YOUNG violinists in the Isle of Man will have the chance to learn and play Manx music thanks to a new music book.

The Manx Heritage Foundation has commissioned music teacher Laura Rowles to produce a new music book, for students and teachers, called Fiddyl.

Laura, who studied Celtic music at university before returning to the Island to teach, has her own business teaching violin, piano and voice.

She is currently completing a PhD at Liverpool University about Manx fiddlers and their music.

Chloe Woolley, a Manx music specialist with the Manx Heritage Foundation, explained: "The book introduces Manx music through solo pieces, duets and arrangements for fiddle groups and contains background information on Manx music, scales and exercises as well as ideas for composing.

"Laura worked with Tom Field and Melvyn Booth, violin teachers with the Department of Education and Children's Music Service, to select Manx melodies that follow elements of the standard classical violin syllabus and that can also be performed in internal exams organised by the Music Service.

"An additional Fiddyl teachers' book contains chords, piano accompaniments for exam pieces and notes on traditional fiddle ornamentation."

Fiddyl is suitable for violinists from beginner level to grade three. The pupils' book costs £5 and the teachers' book £10. A Fiddyl teaching pack (containing one teachers' book and five pupils' books) costs £30.

Pupils who receive lessons through the Music Service will receive a copy of the book via their music teacher. Copies are also available to buy from the Manx Heritage Foundation.

For more information e-mail manxmusicspecialist@mhf.org.im or telephone 01624 695787.

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