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Method (music)

Textbook for a musical instrument

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A method usually contains fingering charts or tablatures, etc., scales and numerous different exercises, sometimes also simple etudes, in different keys, in ascending order as to difficulty (= in methodical progression) or with a focus on isolated aspects like fluency, rhythm, dynamics, articulation and the like. Sometimes there are even recital pieces, also with accompaniment. Such methods differ from etude books in that they are meant as a linear course for a student to follow, with consistent guidance, whereas volumes of etudes are not as comprehensive.

As typical instrumental methods are meant to function as textbooks supporting an instrumental teacher (rather than to facilitate self-teaching), usually no basic or special playing techniques are covered in any depth. Detailed instructions in this respect are only found in special, autodidactical methods.

Some methods are especially tailored for students on certain skill levels or stages of psychosocial development. In contrast, a 'complete' method (sometimes in multiple volumes) is meant to accompany the student until he or she becomes an advanced player.

Methods of certain authors or editors have achieved the status of standard works (reflecting regional and cultural differences) and are published or reissued by different publishing companies and in diverse (new) arrangements. The Suzuki Method is probably the most well known example of this.

The following is a list of various methods of historical interest.

Woodwinds

Flute

  • Altes, Henry. Method for the Boehm flute.
  • Berbiguier, Benoit Tranquille. Flute method.
  • De Lorenzo, Leonardo. L'Indispensabile – A complete modern school for the flute. (1912)
  • Dressler, Rafael. New and complete instructions for the flute, Op. 68. (1827)
  • Drouet, Louis. Method of flute playing. (1830)
  • Fürstenau, Anton Bernhard. Flöten-schule, Op. 42. (1826)
  • Fürstenau, Anton Bernhard. Die kunst des flötenspiels, Op.138. (1844)
  • Hugot and Wunderlich. Méthode de flûte. (1804)
  • Lindsay, Thomas. The elements of flute-playing. (1830)
  • Monzani, Tebaldo. Instructions for the german flute. (1801)
  • Peraut, Mathieu. Méthode pour la flûte. (1800)
  • Jacques-Martin Hotteterre ‘’ Principes de la flûte traversière, ou flûte d'Allemangne, de la flûte à bec ou flûte douce et du hautbois, divisez par traictez’’.](1707)
  • Quantz, Johann Joachim. Versuch einer anweisung die flöte traversiere zu spielen. (1752)
  • Soussmann, Heinrich. Complete method for flute.
  • Tromlitz, Johann George. Unterricht der flöte zu spielen. (1791)
  • Wagner, Ernest. Foundation to flute playing.

Oboe

  • Andraud, Albert. Practical and progressive oboe method.
  • Barret, Apollon Marie-Rose. Complete method for oboe. (1850)
  • Langley, Robin. Tutor for oboe.
  • Niemann, Theodor. Method for the oboe.

Clarinet

  • Bärmann, Karl. Volständige clarinett-schule. (1864)
  • Klosé, Hyacinthe Eléonore. Conservatory Method For The Clarinet. (1879)
  • Lazarus, Henry. New and modern method for the Albert- and Boehm-system clarinet. (1881)
  • Robert_Stark|Stark, Robert. Grosse theoretische-praktische clarinett-schule, Op. 49. (1892)
  • Magnani, Aurelio. Methode complete de clarinette. (1900)
  • Gabler, Maximillian. Tutor. (1906)
  • Mimart, Prospere. Methode nouvelle de clarinette. (1911)
  • Bading, Heinrich and Lange, Hermann. Tutor. (1911)
  • Gräfe, Richard. Method. (1912)
  • Langenus, Gustav. Complete method for the Boehm clarinet. (1913)
  • Reinecke, Carl. Foundation to clarinet playing : an elementary method. (1919)

Bassoon

  • Langey, Otto. Tutor for bassoon.
  • Mackintosh, George. New and improved bassoon tutor. (1840)
  • Weissenborn, Julius. Practical method for the bassoon. (1887)
  • Weissenborn, Julius and Spaniol, Douglas. The New Weissenborn Method for Bassoon. (2010, revised 2013)

Saxophone

  • Klosé, Hyacinthe and Gay, Eugene. Methode complete pour saxophone.
  • Iasilli, Gerardo. Modern conservatory method for saxophone.
  • Mayeur, Louis-Adolphe. Method for saxophone.
  • Vereecken, Ben. Foundation to saxophone playing.
  • Vereecken, Ben. The saxophone virtuoso.
  • Ville, Paul de. Universal method for the saxophone.

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