String Time Starters is an exciting ensemble collection for beginner strings from the authors of the award-winning Fiddle Time series. A prequel to String Time Joggers, this collection provides inventive and enjoyable ensemble repertoire for groups of all sizes.

We have grown accustomed to nothing short of excellence from the pedagogical works of Kathy and David Blackwell, and in this publication they exceed expectation. I have been exploring their latest work with two of my whole class string groups, both unusual in that they cover an age range of four years . . . These 21 pieces have all been adaptable enough to offer enjoyable, and satisfyingly attainable material for all. Each piece, whether original composition or traditional arrangement, has been well crafted, providing a range of opportunities for technical development in young beginner players, without compromising musically in any way . . . There is plenty of scope for differentiation, technically, musically and cognitively, and I have found it compatible with a range of learning difficulties.

As a fairly mediocre pianist, I find the accompaniments fully playable with very little preparation. The CD accompaniment tracks are very well presented and are all at reasonable speeds to work with. I have used String Time Starters for whole class teaching, but I can fully envisage making use of it with beginner string ensembles locally, and as a useful addition to performance repertoire for students who learn in small groups. String Time Starters is a fantastic addition to the repertoire at this level.

The Blackwells have provided pieces that are interesting and appropriate for the level. Separate books are available for violin, viola, cello, and bass. The layout is nicely sized and spaced for young children and includes a sprinkling of charming illustrations. The Teacherâs book contains the score and piano accompaniment, and a CD with appealing backing tracks will enhance students' enjoyment of the pieces.

Kathy Blackwell, B. Mus. (Hons.), LTCL, LGSM, studied music at Edinburgh University and continued with post-graduate studies in music at the University of Oxford. Kathy is a string teacher with many years experience of teaching violin and viola. She developed her teaching ideas at the coalface in both Music Services and in private practice, working with groups large and small and in one-to-one lessons. She was a strings consultant for the ABRSM Music Medals initiative, a new assessment specifically designed for students taught in groups, and a contributor to the accompanying book All together! Teaching Music in Groups (ABRSM, 2004). Her teaching experience has led her to co-author Fiddle, Viola, and Cello Time, published by Oxford University Press, with her husband, David. Kathy and David have presented workshops in the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. David Blackwell studied music at Edinburgh University, after which he pursued a career in music publishing, first at ABRSM and then at Oxford University Press. He is co-editor of OUP's In the Mood: 17 Jazz Classics for Choirs and Carols for Choirs 5, and has published a number of single choral arrangements. He is co-writer with his wife Kathy of OUP's award-winning string series, Fiddle, Viola, Cello Time, and String Time, which have twice won the MIA award for Best Educational Publication. He now works as a freelance music editor, composer and arranger. In 2017 Kathy and David Blackwell received two awards: from ESTA UK in recognition of their exceptional services to string teaching, and from the Oxfordshire Music Education Partnership for significant contribution to music education in Oxfordshire and beyond.