londonderry Air and the Air from the Water Music, together with original compositions by Cecilia McDowall. The standard required is around Grade 1-3.

*Stares* Sarah!!! Omigosh, it's such a ridiculously small world. How random is that? ABRSM forums and I end up in a topic made by somebody I sit next to in music. That's quite scary. (By the way, did you sort out the transposition q in the test today? I got so confused! I thought it should be down a 5th but eventually gave up because was confuzzled!)

How old is the pupil?

Charlie or somebody might have suggestions as well if you poke a few people at college. Emily plays flute as well doesn't she? Then there's loads of lower 6th who also play who might have some good ideas.

Alix -x-

ALIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How strange. The pupil has just started Year 7, so is 11. But she didn't even turn up for the lesson today because she was ill and nobody thought it was polite to inform me of this fact.
Charlie may have some ideas, but I thought that the good people on this forum would be more experienced and be able to give me even more advice!
Sarah x

A couple of my favourite book of around that level are 'Jazzy Moments for Flute' book 1 by Sarah Watts (Kevin Mayhew Publishing) and 'The Magic Flute' (Boosey & Hawkes). The latter book has got popular classics such as Papageno's Aria from Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' as well as pieces such as 'One Hand, One Heart' and 'Tonight' from West Side Story.

And you're right Sarah, I think you're wise not to leap straight into grade 2 preparation, especially if the pupil is resistant to grades. If you build up a good relationship with your pupil, you may be able to broach the subject of grades at a later date.

Good luck!

Up Grade by Pam Wedgewood Grades 1-2. Good selection of pieces, and no stigma of still playing Grade 1 pieces.

Presumably she will have lots of other music in her albums for Grade 1 that are Grade 2 standard, and there are probably at least 35 studies she hasn't played.

So true guys. Thanks very much for all your help, I love this forum, so many selfless people to help me in my hour of need!!!
Have bought "Magic Flute", and may buy Up-Grade soon as I love tha piano books!
Thanks again,
Sarah xxx

Hi Sarah
I can see your dilemma with keeping her interested. so many children seem pushed into music by their parents. However, the way to catch her attention is Sarah Watts i think! I used it with my daughter, and she really did enjoy it. If she's just sat her grade one, then jazzy moments is probably perfect. Also, Sarah has done a series called 'Razzamajazz' and I really thought the flute repertoire book was fantastic. The pieces are geared towards encouraging the students, and the free CD helped my daughter get a feel for the piece before she played.
Happy Teaching!