ABSTRACT
The twentieth century brought technological and social changes that reshaped many areas of life. The world of music teaching and learning was revolutionized by “early start” approaches and teaching methods aimed at introducing young students to instruments in group and/or school orchestra settings. These changes prompted the development of pedagogical approaches that are unique in their focus on teaching beginning and intermediate students in individual lessons as well as groups. Some of these approaches are based on the intuitive insights of their founders, some on research with young string players, and some on years of successful teaching and performing experience. All of them offer conscientious, age-appropriate, and sequential instruction that, if carefully studied and applied, leads to joyful learning and the attainment of high standards in string playing.
