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A Brief Comparison of String Method Books
for Beginning String Classesby
Heather Gullstrand
Pages 1-14 no staff, note heads with letter
names
New concepts at top of page
Bowed exercises appear on p. 14
Regular note heads appear on p. 15.
Strictly Strings
Curved bridge
Hand positions
Fingering
String maintenance
Instrument/bow parts (can be easily copied for a quiz ; )
Diagrams
Rote learning Technique is incorporated into the pieces (no etudes…except for #12…”Etude”…) Bow is used from the start Focus is on intonation and tone production Best for use in homogeneous settings
Suzuki Method
1.) An early start 2.) A superior environment 3.) A commitment to practice 4.) A superior instructor 5.) A thorough teaching method
Suzuki MethodThe Five Conditions for Ability Development
Focus is on positioning the instrument Color coded string indicators National Standards indicated throughout New concepts (“directions) and reviewed
concepts are indicated throughout
New Directions for Strings
Rote activities are incorporated throughout
Letter names only at the beginning of Book 1
Pizzicato circles (bow lift preparation)
Can be used in a team teaching setting with a music theory or other general music teacher
New Directions
2 options for bass players: “traditional” and “D
string” (3rd position from the start)
Music theory practice activities
Dictation skills and ear training are incorporated
More advanced techniques are introduced early on: finger tunnels, bow lifts, bow use
New Directions
The method books that I grew up with…
The method books that I grew up with…
Great color pictures of real human beings
positioning their instruments New concepts are found on “Adventure Maps” Eighth note rhythm introduced early Repeated notes with note heads & letter
names
String Explorer
Notes appear on staff early on; exercises have
many repeated notes Bowing techniques introduced early on
(hooked bowings and slurs) Ear training, theory, and composition activities Throughout Solfege introduced Improvisation exercises Composer and music history information
String Explorer
Keep left hand fingers down!
Many photos of instrument positioning, technique, maintenance.
Many fingering charts incorporated throughout.
All for Strings
The most widely used String Method book in
the USA Pizzicato is used for an extended time, setting
the left hand position well before introducing the bow
Essential Elements 2000
Note names are indicated inside note heads Indications of “fingers down” throughout Bow technique and rhythm: “Rosin Raps” p. 13 Fingering chart near the end (I feel that there
should be more of these incorporated throughout the book)
Teacher manual has many resources: Evaluation Parent letters Teaching tips and timelines
Essential Elements 2000
Newest addition to string methods by Bob
Phillips
Teacher can create book by selecting techniques, songs, exercises
Single sheet orchestra music with new concepts and terms (3 more added this year)
Sound Innovations Series
Sound Innovations
Sound Innovations
Allen, M., Gillespie, B., Tellejohn-Hayes, P., & Higgens, J. (2001).
Essential Elements 2000 Book 1. Anderson, G., & Frost, R. S. (2008). All for Strings Book 1. Kjos. Applebaum, S. (1995). String Builder Book 1. : Belwin Mills. Dillon, J., Kjellan, J., & O'Reilly, J. (1993). Strictly Strings. Highland
Etling. Fischbach, G., & Frost, R. S. (2002). Artistry in Strings Book 1. Kjos. Muller, J. F., & Rusch, H. (1962). String Method Book 1. Kjos. Phillips, B., Boonshaft, & Sheldon. (2010). Sound Innovations
String Orchestra Bk 1. Alfred. Phillips, B., Dabczynski, A., & Meyer, R. (n.d.). String Explorer Book
1. Highland Etling. Suzuki, S. (2007). Suzuki Violin School Book 1. Alfred.
Resources
