New Directions For Strings is the first method ever written by a team of pedagogues representing each of the four stringed instruments. With more than 100 years of combined teaching experience, the authors of New Directions For Strings explore many "new directions" including equal integration of all the instruments, a tetrachord-based approach to support proper development of the left hand, and ensemble opportunities that occur throughout the book. Special attention is paid to the pedagogical development of right hand, left hand, and musical skills. The sequence of New Directions For Strings constantly builds and reinforces fundamental skills, and the Teacher's Manual provides an abundance of assessment opportunities. These pieces, along with all the other music in the method, have been carefully edited to develop left and right hand technique as well as bow control. Two CDs, featuring play-along tracks recorded by professional musicians are included with each student book and the Teacher's Manual, ideal for home practice and motivating students.