Written by Juilliard trained violinist/composer, Amy Barlowe, 12 Etudes—Caprices in the Styles of the Great Composers is a welcome addition to the intermediate solo violin repertoire. Progressive and chronologically ordered, these innovative etudes are invaluable both as study pieces and short, unaccompanied concert works for competitions or recital programs. Detailed Practice Guides follow each etude featuring methods for the development of technical and musical tools that will promote individual expression within the appropriate historical context. Such aspects as sounding points, varied vibrato, and techniques for improving intonation are derived from each etude to increase facility, musicianship, and stylistic awareness. Used as a supplement, this fully illustrated and thoroughly engaging collection of original etudes provides a fresh and unique approach to the age old tradition of technical study. Preparation for the major works of the great composers has never been more fun!

"In this wonderful volume, Amy Barlowe creates a new genre: the style-study. For generations young violinists were subjected to the mind-numbing, repetitive drudgery of traditional etudes. Here, the focus is on creativity and imagination as the student is enticed with the idea that individual composers speak with distinctly different voices. Each style-study is accompanied with helpful prose delineating strategies for achieving the stated goal. With her experience as a concert performer, the creative skill of a composer and the abundantly evident care of a dedicated teacher, Ms. Barlowe has made an important contribution to string pedagogy."
- Paul Kantor, Violin Faculty, Cleveland Institute of Music Artist/Faculty Aspen Music Festival and School

"Amy, I enjoyed playing through the Mozart and Bartok examples, thoughtfully presented with practicing suggestions. More interesting than Kayser and Wohlfahrt, they provide an opportunity for young players to expand their technical and reading abilities. A worthy addition to the repertoire!"
- Stephen Clapp, D. Mus. Violin and Chamber Music Faculty, The Juilliard School Dean Emeritus, The Juilliard School

"Amy Barlowe has done it again.....creating something totally original. The etudes themselves are, for a change, musically pleasing when compared to many other technique builders. By providing her section on technical elements and musical features to be addressed, something only a trained and highly competent player/teacher might provide, she has added frosting to an already award-winning cake. I have seen too many more pedestrian efforts that I myself would never consider presenting to a student. Bravo Amy!"
- Charles AvSharian, Concert performer, Violin teacher, CEO Shar Products Company