Early Music for the Bowed Psaltery Bullet Points - J M Bolton

Dive into 'Early Music for the Bowed Psaltery' by J M Bolton, a rich resource to master this unique instrument and explore historical music.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Early Music for the Bowed Psaltery, written by J M Bolton

Introduction to Early Music for the Bowed Psaltery

  • Focus on the Bowed Psaltery: The book is dedicated to understanding and playing early music specifically for this unique instrument.
  • Historical Context: Explores the origins and evolution of the bowed psaltery, emphasizing its significance in early music.
  • Target Audience: Aimed at musicians, music educators, and enthusiasts eager to delve into historical performance practices.

Structure of the Book

  • Comprehensive Guide: The book includes a variety of music pieces, exercises, and techniques for mastering the bowed psaltery.
  • Clear Instructions: Step-by-step guides make it approachable for beginners as well as enriching for experienced players.
  • Notation Styles: Features different musical notation that reflects the music's historical context, aiding in understanding early music notation.

Music Selections

  • Diverse Repertoire: Includes a collection of traditional tunes, dances, and songs from various historical periods.
  • Adaptations: Arrangements tailored specifically for the bowed psaltery highlight the unique sound and technique of the instrument.
  • Performance Practice: Each piece includes tips on style, phrasing, and interpretation, enhancing performance quality.

Techniques and Exercises

  • Fundamental Techniques: Covers basic bowing and finger techniques essential for beginners.
  • Progressive Exercises: Engaging exercises gradually increase in difficulty, facilitating skills development.
  • Unique Sound Production: Focuses on creating the distinct sound of the bowed psaltery through various playing techniques.

Final Thoughts

  • Encouragement to Explore: Bolton inspires readers to explore the breadth of early music and the bowed psaltery's potential.
  • Musical Enjoyment: Aimed at fostering a love for music, this book allows one to appreciate historical tunes through practice.

By reading Early Music for the Bowed Psaltery, you can discover the beauty and historical richness of music that resonates through time. The clear guidance, diverse repertoire, and engaging exercises make it a fantastic resource for anyone interested in this unique instrument. 🎶 I truly enjoyed exploring the techniques and historical context this book offers. It sparked my enthusiasm to pick up the bowed psaltery and immerse myself in the captivating world of early music! Check this out if you're keen to embark on a musical journey!

Author's photo - Kevin Brooks
Kevin Brooks

I turn the books I love into bite-sized guides that help people decide what to read next. Back in high school-at a public school outside Columbus, Ohio-my classmates counted on my clear, concise summaries to study smarter, not harder. 


As I graduate this spring, I'm gearing up to pursue a degree in Digital Marketing and share my passion for reading by crafting engaging, actionable content for fellow book enthusiasts.

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