Nico's goal is to contribute to the renewal and modernization of teaching strings. His books include original compositions and arrangements of classical pieces and traditionals. All these books are published by De Haske / Hal Leonard. The basis of these books lies in Nico's own teaching practice where they are also being tested with students.

Violin / Viola study material

Position series
One of the contributions to this modernization is the so-called "position-set", which is written to make is possible to start learning the positions in an earlier stage than was customary . Typical of this series is the clear structure next to the great variety of styles from classical to house. The series contains own compositions by Nico Dezaire, as much as arrangements.

Position 2 (2003)  Position 2 is an instructive and pleasant introduction to the second position for violinist who have some playing experience in the first position. It is not necessary to learn the third position before beginning this book. Twelve exercises and 27 tunes in different styles – with accompaniment on the CD – provide an excellent basis for learning the second position. This consists of being able to play and read the fingering “whole-whole-half” on the four strings and on combinations of two adjoining strings. In “Final Theme” all strings are combined. Elementary position changes are approached from open strings or by sliding or by sliding with a finger, up and down the string. In order for the student to concentrate on reading and playing in the second position, indications of dynamics have been left out almost entirely. These can of course be added according to your own interpretation. Catalogue number: DHP 1033440-400 (violin)                                DHP 1074344-400 (viola)   Youtube links: Buenos Aires Dream Waltz Mary and the Fiddler
	Position 3 (2002)    Position 3 is an instructive and pleasant introduction to the third position for violinist who have some playing experience. Ten exercises and 27 tunes in different styles – with accompaniment on the CD – provide an excellent basis. This consists o being able to play and read the fingering “whole-whole-half” on the four strings and on combinations of two adjoining strings. In addition to this, elementary position changes are addressed, through the open strings or by sliding with a finger, up and down the string. So that the student can concentrate on reading and playing in the third position, indications of dynamics have been left out almost entirely. These can of course be added according to your own judgment. Catalogue number: DHP 1013117-400 (violin)                                DHP 1074343-400 (viola) Youtube links: Feelin'Blue Gipsy Wals
Positions 3, 2 & ½ (2009)  Positions 3, 2 en ½ is an instructive and attractive introduction to the different fingering patterns as they cocur in the third, second and half position. In three chapters, it contains 14 scale and triad exercises in the third and second position, as well as 3 exercises for the half-position, plus 32 pieces in various styles - with CD accompaniment. The book is a logical follow-up to Position 3 and Position 2, which form a basis for playing in the third and second position. Positions 3, 2 en ½ continues the focus on different fingering patterns, as well as on the ability to read and play music. Position changes hardly occur in this book; these are dealt with in Position Shifts. Catalogue number: DHP 1104881-400 (violin)                                DHP 1104929-400 (viola) Youtube links: Rainy Rumba Sinbads Ship
	Position Shifts (2005)    Position Shifts is an instructive and enjoyable introduction to the different ways of changing position. The shifts between the First, second and third positions are systematically covered in this book. Through 22 exercises and 36 piece to play in various styles – with accompaniment on the CD – you will learn practically all the different possibilities within positions 1, 2 and 3. This book is a logical continuation of the books Position 3 and Position 2. Catalogue numer: DHP 1053839-400 (violin)                              DHP 1084472-400 (viola) Youtube links: Django Plays the Violin Hungarian Dance Shift Rap
Positions 4 & 5 (2007) Positions 4 & 5 is an educational and enjoyable introduction to the fourth and fifth positions for violinists who already have a command of the First three positions. The book consists of two sections : the fourth position is dealt with first, followed by the fifth position. 18 Exercises and 32 tunes in different styles – with accompaniment on the CD – provide an excellent basis for playing in the fourth and fifth positions as well as for playing in combination with positions one to three. To allow the student to concentrate on reading and playing in the fourth and fifth positions , dynamic markings have been almost entirely omitted. These can of course be added at your discretion. Catalogue number: DHP 1074196-400 (violin)                                DHP 1084473-400 (viola) Youtube links: Far Away Mazurka Rock 'n Roll

