Strategies for Teaching Strings: Building a Successful String and Orchestra Program

Strategies for Teaching Strings, Second Edition, is an essential guide for prospective, novice, and experienced string teachers alike. Designed for use in undergraduate-level string methods, techniques, and pedagogy courses, this text provides all the information necessary to develop and manage a successful school-based string or orchestra program at elementary through secondary levels. Acclaimed instructors Donald L. Hamann and Robert Gillespie share their years of experience in teaching, research, and advocacy in this comprehensive volume.
Based on national standards for teaching strings and orchestra, the text begins by introducing the string instrument family and presenting an overview of the school orchestra program. Subsequent chapters-divided into three levels of string competency corresponding to elementary, middle, and high school skills-cover performance goals and objectives, strategies for teaching technical and performance skills, and solutions to common playing problems for each ability level. Rehearsal planning and preparation, rehearsal techniques, practical approaches to teaching improvisation, student recruitment and retention, and choosing literature for the school orchestra are also covered.
The Second Edition includes an integrated DVD, which goes beyond the text's illustrations and photographs to demonstrate playing techniques, fingering positions, and teaching strategies in action. Other new features in the Second Edition include new lists of resources for instructors and students at chapter ends, reworked chapters on preparing for and conducting rehearsals, and an enhanced appendix of additional pedagogical resources.

Donald L. Hamann is Professor of Music Education and Director of the Institute for Innovation in String Music at the University of Arizona. Robert Gillespie is Professor of Music at The Ohio State University.