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First Position Etudes for Strings: Score

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First Position Etudes for Strings Cover Image

First Position Etudes for Strings: Score

By Samuel Applebaum

Item: 00-EL02022

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Description
First Position Etudes for Strings is written for the second year string class or string orchestra. The etudes are to be started when the string group reaches Page 10 in Volume I of the String Builder. They may, however, be used in conjunction with any standard string class method, as this book is a complete unit in itself and may be used separately for class or individual instruction. The string parts are played in unison with piano accompaniment. Each etude is interesting and has its specific technical value for the left hand and for the bow arm. Published for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano accompaniment, and teacher's manual.

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Course for Strings
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 64
ISBN10: 0-7579-3064-6
ISBN13: 978-0-7579-3064-5
UPC: 029156676310
SKU: 00-EL02022
Instrumentation: Score

More about this title

About the Author: Samuel Applebaum

Samuel Applebaum was a string pedagogue and composer whose contributions to string education shaped classroom practice throughout the twentieth century. His String Builder series became a standard method for introducing young string players to fundamental technique, and his supplementary etude collections extended that approach with focused, musical studies that address specific bow and left-hand challenges.

Why we love this

These etudes work because they treat technique as a means to musicality rather than an end in itself. Each study has genuine melodic interest and a clear pedagogical purpose, so students stay engaged while building the specific skills they need at this stage of learning. The unison string parts with piano accompaniment create an ensemble sound that rewards careful listening and intonation work.

What to expect

The music carries a straightforward, earnest quality that respects young players' growing musicality. Piano accompaniment adds harmonic color and grounding, transforming what could be dry technical work into brief musical performances that feel complete and satisfying.

Who it's for

Second-year string students working with any standard method are the primary audience, though these etudes are particularly valuable when students reach Page 10 of String Builder Volume I. Teachers of full string orchestras, smaller class groups, or individual students will find the material accessible and purposeful at this developmental stage.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the string voices carefully against the piano part; the accompaniment should support rather than overshadow the melodic line.
  • Spend time isolating the specific left-hand or bow technique each etude targets before playing through at tempo.
  • Use the piano accompaniment to establish steady pulse and harmonic context, especially for intonation reference in first position.
  • Encourage sections to listen actively to each other since all strings play in unison; any rhythmic or tonal inconsistency becomes immediately obvious.

How to use it

These etudes work best as core technical study material during regular rehearsals rather than performance pieces. Assign them sequentially as your ensemble progresses through first-position foundations, or select individual etudes to target specific bow-arm and left-hand challenges your group needs to address.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustained bow control and tone production at various dynamic levels
  • Intonation accuracy and listening skills in first position
  • Rhythmic precision while playing in unison
  • Left-hand independence and finger dexterity on open and stopped strings
  • Musical phrasing and shape within technically focused studies

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