Selected Studies deel 1 (2004) Selected Studies 1 includes studies all playable in the 1st position. The pieces have been ordered according to their grade of difficulty, also taking variety and form into account. The following technical skills are included in the Selected Studies program:   For the right hand: detache, legato, even bowing, double strings, portato, triplets. For the left hand: finger dexterity, articulation, easy double stopping, scale structure, double stopped fifths.   Catalog number: DHP 1043671-400 (violin and piano)                            DHP 1043672-400 (viola and piano)
	Selected Studies 2 (2006) Selected Studies 2 contains studies in the first three positions . The following technical skills are included in the Selected Studies program:   For the right hand: string shifts, staccato, legato, spiccato   For the left hand: position work in the second and third position; position shifts; trills. Catalogue number: DHP 1064024-400 (violin and piano)                                DHP 1064025-400 (viola and piano)
Selected Studies 3 (2008) Selected Studies 3 requires smooth position play in seven positions, while much attention is paid to specific problems and techniques. The following technical skills are included in Selected Studies 3: For the right hand: chord playing, ricochet, detache, string shifts, staccato, legato, spiccato, octave playing, cantilena.   For the left hand: extended position playing, extensions, varied double stops, octave playing, chord playing, position playing on the G string, pizzicato, flageolets, trills, velocity, chromaticism, ornaments. Catalogue number: DHP 1074433-400 (violin and piano)

Violin / Viola Instrumental Albums

Violin Fun/Viola Fun (Dinie Goedhart, arr. Nico Dezaire, 1999)   The 17 simple, varied pieces in this book are written especially for violin. Fully playable in 1st position, using only the 1st and 2nd finger patterns. The play-along CD sounds very catchy. The pieces ensure success with family and friends at the 1st concert  or mini concert in the 1st year. With illustrations and a fun game "play the labyrint song". Catalogue number: DHP 0991772-400 (violin)                               DHP 1033383-400 (viola)
	More Violin Fun/More Viola Fun (Dinie Goedhart, arr. Nico Dezaire, 2000) More Fun Violin / Viola More Fun is the successor of the successful Violin Fun/ Viola Fun. This book is meant for the 2nd year and all songs are again playable in the first position. As in the 1st part a catchy play-along CD is included. Most titles of the 15 pieces anounce musical instruments: a trumpet, organ, cello, flute etc. The 1st and 2nd finger patterns are now combined, new are also the 6 / 8 time and the rhythm of sixteenth notes. Again with nice illustrations and "the Big Searching game”. Catalogue number: DHP 0991773-400 (violin)                               DHP 1074407-400 (viola)
Easy Solos (Fons van Gorp, arr. Nico Dezaire 2002) This book contains first-position  pieces that are easy to play in keys with flats. Although beginning violinist often learn to play in keys with sharps, a lot of violin music has been composed in keys with flats. That is why, in this book, sixteen pieces can   be found that have been written from C major (without accidentals) up to two flats.   Since the rhythms and the range of the music are quite easy, you can play from this book at an early stage. On the cd, you will find the accompaniments of all the pieces in popular style.   Easy Solos for Violin: A surprising introduction to keys with flats!   Catalogue number: DHP 1023173-400 (viool)
	Tango Variety (Sietse Wagenmakers, arr. Nico Dezaire, 2001) Tango Variety is an ideal book for violin players who want to explore playing the popular tango. Written in keys suitable for the violin – with uncomplicates position changes up to the third position – this volume provides lots of playing fun. Enjoy this wonderful tango Music! The piano accompaniment, arranged by Nico Dezaire is available separately but you also have the option of using the accompaniment on the enclosed CD if you have no pianist available.   Catalogue number: DHP 1033473-400 (violin)                               DHP 1033474-401 (piano accomp.)
Play Klezmer! (Jabob Sijtsma, arr. Nico Dezaire, 2003) This book is intended for violinists who want to explore the characteristic sounds of Klezmer music. These twelve irresistible Yiddish melodies can be performed using easy position play (up to third position) and simple double stopping. More advanced violinists can add their own personal touches to the music. Play along with the enclosed CD to get in the mood. A book with the piano accompaniments , arranged by Nico Dezaire, is available separately – for playing together at home and also for those who want to give compelling concert performances! Catalogue number: DHP 1033475-400 (violin)                               DHP 1033476-401 (piano accomp.)
	Tango Delight (Myriam Mees, arr. Nico Dezaire, 2010) The Tango - vigorous and comforting dance music full of emotion, passion and love! Tango Delight is the follow-up to Tango Time! The pieces are a bit more challenging and expansive. They are intended for violonists of an itermediate level who wish to enjoy the real tango. The enclosed demo and play-along CD is a source of inspiration. Catalogue number: DHP 1114985-400 (violin and piano)

