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

Strategies for Teaching Strings is an essential guide for prospective, novice, and experienced string teachers. Acclaimed instructors Donald L. Hamann and Robert Gillespie share their years of experience, providing readers with all the information and skills necessary to teach string instruments in schools and to develop a successful school orchestra program.
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 book is enhanced by illustrations and photographs that demonstrate correct playing techniques and fingering positions. An appendix includes information about special pedagogical approaches and professional string associations. A full listing of the national content standards established by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and by the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) appears in Chapter 6.

Donald L. Hamann is at University of Arizona. Robert Gillespie is at Ohio State University.