The Art of String Teaching
Second Edition
In stock and typically ships within 1 business day.
- Author: Michael Hopkins
- Binding: Spiral Bound
- Language: English
- Size: 8.4 x 10.9 inches
- Pages: 480
"Michael Hopkins brought this massive compendium of information into an organized setting useful for collegiate string methods, performance and pedagogy classes, in-service and convention settings, individuals in the field, and for the studio teacher. The American String Teachers Association and GIA Publications have been very strong in the development of these and other efforts and in promoting and supporting Dr. Hopkins and other experts in string pedagogy. This work will soon become required for the serious orchestral teachers within our schools."
—Robert Culver from the Foreword
The Art of String Teaching —a hybrid of written text and high-quality online videos—is a comprehensive string pedagogy resource covering everything from the origins and history of the string family to advanced-level string techniques.
This one-of-a-kind resource begins with two chapters that provide an overview of the orchestral strings. in Chapter 3 Hopkins describes his philosophical approach to string education and provides a curricular model for string instruction. Chapters 4 and 5 provide a detailed description of foundational pedagogy for strings, and Chapters 6 and 7 contain information for helping beginners develop skills and musicianship.
Chapters 8 through 12 focus on intermediate- and advanced-level instruction, touching on such topics as left-hand shifting, vibrato, bowing techniques, tuning skills, improvisation and composition, and music listening, among others. The two concluding chapters offer insights on rehearsing and how to run a successful orchestra program. QR codes throughout the book link to online video demonstrations of string techniques.
The online appendices contain an abundance of practical and convenient teacher resources, including repertoire for beginning string classes, worksheets, flashcards, scales and arpeggios, a template for method book analysis, and sample assessments and rubrics.
This book serves as a useful reference guide for professional orchestra conductors, teachers of group string classes, and private studio teachers. It also addresses the needs of students whose primary instrument is not strings and is suited for use in a string techniques or pedagogy course at the college level.
Michael Hopkins is Professor of Music Education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. in addition to serving as a guest conductor at string festivals across the country, he has given many presentations at state and national conferences on various topics related to string education and music technology. He has composed or arranged over 90 published works for orchestra, and has published articles in a number of the most notable music and education journals.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
The Art of String Teaching
