Strategies for Teaching Strings

Book excerpt: Strategies for Teaching Strings: Building a Successful String and Orchestra Program, Second Edition, is an essential guide for prospective, novice, and experienced string teachers alike. Now featuring an integrated DVD, this comprehensive text provides all the information necessary to develop and manage a successful school-based program. Based on the national standards for teaching strings and orchestra, the text covers performance objectives, strategies for teaching technical and performance skills, and solutions to common playing problems for elementary, middle, and high school skill levels. It also offers rehearsal strategies to develop large-group ensemble techniques, practical approaches to teaching improvisation, and advice on how to increase student recruitment and retention. What's new in the third edition? * An expanded section on string instrument parts and equipment * More solutions for common playing issues * Bonus strategies for teaching shifting and vibrato at all levels of instruction * Updated information on national standards * A new section devoted to non-string players teaching strings * Additional suggested further resources, both print and online * Links to best-selling full and string orchestra works from J. W. Pepper, for students at all levels