Etling String Class Method, Book 2: Violin Book

Book 2 respects the progress your students have already made while refusing to let fundamentals slip. The integrated approach to drills, solos, and technique means you're not choosing between "working on bow control" and "playing music"—you're doing both simultaneously, which keeps engagement high and momentum real.

Steady and purposeful. Every page builds on established skills without abandoning earlier work. The solos feel achievable rather than performative, inviting students to experience success while the daily drills quietly sharpen their technique underneath.

String teachers managing classes of mixed ability levels who need material they can customize lesson by lesson. This book works for programs just beginning ensemble playing and for those reinforcing technique in ongoing classes. It's equally suited to classroom teachers with minimal string background and experienced orchestra directors seeking supplementary material.

• Before moving through a new section, isolate the specific hand position or bow stroke in the daily drills. Students who stumble on a solo passage often benefit from returning to the targeted drill that addresses that exact technical demand.
• Use the rhythm counting exercises to establish ensemble precision. Having all violins count aloud together before playing creates shared accountability and catches coordination issues early.
• Schedule intonation work at the start of rehearsal when ears are fresh. The method's intonation focus pairs well with a few minutes of unison tuning before tackling ensemble passages.
• Assign solos as individual preparation, then rotate who plays them in class. This builds confidence, allows peer learning, and ensures every student has performance experience.

Integrate Book 2 into your regular rehearsal rotation alongside your main orchestra literature. Use the drills at the top of rehearsal, work through solos during sectional time, and pull rhythm and intonation exercises whenever your ensemble needs a reset. The 32-page format makes it easy to cycle through material without overwhelming your planning.

• Consistent bow stroke control and string crossing
• Left-hand position stability and intonation accuracy
• Rhythm counting and metric precision
• Solo preparation and individual performance confidence
• Sight-reading in developing positions
• Listening to and matching ensemble intonation