Cello Instrumental Albums

Cello Fun (Dinie Goedhart, arr. Nico Dezaire, 1999) The 17 simple, varied pieces in this book are fully playable in 1st position. The play-along CD sounds very catchy. The pieces ensure success with family and friends at the 1st concert or mini concert in the 1st year. With illustrations and a fun game "play the labyrint song.”   Catalogue number: DHP 1043560-400 (cello)

More Cello Fun (Dinie Goedhart, arr. Nico Dezaire, 2000)   More cello Fun is the  successor of the successful Cello Fun. This book is for the 2nd year and all songs are playable in the first position. As in the 1st part a catchy play-along CD is included. Most titles of the 15 pieces anounce musical instruments: a trumpet, organ, cello, flute etc. New are also the 6 / 8 time and the rhythm of sixteenth notes. Again with nice illustrations and "the Big Searching game”. Catalogue number: DHP 1074408-400 (cello)

2 String Instruments

My First violin-duets (1990) My First violin duets is a collection of duets in the 1st position for student and teacher, suitable for both individual lessons and group lessons. In the latter case, several students can play the melody, which is mostly in the upper voice. This provides an even better balance with the more mature tone of the teacher. The material contains known folk songs and nursery songs from Western Europe and the U.S. also popular themes and melodies. This collection has its own technical structure based on different finger patterns.The illustrations are by Mike Raaijmakers. Catalogue number: DHP 0900207-401 (2 violins)
	Classical Duets (2000) Classical Duets is a collection of famous classical themes for 2 violins. The duets are arranged chronologically, so you can make a musical journey that starts in the time of Purcell and via Haydn, Schubert and other ends with Grieg. Fully playable in 1st position, but there are ad libitum fingerings shown in the 3rd position. Catalogue number: DHP 1002051-401 (2 violins)
English & Irish Duets (2002) 19 duets for string players with some experience in playing in the first position, including: All Through the Night * God Save the Queen * Greensleeves * Irish Washerwoman * Scarborough Fair * Simple Simon * and more.   There are 2 versions of this book: a version for 2 violins, all playable in 1st position, with the optional 2nd voice to be played by a viola-player. A separate viola part has been attached. Besides a different version for 2 cellos, playable in positions 1-4, while the 1st voice has an option to be played by a viola-player. Here is also a separate viola party included, playable in the 1st and 3rd position.     Catalogue number: DHP 1023199-401 (2 cellos/viola-cello)                                DHP 1023198-401 (2 violins/violin-viola)
	Tunes for two (2008) Tunes for Two features new duets, composed by Nico Dezaire as well as arrangements of famous melodies from different countries. The book stands alongside the first two volumes of Play the Violin! but can also be used separately. Initially only the open strings come into play; use of the first three fingering patterns follows later. Only the first position is needed. Both parts in each duet are of the same standard.     Catalogue number: DHP 1084517-401 (2 violins)
Klezmatic Duets (2011) Klezmatic Duets is a great new collection of fun and interesting pieces in two parts. It contains a feast of well-known favourites. Available for violin, viola and cello, all books have been arranged specially so that they can be used with each other in any combination. Violin and viola parts are written to stay within the first position and cello players play up to the fourth position. Mazzeltov! Enjoy! Catalogue number: DHP 1115171-401 (2 violins)                                DHP 1115172-401 (2 altos)                                DHP 1115173-401 (2 cellos)

