Etling String Class Method, Book 1: Piano Acc. (Instrumental) Book

This method puts flexibility where it belongs: in your hands. Rather than locking you into a rigid sequence, Etling lets you teach intonation, bow technique, and rhythm on your own timeline, integrating them with note reading only when students are ready. The modular structure means you're not forced to skip material or slow the class down for readiness gaps; you can branch into solos and drills whenever it serves your students.

Straightforward and workmanlike. The writing is clean and uncluttered, designed to keep both pianist and students focused on the technical work at hand without distraction. Accompaniments are supportive rather than elaborate, letting the string tone and intonation remain the center of attention.

String teachers working with classroom or group instruction who need accompaniment support for daily technical work, solos, and drills. This book serves as the piano part to the Etling String Class Method student materials, whether you're teaching absolute beginners or reinforcing fundamentals with a mixed-ability class.

• Prepare the accompaniments ahead of time so the piano support feels seamless during string class; stopping to sight-read the accompaniment undermines student confidence in their own tuning and rhythm.
• Use the daily drills as a warm-up ritual rather than a one-time lesson; repetition builds the muscle memory that intonation exercises are meant to develop.
• Transpose solos and drills to match your students' current reading level and key comfort; the method supports this flexibility, so take advantage of it.

Anchor your fall curriculum with this method if you're rotating students through foundational skills before they tackle ensemble repertoire. The drills and solos work well as warm-ups throughout the year, letting you revisit intonation and bow control without veering into separate method books.

• Intonation accuracy in unison and simple harmony
• Bow control and consistency across string changes
• Rhythmic precision with counting and pulse awareness
• Hand position foundation
• Left-hand and right-hand coordination under accompanied performance