Strictly Strings, Book 1: Piano Acc. (Instrumental) Book

The letter-note notation system removes a major barrier that trips up new string students, letting them focus on listening, bowing, and blending with ensemble mates from the very first lesson. The carefully sequenced accompaniment book grows naturally with student ability while introducing diverse keys, modes, and musical styles, keeping both the score and the teaching fresh across a full year of instruction.

Straightforward and encouraging, with melodies that sound like real music rather than exercises. The carefully graded progression and diverse stylistic range (folk songs, hymns, original pieces) keep rehearsals engaging and give every student a sense of accomplishment week to week.

String orchestra directors introducing first-year students to ensemble playing, whether in a school orchestra or private group setting. Pianists who accompany youth or community orchestras will find thoughtful, musically engaging parts that sit comfortably under the fingers while supporting young string players without overwhelming them.

• Follow the letter-note scaffolding without rushing to standard notation; the transition happens when your students are genuinely ready, not on a preset calendar.
• Balance your left-hand independence by practicing the accompaniment separately before full-group rehearsals, so the ensemble can lock in without waiting for the piano part to catch up.
• Emphasize the melody line with dynamic clarity, especially during early lessons when students are still building confidence in their own ensemble awareness.
• Use the varied keys and modes as teaching moments, pointing out harmonic shifts so students hear how accompaniment shapes musical direction.

Use this as your complete first-year curriculum, moving sequentially through the book to build technique, reading skills, and ensemble awareness in parallel. The 64-page format spans a full academic year; pair it with the corresponding string parts so every player shares the same vocabulary and musical experience from the beginning.

• Transitioning from letter-note reading to standard notation
• Balancing individual part with ensemble texture
• Playing with consistent intonation across multiple keys
• Responding to dynamic and stylistic directions while maintaining ensemble unity
• Understanding harmonic function through accompaniment
• Building confidence in early ensemble contexts