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The Art and Science of String Performance: Book

$29.95 USD
$29.95 USD
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The Art and Science of String Performance Cover Image
The Art and Science of String Performance: Book

The Art and Science of String Performance: Book

By Samuel Applebaum and Thomas Lindsay

Item: 00-2336
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Description
In this handy reference for string teachers, Dr. Samuel Applebaum addresses the most frequently asked questions, ranging from the very basic to the most advanced. From his conversations with the greatest concert artists of our time, he covers topics such as positions, intonation, vibrato, bowings, sight reading, practicing and stage fright in a comprehensive question-and-answer format.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 240
ISBN10: 0-88284-352-4
ISBN13: 978-0-88284-352-0
UPC: 038081037820
SKU: 00-2336

More about this title

About the Author: Samuel Applebaum

Samuel Applebaum (1921-2000) built his reputation as a composer, educator, and pedagogue who understood both the technical demands of string playing and the real challenges teachers face in the studio. His work bridging composition and instruction gave him insight into how string players develop, and he spent decades documenting the practical wisdom of master performers and distilling it into accessible guidance.

Applebaum's approach combined his own experience as a performing musician with systematic study of how the world's finest string artists solved problems of intonation, vibrato, and musicianship. His published works remain standard references in string pedagogy precisely because they emerged from genuine conversations with professionals rather than theoretical abstraction.

Why we love this

This book captures the hard-won insights of concert artists without pretension or jargon. String teachers return to it repeatedly because it addresses the actual obstacles students encounter—not in isolation, but connected to how professional musicians think about and solve those same problems.

What to expect

Imagine having a master teacher available whenever a student brings in a frustrating technical problem. The book reads like a series of mentoring conversations rather than a dry manual, with Applebaum's voice consistently practical and rooted in the real challenges of string performance.

Who it's for

String teachers at all levels will find this book essential. Studio instructors, school orchestra directors, and private lesson specialists all benefit from having concrete answers ready when students ask why certain techniques matter or how to solve recurring musical problems. It's equally valuable for experienced teachers seeking fresh perspective and newer instructors building their pedagogical toolkit.

How to get the most out of it

  • Study the section on vibrato in relation to the student's current technical level; Applebaum's categorization helps you diagnose whether a student needs foundational work or refinement of an established technique
  • Use the bowing section as a reference during rehearsal when you need quick clarity on a specific bowstroke or articulation choice
  • Consult the intonation chapter before addressing tone production issues, as the two are often intertwined in ways this book makes clear
  • Reference the practicing section when a student plateaus or seems stuck; the strategies discussed often unlock progress that isolated technical drills do not

How to use it

Keep this on your stand as a reference tool during rehearsals, pulling out specific sections when your section faces recurring issues with intonation, vibrato, or bowings. It also serves as an excellent resource to hand to advanced students who want to understand the 'why' behind their technical work.

Skills your students will build

  • Diagnosing and correcting intonation problems
  • Developing vibrato with control and musicality
  • Selecting appropriate bowings for different musical contexts
  • Building effective practice routines
  • Sight-reading with accuracy and confidence
  • Managing performance anxiety and stage presence

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