For the early start

After a year and a half ago (SMZ 7-8/2011p. 34), some new double bass schools have already been discussed, further new publications have now enriched the range.

The "Sassmannshaus" is anything but new. What is new is that the school originally conceived for violin and cello for early lessons from the age of four has now been adapted and published for the double bass. At this age, it makes sense to work with text-backed exercises, a concept that runs through the entire first volume. Immediately after the first simple rhythms on empty strings, the placement of the 1st finger is practiced. Experience has shown that this is less favorable on the bass. Fingers that are not used quickly cramp up, and the same applies when playing on the low strings and when placing and immediately lifting the fingers on empty strings. The latter makes it difficult for the youngest children to find their position. More suitable Mary had a litttle lamb On page 27, the young players can start from the fully placed hand and "feel their way" to the notes below by lifting the upper fingers.

The legato exercises, often leading over the next string, and the introduction of the change of register from the 1st to the 2nd position (instead of the preferred change from the 1st to the 3rd position in most current schools) show that a successful concept for high strings cannot simply be transferred to the double bass. In the third band (up to the 4th position), such an early start requires a few more intermediate steps. Nevertheless, many pieces and attractively arranged duos are suitable for classically oriented lessons. The publisher Bärenreiter is to be highly commended for its commitment to early instrumental teaching on the double bass.Bärenreiter's Sassmannshaus, Early Beginnings on the Double Bass, edited by J. Peter Close and Holger Sassmannshaus; Volume 1, BA 9660; Volume 2, BA 9662; Volume 3 BA 9663; € 14.50 each, Bärenreiter, Kassel 2012