This book works on basic viola bowing and rhythm skills using only open strings. From quarter and eighth notes to the first slurs, this book can help students read music and play open strings at the very first lesson. Other skills taught include rests, open string double stops, 3/4 timing, string crossing, and half and whole notes. Are you teaching beginning violists? This is a great book to use with students from the very first lesson. While they progress to fingered notes after (and sometimes during) the first lesson, you can continue assigning this book until the student finishes it. It's great as a warm-up at the beginning of the lesson where they can focus on bowing. Are you teaching yourself? This book doesn't have any explanatory words and was intended to be used in a lesson. However, adult learners can play through it and improve their playing if they know a bit about how to read music (how notes fall on a staff, how rhythms are notated, etc.). This book could be used along with Learning the Viola, Book One and could be followed by The Hot Cross Buns Book for Viola.

This book of exciting bowing workouts for the cello gives you 110 all-new exercises to train your bow on open strings before you begin the rest of your practice. Since there are no left hand notes, you can focus entirely on improving the dexterity and control of the right (bow) hand. This book gives cellists a tremendous resource for developing an all-around bow technique that meets the demands of the cello repertoire, as well as a path to creating better tone. The exercises in this cello bowing book work on on staccato and articulation, dynamics, string crossing, chords, hooked bowing, spiccato, and more.

The Belwin String Builder is a string class method in which the violin, viola, cello, and bass play together throughout. Each book, however, is a complete unit and may be used separately for class or individual instruction. The material in this book is realistically graded so that only a minimum of explanatory material is required. Each melody is interesting and will provide the basis for a fine left hand technic and bow arm. Available in three levels for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano accompaniment, and teacher's manual.

Learning the Cello, Book One is an introductory cello method for the absolute beginner. Starting with open string letters and songs with simple finger numbers, the book progresses to short exercises and familiar songs with large, easy-to-read notes to get the student to play as much as possible. Written for students ages 5-9, Learning the Cello, Book One is especially helpful with younger beginners or students who struggle with note-reading. This book can be studied in private lessons, in single-string classes, or in mixed-string classes, along with Learning the Violin, Book One, Learning the Viola, Book One, and Learning the Bass, Book One. A Score and Piano Accompaniment is also available. This book could be studied along with The Open String Book for Cello and Early Exercises for the Cello, and could be followed by Learning the Cello, Book Two.

(Essential Elements for Strings). (Essential Elements for Strings and Essential Elements Interactive are fully compatible with Essential Elements 2000 for Strings) Essential Elements for Strings offers beginning students sound pedagogy and engaging music, all carefully paced to successfully start young players on their musical journey. EE features both familiar songs and specially designed exercises, created and arranged for the classroom in a unison-learning environment, as well as instrument-specific exercises to focus each student on the unique characteristics of their own instrument. EE provides both teachers and students with a wealth of materials to develop total musicianship, even at the beginning stages. Books 1 and 2 also include access to Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) , the ultimate online music education resource - anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Go to www.essentialelementsinteractive.com to learn more! Method features: * Enhanced Starting System * Optimum Reinforced Learning * Pacing * Theory, History, Cross-Curriculum & Creativity * Performance Spotlights Book also includes My EE Library * (www.myeelibrary.com) - Instant Stream/Download/CD-ROM* * Start-up video Learn the basics * Play-along mp3 tracks for all exercises Features a professional orchestra * Duets and trios Print and play parts with friends * Music listening library Hear great pieces for orchestra! *Internet access required for My EE Library . Book includes instructions to order free opt. CD-ROM.

Dr. Suzuki questioned why all vocalists vocalize every day to improve their voices, but instrumentalists do not do so every day with their instruments. He believes that on any instrument, one needs to practice to make a more beautiful tone. First he talks about playing a beautiful resonant tone with the bow while plucking the string with a finger. When a pizzicato is played, the resonance goes on for a long time. Students should listen to that resonance and play the same kind of clear beautiful sound. He talks about how to make a difference in the tone by using a different bow speed, how to practice to find the resonance point, how to change the weight of the arm on the bow to produce a different kind of tone, and how to change tone color. This book includes all of Dr. Suzuki's basic ideas about tone.

A stress-free, big-note-filled violin method.

The Belwin String Builder is a string class method in which the violin, viola, cello, and bass play together throughout. Each book, however, is a complete unit and may be used separately for class or individual instruction. The material in this book is realistically graded so that only a minimum of explanatory material is required. Each melody is interesting and will provide the basis for a fine left hand technic and bow arm. Available in three levels for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano accompaniment, and teacher's manual.