Review: Saturday Solos
One of my favorite blogs to follow is Susan Paradis.com. Susan is known for her fun games and printable resources for students, but did you know that she also has music books available to purchase?
One of the music books she has written is called Saturday Solos. Susan composed 14 original solos to celebrate childhood. When she was a child, she remembers long sunny Saturday, hunting doodle bugs, playing in the creek, picking berries and riding bikes. Though times have changed some, one thing that doesn’t change is the fun of daydreaming and exploring.
Inside you will find pieces such as: “Stuck Inside, Laughing Song, I Like Bugs and Cycling Down the Street. These simple yet refreshing pieces are sure to delight each child who learns them. In addition, Susan has included 6 traditional pieces such as Camptown Races, Found a Peanut, Deedle Deedle Dumpling and She’ll be Coming Around the Mountain. She wanted to include some traditional pieces in this book so students had some pieces they would recognize.
The pieces in Saturday Solos are written in C, middle C and G position. You won’t find expression marks in the music because Susan wanted to create music that would allow students to concentrate on the step and skip pattern. This also allows the student to add expression marks later. There is also minimum finger numbers encouraging teachers to add in when necessary.
Saturday Solos would make a perfect supplementary book for the beginning student. The solos are delightful, playful and simply refreshing. Because the pieces are pattern based with lots of stepping and skipping, it is a wonderful book for those students that need practice moving in different positions. In addition all the pieces lend itself well for students to learn and practice transposing. You can purchase Saturday Solos as well as other music she has written in her store here.
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122 Responses
My students know Susan Paradis by name because I use so many of her games and songs. Not a week goes by when I don’t implement something I’ve learned from her. She would probably be very humbled if she knew how many people followed her songs and ideas. 🙂 I love how this book mixes some new songs and some good old recognizable ones.
What a fun idea for a book, I love the titles and would have a great time using the materials with my students!
Susan is a very talented lady. I’m sure some of my students would love this book.
I use her worksheets regularly and would love to try this solo repertoire.
I join the chorus! Yes, she is wonderful and I would love a copy of her book of solos!
I so appreciate Susan’s generosity and creativity. Her pieces, games and worksheets have been a source of inspiration to my students and to me. We would love a copy of her book.
I love all of her stuff. I would love to have a copy of her book.
I find Susan’s materials to be very creative and inspiring! This would be a great resource! Count me in! Thanks for the opportunity!
Another teacher that appreciates Susan’s creativity and passion. Thank you Susan and thanks for doing the giveaway.
I’d LOVE to try the book with my Littlies! They love her illustrations and fun worksheets!
I love Susan’s blog and all her games, music, and worksheets! I use most of her things in my piano lessons every week, and my kids love it! I would love to have a copy of this book to add to my collection.
I would to win this. I use so many o Susan’s printouts with my students. I’m sure they’ll love this, too! : )
I love all of Susan’s resources! I would love to win this!
we enjoy all of susan’s materials. this would be a great addition for my young students!
My goodness! What a long column of comments! Very popular! I am happy, Susan, that you have included some traditional folk songs, like Comin’ Round the Mountain. Children do not know any of these songs and are losing the heritage of the pioneer music of our nation. I know just the student who will love this book.
My students have so enjoyed the materials from Susan’s website. They actually giggle when we do the activities. I have not tried her music yet, but I would love to!
Susan comes up with such wonderful resources! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I use something of Susan’s every week in my studio. I would love to have this!
I enjoy using Susan’s songs and worksheets with my students and would adding this book to my collection.