Flute For Beginners; Snare Drum For Beginners

Both of these programs are part of the 10-tape "Maestro Music Instrument Instructional Video" series, which was designed to introduce students to the standard school band instruments. Each program offers a good introduction to the instrument, discussing and demonstrating the various components and assembly of the instrument, playing positions, how to read music, and scale exercises. A few beginning tunes are also learned step-by-step. Flute for Beginners was the better of the two programs we watched, both because instructress Rebecca Magg seemed perfectly at ease in front of the camera, and because the production values were a little better. Her knowledge of and love for the flute were evident and her teaching style was very easy to follow. Snare Drum for Beginners, taught by Mat Britain, was also good, but Britain was not as comfortable in front of the camera, and occasionally spoke while facing the wrong camera. These minor quibbles aside, the unique nature of the series make these programs excellent purchases for both school and public libraries. Overall, the series is highly recommended. The other instruments covered are: Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, and Violin. (Available from: Backstage Pass Productions, Inc., 6930 Valjean Ave., Suite #202, Van Nuys, CA 91406.)