String Builder Violin Book One

by Samuel Applebaum

The Belwin String Builder is a string class method in which the violin, viola, cello, and bass play together throughout. Each book, however, is a complete unit and may be used separately for class or individual instruction. The material in this book is realistically graded so that only a minimum of explanatory material is required. Each melody is interesting and will provide the basis for a fine left hand technic and bow arm. Available in three levels for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano accompaniment, and teacher's manual.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1985

Reviews

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series was very popular in the middle of the 20th century with school orchestra programs. Students learn the open D and A strings first, then open G and E. Next comes first, second, and third fingers on D and A, then those fingers on G. The E string fingers are taught near the end of the book, as is the fourth finger. The book ends with the introduction of eighth notes and the formation of the major scale.
The book has a very retro feel to it, both in song selection and the way instructions are written. The braille edition I used was somewhat inconsistent in providing duet parts (i.e., not everything listed as playable by two people had both parts transcribed, and no supplementary material was added at the back for a blind teacher wanting to use this book with blind or sighted students).
There are better method books out now. The many European folk tunes give their country of origin, but the titles have been changed. This practice has now been abandoned as most editors and compilers want to be inclusive and accurate.
Final verdict: choose a different violin method book.