IT is important that the first stages in learning to play an instrument should be pleasurable, especially where young people are concerned. Una Lawlor's An Veidhleadoir Og/The Young Violinist (Clo IarChonnacta, £6), aimed at primary school children, has been most attractively set out, with large pages, clear print and charming illustrations in black and white by Cathy Dineen.
The first ten lessons practise bowing on the open strings and each step taken after the fourth lesson is to put to immediate use in a duet. At first the child accompanies the teacher but by lesson 16 the roles are reversed.
The selection of Is traditional tunes is probably the most original feature of the tutor. Chosen for their playability, they are given with both words and music, and a further dozen rhymes have had simple and engaging tunes written for them by Una Lawlor. The storehouse of Irish tradition has been tapped and added to in a most accessible way.
Una Lawlor has had much experience teaching in Gaelscoileanna and her instructions are in Irish an English translation is provided for the fainthearted, but the only language one needs to appreciate the tutor is the language of music.