In 1700, the Last Dodo danced The Last Waltz on Mauritius Island. Valse Triste is a B minor waltz tribute to the extinct bird. It’s a tuneful and balanced piece with a soulful cello, a lyrical first violin, and various melodies, harmonies, and rhythms for inner players. It’s an excellent practice for waltz strokes and rhythms.

Keith Sharp is a Brisbane-based string educator, composer, and guest lecturer. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and has created award-winning programs and popular compositions worldwide.

This lively fiddle-style tune with a fun melody and bright harmonies will surely please any crowd. Advanced violin players can try the optional octave extension included in the piece. As the toe-tapping tune develops, the melody is traded around the ensemble, making it memorable and fun!

Keith Sharp is a renowned string educator who completed his Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He has been teaching in Brisbane since then and holds a postgraduate diploma in education. Keith is also a composer and produces award-winning string programs and ensembles. Additionally, he serves as a clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer.

"Mota Moas for String Orchestra" by Keith Sharp is a playful musical composition inspired by the extinct Giant Moas of New Zealand. It is aimed at students in late primary to early high school levels and emphasizes detache and staccato strokes. The piece is composed in D major and includes a ragtime break towards the end. It's a delightful piece that everyone can enjoy!

Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith creates award-winning string programs, composes beautiful works, and is a popular clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer in Australia and abroad.

This music piece is inspired by the bandicoot's playful rhythm and light texture. It's suitable for advanced Primary to junior high ensembles and allows the practice of various stroke techniques. The theme is evenly distributed, making it enjoyable for all.

Click Go the Shears is a delightful adaptation of a traditional Australian folk song for beginner players. It features an optional and exquisitely crafted piano accompaniment. Simple violin lines can be played singly with the piano.

Keith Sharp is a string educator in Brisbane, Australia. He received his degree in 1984 and a post-graduate diploma in 1995. Keith produces award-winning string programs and compositions popular in Australia and internationally. He is also active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.

"Masque of Arne" is a musical piece with a quasi-renaissance style featuring two different dance types. The first section is lively and upbeat, while the second is more ambient and tonal. The two can be performed separately or in succession, with a return to the first dance using da Capo to end the performance.

Keith Sharp is a string educator in the Gap region of Brisbane, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Music in 1984 and a postgraduate diploma in education in 1995. Keith is an award-winning composer and highly regarded clinician, guest conductor, and lecturer, with his works being popular in Australia and internationally.

The Dancing Peppers is a charming and light-hearted piece featuring repeated figures reminiscent of a familiar Mexican theme. The work is fun to play, yet teachers will find it packed with wonderful elementary string teaching points that help encourage both left- and right-hand technical development and refinement. 

"Quasi Jig" is a piece for middle- to high-school string players. It features light-hearted accompaniments, Celtic-style fiddle themes, and syncopations. The piece is technically challenging and engaging for players with various skill levels, with melody, harmony, obligato, and accompanying roles shared among the players. Graded 3 lasts 4 minutes and 30 seconds, and it is in the key of G major/C major.

Keith Sharp is a highly experienced string educator from Brisbane, Australia. He has produced award-winning string programs and composed imaginative works famous in Australia, the US, the UK, and Germany. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer.