Welcome to
Pathways for Strings!
Pathways for Strings is a highly adaptable resource for teaching heterogeneous strings. Rooted in the Pre-Twinkle Stage of the Suzuki Method, it builds a strong foundation of technique and musicianship in all students, fostering community and joy in the learning process.
Subscription Plans
Build your lesson book!
Create your lesson books with the following selection of materials.
Pathways for Strings
$100.00 / year
An organized Pre-Twinkle approach for teaching string instruments, with books for violin, viola, cello, and bass. Print unlimited copies for $100 annually. Updates and add-ons are automatically included.
Note Reading Skillz
$75.00 / year
A supplement to Pathways for Strings which introduces note-reading concepts in a simple yet effective way. Print unlimited copies for $75 annually. Updates and add-ons are automatically included.
Lesson Book Bundle ⭐️
$150.00 / year
Save with the lesson bundle, which includes both Pathways for Strings and Note Reading Skillz lesson books. Print unlimited copies for $150 annually. Updates and add-ons are automatically included.
Getting started
Before using Pathways for Strings
Your classroom environment is like an Operating System: as the teacher, you create and influence this environment in your interactions with students and how you communicate your teaching philosophy. Pathways for Strings is an organization of ideas from the Suzuki Method, and is simply a tool – not an Operating System. This tool is designed to work in the Operating System of the Suzuki Method, adapting the philosophy and concepts from this method to a heterogeneous string program.
If you have not done Suzuki Unit 1 Teacher Training on violin, viola, cello or bass, or have not taken the Suzuki in the Schools training, please consider doing this before using this tool. Pathways for Strings contains many ideas inspired and collected from this training, and deep study through a Suzuki Teacher Training course will provide you with an appropriate context to fully appreciate and implement this tool.
The Suzuki community is one where we share ideas in the common interest of serving our students, and also with the understanding that we continually pursue our own growth and training as teachers. Out of respect for Dr. Suzuki and the many teachers who have shared their ideas, please consider training in the Suzuki Method.
For more information regarding teacher training: https://suzukiassociation.org/teachers/training/
Sneak Peek
What’s included in the lesson books
Pathways for Strings
An organized Pre-Twinkle approach for the heterogeneous string classroom that ensures appropriate technical development for violin, viola, cello, and bass. There are four downloadable PDF books, one for each instrument, which you can print as needed for your program. Additionally, you’ll have access to a Teacher Starter Page with ideas for efficiently starting beginners, piano accompaniment music, and supplemental add-ons such as extra repetition sheets and holiday-themed activities.
Note Reading Skillz
A note-reading supplement to Pathways for Strings, this resource introduces note-reading concepts in a simple yet effective way, focusing on building a common language. Coordinated for the four instruments, Book 1 guides students through the notes of the D major scale and quarter, eighth, and half note rhythms. Other symbols, such as repeat signs and bow directions, are introduced gradually to avoid overwhelming students. Also includes access to pitch pattern companion documents.
Contact
Get in touch
My name is Charlie Bennett and I’m the creator of Pathways for Strings. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.