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A Brief Comparison of String Method Books

This document offers an in-depth comparison of various string method books suitable for beginning string instrument classes. It examines popular methods, including Strictly Strings, Suzuki Method, and Essential Elements, highlighting their unique approaches to teaching. Key features such as note heads, exercises, hand positions, and maintenance tips are discussed. The analysis also covers techniques for ear training, improvisation, and incorporation of music theory, providing valuable insights for educators looking to enhance beginner string education.

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A Brief Comparison of String Method Books

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  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.

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