LudwigMasters Developing Strings

An absolute classic for strings, this version is in C major to avoid forward extensions for viola and violoncello. There is nothing out of first position except for a simple shift for violoncello and...

The guitar music of Gaspar Sanz retains its popularity to this day. This particular excerpt crackles with rhythmic vitality and a fascinating use of hemiola.

Presented here in the original key of B flat, the waltz has the melody divided among violoncello, viola, and violin 2. For the dramatic ending, violin 1 ventures stepwise into third position for the f...

A Sertaneja: "To Her, from the Hinterlands," originally composed for voice and piano, musically paints a picture of Chiquinha's love of the hinterland --- the land behind the body of water --- Rio de...

Puppet theater has a long and varied history, from ancient China to Sesame Street. Musically, Puppet Theater is an entertaining tribute to the skilled artists who made stories come to life for childre...

Through colorful harmonies, beautiful full-bow sound, and creative fingerings, students will dream about their upcoming Summer Daze. The intricate harmonies crafted by Thom Sharp will invite students...

Salieri originally composed this charming "Fugue in G Major" for string quartet. Composer Steven Rosenhaus has expanded the instrumentation to string orchestra in a style consistent with Salieri's own...

Rejoice! was composed by Michael Hopkins for the 10th anniversary of the Rockford, MI public schools orchestra program. The music is fast and celebratory with high energy throughout. This is a great p...

Rhythmania by Ingrid Koller is a piece that will have young string orchestra students on the edge of their seats as they focus on counting to stay on track in this mixed meter piece. This D major leve...

One thing that most of us do at bedtime, is to review the happenings of the day. Composer David Bobrowitz has chosen a day that has gone well, and therefore, the thoughts in review are very pleasant....

Sufferin' syncopation! Where will it land? Once you get the hang of it, it'll be lots of fun! Really! Merrily We Stroll Along by Thom Sharp is written in 4/4 time but felt in a lazy 2, every section g...

Ride tall in the saddle as you play this delightful cowboy two-beat piece in G major. Feel the gentle trot of your trusty steed as an eighth note "duk-a-Dak-a" rhythm is traded about by all sections b...

Anticipation, suspense, and drama are all in evidence in Rendezvous by R. Scott Whittington. Based on several recurring rhythmic patterns, it is exciting and great fun to play, with appealing melodies...

Buckle up for a fun ride! As its name implies in Roundabout, the sections of the orchestra play in three and four-part rounds giving every section the melody. Listen for the circular nature of the beg...

Orcadian Highlands is meant to evoke the bucolic splendor of nature, especially in picturesque locations where you can experience ocean waves gently crashing against the bottom of rocky cliffs, all wh...

Students are on a "Mystic Mission" to explore the low ranges of their instruments! Each section gets a chance to play the confident, heroic melodies and driving accompaniments. The bold rhythms includ...

Dark Moon is a work which lies mostly in the Aeolian mode with hints of Dorian and Phrygian as the work progresses. Starting out rather aggressively, the piece grows in volume and intensity to a clima...

The ultimate solo violin showstopper! Designed for an outstanding student or a guest artist, this playable arrangement of Monti's masterwork will guarantee you a standing ovation at your next concert....

The ultimate solo violin showstopper! Designed for an outstanding student or a guest artist, this playable arrangement of Monti's masterwork will guarantee you a standing ovation at your next concert....

For either viola or cello solo, this concerto is easily accessible to middle school players. In C major, with a few chromatic diversions, the solo part can be played in first position. All of the orna...

British Isles Travelogue features a folksong from each of the four UK countries. "The Ash Grove" from Wales highlights first and second violin harmonies, followed by the lively "English Morris Dance."...

The title refers to the principal teaching point and the clever hook on which the march is built: the accidental. Everything is approached logically yet cleverly, making the teaching of new fingerings...

The title refers to the principal teaching point and the clever hook on which the march is built: the accidental. Everything is approached logically yet cleverly, making the teaching of new fingerings...

This staple of the bass solo repertoire is now available as a feature for your bass section. The orchestral accompaniment is very light and requires good counting skills, but nothing over a grade 2. T...

Gentle Waltz by Thom Sharp is a grade 2 string orchestra work in C major. There is lots of independence between sections and a fair amount of chromatics, as well as some divisi in the second violins....