We check in after our first performances of the year, and then share the method books we use, how they are organized, and how we use them in the classroom. The second part of our conversation focuses on our approach with fingerboard geography, finger patterns and left hand technique, as well as the strategies we use to reinforce awareness and skill development in this area.

Method Books and Resources we discussed:

• Essential Elements
• Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician
• Habits of a Successful String Musician
• High Tech for Strings
• Daily Warm Ups for String Orchestra
• Daily Warm Ups for Full Orchestra
• Expressive Sightreading for Orchestra
• Sound Innovations for String Orchestra: Sound Development (Advanced) Warm-up Exercises for Tone and Technique for Advanced String Orchestra
• String Player’s Guide to Orchestra
• stringskills.com