Posted by Dusty Munger on December 21, 2007 at 11:38:39:
In Reply to: Re: Resources please! posted by Gabriel Villasurda on December 11, 2007 at 15:40:44:
A great resource is the American String Teachers Association. (ASTA www.astaweb.com), Join the community and get a copy of the "Getting it Right From the Start" package. This includes the namesake publication on how to start and grow a program from scratch and some other goodies (string syllabus- a graded survey of methods, solos, and ensembles, teaching stringed instruments in classes). Other good resources are Paul Rolland's Teaching of Action in strings (book and video!), Kato Havas' New Approach, Teaching Stringed Instruments in Classes.
Some equipment I would suggest are a LOUD metronome (McAdams) and digital tuners (Korg CA-30 or a clip on type). Rhythmizing the bow stroke will improve tone quality and make intonation more apparent. The tuners give the students immediate feedback about their pitch.
Repertoire: I would check out the Uni-Tunes Series first (unison) and then the Daily Warm Ups by Michael Allen. This is a great starting point for you to create that warm-up set to work the skills your students need.
Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress!
Dusty Munger
Frontier Academy
Greeley, Co