A Brief Comparison of String Method Books

1. A Brief Comparison of String Method Books for Beginning String Classes by Heather Gullstrand

2. Strictly Strings • 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.

3. Diagrams • Curved bridge • Hand positions • Fingering • String maintenance • Instrument/bow parts • (can be easily copied for a quiz ; )

4. Suzuki Method • 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

5. Suzuki MethodThe Five Conditions for Ability Development • 1.) An early start • 2.) A superior environment • 3.) A commitment to practice • 4.) A superior instructor • 5.) A thorough teaching method

6. New Directions for Strings • Focus is on positioning the instrument • Color coded string indicators • National Standards indicated throughout • New concepts (“directions) and reviewed concepts are indicated throughout

7. New Directions • 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

8. 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

9. The method books that I grew up with…

10. The method books that I grew up with…

11. String Explorer • 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

12. 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

13. All for Strings • All for Strings- KJOS Music

14. All for Strings • Keep left hand fingers down! • Many photos of instrument positioning, technique, maintenance. • Many fingering charts incorporated throughout.

15. Essential Elements 2000 • 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

16. 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

17. Sound Innovations Series • 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)

18. Sound Innovations • Sound Innovations

19. Artistry in Strings • Artistry in Strings

20. Resources • 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.