New Resource: Starting By Rote

My newest downloadable/printable resource is now available for purchase at my STORE (www.orchestraclassroom.com) and TPT site.  I have mentioned before that I have spent a great deal of time studying many different method books to assess their effectiveness.  In my opinion, method books do not have adequate rote sections, so I wrote one myself.  :)  In my experience, students who start by rote are better able to achieve quality intonation, tone and position.

This resource is to be used to supplement your current method book. It contains 36 exercises to help students gain confidence and develop important skills before diving into the method book. This book provides a strong foundation in basic rhythm - which will help students learn faster once they begin learning notes.

Students who spend time playing by rote and carefully learning technique will learn faster once they begin note-reading in the method book.  I believe students need time to internalize and practice technique before officially reading notes.  Playing by rote for several weeks will help students focus on maintaining proper playing position and solid intonation. A rote approach helps students develop confidence and good playing habits.  

This 14 page rote unit (62 pages total) includes parts for violin, viola, cello and bass.  It will help students establish a solid foundation in:

* Basic rhythm/couning* Notes on the D string and A string (G string for basses)* Careful intonation* Tunnel fingers* Finger hops* Bow direction* Bow lifts* Tone* Shifting (for string bass)

This resource does not include a teacher manual. For detailed lesson plans to help build proper position, check out my resource called 'The True Beginning: Before the Method Book."

Printable resources are great because you can copy as many as you need for your class...way cheaper than purchasing standard books.  Plus - it's not a big deal if a student loses a page - you can just print another one!

Check out these sample pages: