Ros Stephen

Ros Stephen is a violinist, composer and teacher based in London. She has performed on BBC television and radio, in West End Theatre and at leading concert venues and theatres in the UK and Europe. She leads the Sigamos String Quartet, with whom she has recorded several critically acclaimed albums, and she recently co-created the musical score to the hit West End show 'Midnight Tango'. Ros is also a committed teacher, and enjoys working with students of all ages and experience. Her first book in the Globetrotters series, Violin Globetrotters, was published to popular and critical acclaim, receiving the award for Best Education Publication at the 2011 Music Industries Association Awards. Ros has since written Globetrotters books for cello, flute, clarinet, and B flat and E flat saxophones. Several Globetrotters pieces have been included in the ABRSM exam syllabus.

"Written for violinists of three or more years' experience, this is primarily an educational resource rather than a collection of authentic world music. However, style has been closely imitated and the pieces are likely to be more satisfying for students to play than authentic tunes, which are harder to master . . . This book as an educational package is second to none, with fresh and lively presentation and violin accompaniments, technical warm-ups and backing tracks for each piece, as well as piano parts in PDF format on the enhanced CD. Thoroughly recommended for a varied musical diet." - Helena Ruinard, Music Teacher, February 2011

"Everything is set out clearly and attractively, together with explanation of the different types of music and - really helpfully - some suggested warm-ups are included to help the player grasp the specific points to be learnt in each piece. I think this book is brilliant and good value - - with a lot of variety - and I heartily recommend it as a fun and enriching addition to whatever else your students are learning." - Vivienne Blumfield, ESTA News and Views, Spring 2011

"Each piece comes with fascinating background information. In addition, Ros Stephen provides useful warm-up exercises demonstrating bow patterns, ornaments to fit with the particular style, slides, syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and intonation . . . The enhanced CD contains PDF piano parts (with guitar chord symbols) for printing, along with live-band recorded performances and play-along tracks. Players from around third grade will revel in these catchy tunes guaranteed to get toes and fingers tapping. Every piece is playable in first position, however, fingering suggestions encourage playing in second and third positions, offering the opportunity for technical development. Tricky new rhythms also provide an educational challenge." - Mary Nehmet, Strings Magazine (USA)