Ros is the author of numerous educational music publications. Her music has been published by Oxford University Press, Schott Music and ABRSM.
Violin Junior (Schott Music) – Nominated for Outstanding Music Educational Publication in the 2024 Music & Drama Education Awards
Violin Junior is a new creative violin method for children. For more information please visit www.violin-junior.com.
Globetrotters Series (Oxford University Press)
The award-winning Globetrotters books are collections of original pieces by Ros Stephen in styles from around the world suitable for grade 2-4 players. Each book comes with an accompanying CD of authentic performance and play-along tracks recorded by a band of top musicians, plus second melody line or piano accompaniment parts, warm-up exercises and background information about the various styles. The following books are available in the series. Click on a link to order the book direct from Oxford University Press.
- Violin Globetrotters (winner of Music Industries Association award for Best Educational Publication, 2011)
- Flute Globetrotters
- Cello Globetrotters
- Saxophone Globetrotters (Eb)
- Saxophone Globetrotters (Bb)
- Clarinet Globetrotters
Globetrotters Reviews
“…style has been closely imitated and the pieces are likely to be more satisfying for students to play than authentic tunes, which are harder to master … This book as an educational package is second to none, with fresh and lively presentation and violin accompaniments, technical warm-ups and backing tracks for each picece, as well as piano parts in PDF format on the enhanced CD. Thoroughly recommended for a varied musical diet.” – (*****) Helena Ruinard, Music Teacher, February 2011
“Everything is set out clearly and attractively, together with explanation of the different types of music and – really helpfully – some suggested warm-ups are included to help the player grasp the specific points to be learnt in each piece. I think this book is brilliant and good value – with a lot of variety – and I heartily recommend it as a fun and enriching addition to whatever else your students are learning.” – Vivienne Blumfield, ESTA News and Views, Spring 2011
Violinworks (Oxford University Press)
Violinworks, in two volumes, is a comprehensive violin method for older beginners and improvers. Book 1 takes students carefully from the very first steps to around ABRSM Grade 1 standard, and book 2 continues up to around ABRSM Grade 3 standard. The approach suits self-taught violinists as well as those who have teachers, and emphasizes the importance of good habits from day one, of using your ear, and of always aiming for the best sound. Each volume contains a wide selection of repertoire, plus detailed descriptions and photos to demonstrate correct playing positions. The accompanying CD includes performance tracks, with piano, string quartet, or band backings, plus aural exercises and downloadable PDFs of piano accompaniments. There are supporting video clips and additional resources on a dedicated website, www.violin-works.com, making Violinworks a complete resource for anyone learning or returning to the violin. Violinworks books can be ordered using the links below:
“These volumes represent one of the most comprehensive resources I have come across. A violin method for the older beginner, they include all that is required from the very beginning to around grade 3 standard. Either used alone or with a teacher, all the information is there for self-learning. A wide range of repertoire is included, from traditional music, jazz and well-known classics. Exercises, tips and advice are interspersed at the right junctures to ensure a basic technique and good habits, developing confidence in pitch, rhythm and tone. Support material includes accompanying CDs of professional, stylistic performances, with video clips and additional resources on a dedicated website, together with downloadable PDFs of piano accompaniments. Here is the ultimate ‘go-to’ resource for anyone learning or returning to the violin.” – Mary Nemet, Stringendo (Australian String Teachers’ Association magazine), October 2017
“These two volumes by the British violinist and composer Ros Stephen are truly aimed at beginner violinists, offering a non-academic approach to learning the instrument . . . The books are beautifully laid out with plenty of space, creating a rare ‘read-me’ feel. . . these books are a brilliant guide to playing, and offer a beautifully explained ladder of what to introduce when. Violinworks is a marvellous resource.” – The Strad, September 2017
Argentinian Tango and Folk Tunes (Schott Music Ltd.)
Beautiful and wide-ranging collections of great tunes from all over Argentina, available in editions for violin, flute or accordion. Featuring tangos, milongas, chamames, chacareras, zambas and gatos, as well as earlier styles and new compositions. Many pieces are presented as duets and there is the opportunity for the soloist to play along with the guitar or bandoneon and second violin accompaniment on the MP3 backing tracks. Summaries of the individual tunes and detailed notes on the music of Argentina enable you to get the best out of this exciting and colourful music. A CD of all pieces, beautifully recorded with live instruments, accompanies the publication, which is suitable for grade 3 to advanced players. Books can be ordered using the links below:
- Argentinian Tango and Folk Tunes for Violin
- Argentinian Tango and Folk Tunes for Flute
- Argentinian Tango and Folk Tunes for Accordion
Russian Fiddle Tunes (Schott Music Ltd.)
31 Russian folk tunes arranged for violin duet. The pieces may be performed by a solo violinist as violin duets. The music has been carefully edited to create authentic arrangements. Ornamentation, bowing and fingering have been included to enable stylistic performances, and there is also guidance on general style, as well as note on all of the individual tunes. The volume is accompanied by a CD with a recording of all tunes performed by Ros Stephen. The book can be ordered here.
Listen to some of the pieces in the book, from the accompanying CD:
Klezmer Fiddle Tunes (Schott Music Ltd.)
33 Klezmer tunes and Jewish melodies arranged for violin duet. The volume is accompanied by a CD with a recording of all tunes performed by Ros Stephen with a live backing band, as well as play-along versions of all tracks. The book can be ordered here.