03/05/2026
*************************NOW AVAILABLE****************************
https://syrinxmusic.com/collections/mark-goddard-plain-sailing?_pos=1&_psq=plain&_ss=e&_v=1.0
The Plain Sailing Series presents very easy music wherein each of the five short pieces sounds good in two, OR three OR four OR more parts on practically any combination of instruments. Written originally for use in group flute tuition, Plain Sailing has since been used as the basis for ensemble music-making for everything from primary school recorder lessons to adult education string workshops, to spontaneous music making at surprise parties … etc.
The secret to the music’s flexibility is the format — no parts — just hand out complete scores to each participant, in the appropriate version. There are currently six books which cover most possibilities, available separately or in economical “packs”.
For each of the five short pieces, parts 2, 3 and 4 are optional. However, two, three, four or more players can be added with a proportional thickening of texture and interest. The bass version has an additional fifth part which should be played as a priority in the presence of other treble instruments. Parts are notated NOT in order of difficulty, but of musical importance. Part two, while sometimes being the easiest to play, holds the key harmony notes, while the fourth part occasionally provides a descant.
