Teaching methods

My name is Al Bautista and I teach violin and viola

TRADITIONAL METHOD

I have a gradual method for the students to learn reading notes, values, timing, notation, bowing and fingering.   The 1st book is called the String Builder by Samuel Applebaum.  This book comes in 3 volumes.  I like this book over the others because it has a gradual thorough progression and does not miss the left and right hand pizzicato.  I also include drills to make the studies easier to practice.  For teen beginners and adults, I use a faster method which is called Solo Time for Strings by Forest R. Etling.  I accompany the music book with a workbook by the same author to be completed at home on a weekly basis.  The workbook provides theory focusing towards their instrument.  This comes in two volumes.  I normally assign an advanced 3rd workbook during the students high school years.  The 3rd workbook is optional for adults.

The etudes are geared toward the classical style to be effective whereas the music can be directed to the musical taste of the student.  This is where I introduce, in addition to classical, pop, fiddle, standards, gypsy and other genre to provide the student an overall musical immersion.  The goal of the student's studies is the style of music he/she want to play and the kind of ensemble he/she want to join.