Sound Innovations for String Orchestra Book 1 (Second Edition) – Bass

Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1, Second Edition is a comprehensive method book designed to help beginning bass players build strong musical foundations through a carefully sequenced progression of skills. Written by Bob Phillips, Peter Boonshaft, and Robert Sheldon, this method combines clear instruction, engaging musical material, performance opportunities, and practical assessment tools to support both classroom instruction and individual practice.

Structured Learning for Beginning Bassists

The method is organized into six short levels with clear benchmarks, assessment indicators, and intermediate goals to help teachers and students track progress. Exercises introduce new concepts at a thoughtful pace while providing reinforcement, technique development, and opportunities to apply skills through a variety of musical styles. Note names are intentionally omitted from note heads to encourage faster development of music-reading and musical literacy.

Flexible Resources for Teachers and Students

Every book includes free access to SI Online, providing supplemental worksheets, practice tracks, alternate tunes, extra string orchestra pieces, instrument-specific instructional videos, and additional learning materials. Accompaniment tracks can be slowed down, sped up, and looped to help students practice challenging passages at an appropriate pace.

Online Practice and Assessment Tools

SI Online resources include music theory, music history, scales, rhythm exercises, technique pieces, and other materials that can be used for classroom reinforcement, home practice, and differentiated instruction. Book 1, Second Edition is also available for free in MakeMusic Cloud, an interactive practice platform designed to support student practice and assessment. With a paid subscription, students can additionally access SI CenterStage for popular melodies, including Disney and pop tunes, across instruments.

Specifications

• Series: Sound Innovations for String Orchestra
• Book: Book 1, Second Edition
• Instrument: Bass
• Format: Method book with online media
• Authors: Bob Phillips, Peter Boonshaft, Robert Sheldon
• Item number: 00-50609
• Designed for beginning string musicians
• Six short levels with benchmarks and assessment indicators
• Progressive exercises and technique development
• Diverse musical styles and performance opportunities
• Note names omitted from note heads to encourage music literacy
• Includes free access to SI Online
• Supplemental worksheets and practice tracks
• Alternate tunes and extra string orchestra pieces
• Instrument-specific instructional videos
• Adjustable accompaniment tracks with speed and looping controls
• Music theory, history, scale, rhythm, and technique resources
• Available for free in MakeMusic Cloud
• Compatible with SI CenterStage through paid subscription

A thoughtfully structured beginning bass method that combines progressive instruction, ensemble development, and extensive online resources to help students build confident musical skills from their first notes onward.