Graded Repertoire Series: 20 Songs in A Major/F# Minor

About This Series

The Graded Repertoire Series explores an array of student repertoire and preparatory reading exercises. This series features 20 beautiful, melodic, and inspiring songs written by forefathers of the classical guitar—Ferdinando Carulli, Fernando Sor, John Dowland, Matteo Carcassi, Franz Schubert, J.S. Bach, and more—and are prerequisite repertoire for all beginning students. This fourth collection in the series features songs in the key of A Major. The benefit of reading and practicing a group of songs in one key is that you’ll be able to learn the fundamental chord progressions, harmonies, and fingerings relevant to that specific key.

The Graded Repertoire Series, A Major and F# Minor, Vol. 1, is divided into two sections: 10 warm-up reading exercises and 20 graded songs. The 10 warm-up exercises will do exactly that: warm up your fingers and mind. These exercises are short and concise, yet will systematically graduate students through single notes, two-notes, chords, arpeggios, rhythms, and time signatures—thus preparing the student for the 20 songs in this collection.

These 20 songs were selected to provide a balanced set of short works that demonstrate fundamental finger movements for A Major repertoire in the 1st position (and they are fun to play!). Yes, these are simple songs, yet several of these pieces can also be performed—if played with expression and effective technique. Remember that a gifted player can weave a handful of notes into a beautiful, memorable song!