String Method Book Matters
October 4, 2009
Has anyone else been affected by the international shortage of Essential Elements for Strings method books? (Yes, I am over-dramatizing the issue.) Despite the well-intentioned efforts of my district and the local music stores to be prepared for the fall rush, these books have been selling out nationally.
At one of my four schools, I am trying out a different string method: New Directions for Strings published by FJH. My district has used Essential Elements for about 10 years now, and I thought it might be time to explore other options.
If any of you string specialists would like to share your thoughts about either of these books, please do.
October 6, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I’ve fully adopted the EE 2000 books as my preferred method at my school now. I like the way it’s paced: it fits very well with our school year, and there’s enough repetition to allow slower kids a chance to catch up.
I got an advance copy of New Directions a while ago, and it seems to be a top-notch method. I say run with it, and let us know about the results.
As far as I know, there is no shortage of EE2000 in these parts. My school has many old copies which I loan out to students, but those who tried to buy it had no problem at local stores.