Philip Sparke’s Starter Solos is the first volume of a progressive series of books that takes the young player from beginner to accomplished musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument, this collection of 20 solos starts with pieces based on only a handful of notes and carefully introduces new musical elements, such as articulation, dynamics and key signatures, in a structured progression to speed the learning process. The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

Starter Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing either with piano or CD accompaniment are that the beginning player can now experience the important aspects of ensemble playing from their earliest lessons, thus developing the essential skills of listening while they play and maintaining strict tempo, which is not always a factor when playing alone.