Welcome to Moxon Music
Level Details
String Orchestra
Level 1 Beginner Ensembles
All scores in the beginner level 1 section are perfect for groups just starting out - the simplicity of the music in no way compromises the quality of the composition. These scores sound very professional and impressive on stage.
All scores are in first position with simple rhythms. The key signatures are basic with accidentals indicated throughout the score. All scores in the beginner series are tailor-made for easy string crosses, simple bowing, with 1st violins playing the melody and other parts accompanying in interesting ways. The bass and cello lines are very similar. If no double bass is available, the piece will still work or the double bass part can be given to a less experienced cellist.
Level 2 Confident Beginner/Early Intermediate
The scores in this section build nicely from level 1. Still in first position, these scores are more demanding in terms of expression and musicality. Perfect for groups who are beginning to play well together and need some pieces that will inspire them and present new manageable challenges. There is more rhythmic variety - still using simple rhythmic patterns, the melody line may occasionally move from 1st violins to other sections, the harmony parts are interesting, the cello and bass lines are still very similar. Keys are basic - key signatures are used in some scores whilst others have accidentals indicated throughout.
Level 3 Intermediate
String orchestras in this category are often developing a good sound and have some capable players able to lead sections confidently. The music in this category works well in concert settings and sounds very impressive. The melodic content is often shared. Key signatures are used and scores are in basic major and minor keys. Bowings and rhythms are more complex than before and dynamics are more detailed for all parts. In the majority of scores the cello has more challenging lines whilst the bass remains easy. This bass part can be used for less confident cellists if necessary. All players remain in first position although in some works the 1st violins may move briefly and easily to 3rd position with the section marked divsi allowing less confident players to remain in 1st position.
Level 4 Advancing
The scores in this section are very satisfying to teach and exciting to play. The standard of technique requires all players to be confident with bowing and comfortable with occasional accidentals on the score. The music is often dramatic and allows the orchestra to develop strongly as a whole through effective use of dynamics and articulations. The majority of these level 4 scores are still in first position.
Level 5 Advancing and Professional
All scores in this section require a good grounding in string technique. 1st violins are required to be confident in 3rd position and comfortable in moving around the instrument. String bass parts are not as challenging as other sections. These pieces can be played very effectively as quartets with optional string bass added for quintets.
Guitar Ensembles
Level 1 Beginner
Excellent starting point for new groups learning to play together for the first time. These works sound impressive and are easy to learn. Intended for beginners who have a basic understanding of chords and individual notes. Simple chords feature throughout these works along with open strings and basic strum patterns and simple rhythms. All sections are notated in standard notation as well as in TAB. A Bass Guitar part is also supplied but is optional for performance.
Level 2 Early Intermediate
These scores are intended for groups who have mastered the basic chords and are comfortable with strumming. These works follow on closely from the Level 1 scores and are more challenging and diverse in terms of expression and rhythmic patterns. The music at this level is exciting and works well on stage. Perfect for groups who have started working with basic RH finger plucking style. Chords remain basic with solo lines available for more confident players. Bass guitar part is simple and follows regular patterns. All sections are notated in standard notation as well as in TAB with more structured expression marks indicated throughout.
Level 3 Intermediate
These scores are very exciting and rewarding to master - they contain solo lines for highlighting and featuring individual students. Intermediate Guitar Ensembles should be able to perform a variety of more complex patterns on their instruments including simple bar chords, power chords and solo lines in various positions. All players have the opportunity at this level to develop their technique further and begin to sound professional in performance with one another. The melodic content is often shared between parts, key signatures are varied. Rhythms are more demanding and dynamics are more detailed for all parts. Standard notation and TAB for all sections is supplied.
Level 4 Advancing
The scores in this section are very satisfying to teach and exciting to perform. The standard of technique requires players to be confident with strums and RH finger picking patterns. These dramatic scores are full of excitement and work well in small groups as well as larger ensembles. Players should be confident with moving around the instrument. All parts are written in standard notation as well as TAB. The music is often dramatic and allows the group to develop strongly as a whole through effective use of dynamics and articulations.
Level 5 Advancing and Professional
All pieces in this section require a good grounding in technique. Exciting and perfect for performance. All players need to be comfortable in moving around the instrument. Bass guitar parts are not as challenging but necessary for the best effect on stage. All these pieces can be performed by a smaller number of advanced players rather than large ensembles.
Piano & Guitar Solo Music
Level 1 Beginner
Works aimed at children from absolute beginner who have basic understanding of notes in simple positions. Inspiring melodic lines
Level 1a Adult Beginner
Works for older children or adults just starting out with appealing mature musical ideas that will sound professional.
Level 2 Early Intermediate
Will suit A.M.E.B. standard grade 2-4.
Level 3 Intermediate
Comparable to A.M.E.B. Grades 5-6.
Level 4 Advancing
Advancing - good grasp of technique and keys. Comparable to A.M.E.B. grade 7 & 8 - good selection of works for concerts.
Level 5 Advanced & Professional
Excellent for performing. Challenging works with advanced ideas and techniques.
I believe that when you are motivated and inspired, learning is effortless.
- Suzanne Moxon
