String Builder, Book Two: Piano Acc. (Instrumental) Book

This accompaniment book gives your string class the harmonic and rhythmic support it needs to sound complete from the very start. Applebaum's careful pacing means students hear themselves within a full musical context without the accompaniment overwhelming or complicating their focus on fundamentals.

Straightforward, unpretentious, and musical. The pieces sit comfortably under the fingers and create genuine satisfaction when played together, without requiring sophisticated harmonic or stylistic interpretation.

String directors and class pianists working with beginning through intermediate students using String Builder Book Two. Piano accompanists in school string programs will find this essential for supporting their ensemble's daily instruction and rehearsal work.

• Balance the string parts so they sit comfortably above the piano foundation rather than fighting for prominence.
• Keep the tempo steady and allow yourself to follow the bow rhythms of your ensemble; flexibility serves the music better than rigid metronomic playing.
• Voice the left hand to support the harmonic movement without excess texture; Applebaum's writing rewards clarity over fullness.

Use this alongside your string parts during regular rehearsals and lessons to give students immediate context for the melodies and rhythms they're learning. The accompaniment also works well for student recitals and informal performances where strings need piano support.

• Listening for harmonic support while maintaining independent part integrity
• Playing in ensemble with an accompanying instrument
• Intonation refinement through chord context
• Rhythmic stability in ensemble settings