My First String Ensemble (1992) My First String Ensemble is a collection of short, basic pieces for the beginning string ensemble, consisting of arrangements of existing melodies and new compositions by Nico Dezaire. Especially the latter make young students aware of other scales than those of major and minor. Different styles, continents and times are discussed. Chosen for an 3-part instrumentation of 2 violins and 1 cello, the sound of the strings has to be transparent, so that the student can better and easier distinguish the different voices as in a 4-part ensemble. Unique  to mention is the preceding of every piece by an exercise for the entire ensemble, in which the difficulties of every part is being prepared. The pieces are arranged progressively from the point of view of difficulty. The piano part has in most cases an independent nature and can be played  ad libitum. My First String Ensemble can be played by students during their first and second year. All parts can be played  in the 1st position, the second  violin and the cello even use exclusively the basic finger position. Violin 1 also plays  low 2nd fingers and high 3rd fingers and has a slightly higher rate in terms of difficulty.   Catalogue number: DHP 0920350-070 Youtube Links:  Auld Lang Syne Gasshopper Boogie
	String Together (2006) There is nothing better for young strings then playing together! Strings Together contains 9 attractive, well- composed pieces to complement the repertoire for beginning string ensembles. This book is actually a sequel to My First String Ensemble of Nico Dezaire, which has a more transparent 3-part instrumentation. In "Strings Together" the students will get familiar to 4-part scores, which sound fuller. In 3 chapters is being focused on different types of structures, namely homorhythmic, homophonic and polyphonic.. These 3 give an increasing difficulty in. All parts are playable in the 1st position, the 3rd violin can be replaced by a viola and even just uses the basic finger position. The piano part is both supportive and complementary musical written and it is recommended to provide piano accompaniment for performances. If a bass is involved, the bass can play the cello part. In "Strings Together" you can find a great diversity of musical styles, keys, beats and dynamics. Strings Together includes 3 original compositions by Nico Dezaire and 6 arrangements.   Catalogue number: DHP 1064186-070
Classical Highlights (de Haske String Orchestra Series, 2009) Classical Highlights is a collection of arrangements of classical themes dating from the 17th century to the 19th century. The parts are simply written and attractive. At the same time they remain close to the original pieces. Used keys are G, D and A major, and beats  used are 2/4, 3/4 and 4/4. The instrumentation is: violin 1, violin 2, viola (violin 3), cello, double bass ad lib, (2 cello ad lib.) And piano ad lib. The violin and viola parts remain within the 1st position and use only finger patterns 1 and 2. The cello plays  in the 1st position and avoids the 4th finger stretched. The bass is playable in 1st position. No faster rhythms are being used then eight notes. Overall level is very simple. The set consists of a score and separate parts and is accompanied by a demo CD that contains all tracks from the first 5 new sets of "De Haske String Orchestra Series", from which "Classical Highlights" is the first and simplest.   Catalogue number: DHP 1094713-070 Demo tracks can be found here.
	Sunny Strings (de Haske String Orchestra Series, 2009) Sunny Strings was also published in the series "De Haske String Orchestra Series" of Haske / Hal Leonard and has the same structure and instrumentation as "Classical Highlights". The level is higher, (easy/intermediate), keys and signatures are kept simple and all parts are playable in the 1st position, but the students are more challenged in terms of rhythm and playing techniques. Especially "The Ghost of Tom", a traditional is a very special piece: the spooky  atmosphere is enhanced by playing techniques such as col legno and sul Ponticello, but also by rhythms which have to be “tapped” on the instruments. And the big surprise of this piece comes in the end: an improvisation for the whole ensemble. The other 3 compositions (A Sunny Day, Sunday Party, Sunny Blues) show the strings of their sunniest side, also reflecting popular music such as blues and house. Also this set contains a score, separate parts and a demo CD. Catalogue number: DHP 1094612-070 Demo tracks can be found here.
Disney for Strings (de Haske String Orchestra Series, 2011) These world famous Disney songs don't need futhure introduction. The level is easy/intermediate. The titels of the songs are: - The Bare Necessities (Terry Gilkyson - Jungle Book) - It's a Small World (Richard & Robert Sherman - Park Theme) - Can You Feel the Love Tonight? (Sir Elton John - The Lion King) - The Medallion Calls (Klaus Badelt - Pirates of the Caribbean; The curse of the black pearl) Catalogue number: DHP1115150-070 Demo tracks can ben found here.
	Joy of Christmas (2011) Five famous Christmas traditionals arranged for string quartet. The level is easy/intermediate. - Away in a Manger - Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen - In dulci jubilo - Still, Still, Still - Silent Night Catalogue number: DHP 1115201-070 (String Quartet)
Christmas Favourites (2011) Five modern Christmas songs in a popular style arranged for String Quartet. - When a Child is Born - Let it Snow - Sleigh Ride - Jingle Bells - Winter Wonderland Catalogue number: DHP 1115200-070 (String Quartet)                                DHP 1115202-070 (Recorder Quartet)