One Step At A Time is a five-part method of teaching the fundamentals of music on the bass. It is written in a way that is logical, sequential, and easy to understand. The success of this approach is in its simplicity. The writing of this series is the culmination of many years of teaching, and is based on carefully considered pedagogical principles. The music on the early pages remains simple so that the student can concentrate on reading music, and producing a solid tone. Theory will be introduced, as needed, after the student is reading music with fluency and ease. The fundamentals of bass playing are introduced, one at a time, on uncluttered pages, with a solid emphasis on finger patterns. THE SPECIFIC GOALS IN BOOK I 1. Read music quickly and easily by note recognition on the D and G strings 2. Develop strength in the fingers 3. Introduce the concept of scale using the 0 1 4 finger pattern 4. Introduce the concepts of: Tetrachord Détaché Legato Marcato Time Signature Key Signature Phrases Slurs 5. Play easy bowing techniques 6. Play easy rhythmic patterns 7. Introduce musical expression 8. Insure a feeling of success with the mastery of melodious songs and etudes in the Key of D Major
About the Author: Jennie Lou Klim received a B. A. degree in music from Western College for Women, Oxford, Ohio, during which time she played in the Dayton Philharmonic, and received a full scholarship to Eastman School of Music for graduate school. Over the years, she attended American String Teacher International Workshops, Suzuki Teacher Training Workshops in the United States and Europe, and the Indiana University summer workshop for teaching music. She developed string programs in public school systems, started several summer music camps, taught Kindermusik, and created her own program for pre-school children. She played in several symphonies in Pennsylvania and Florida, and continues an active schedule of teaching, playing, and writing. Many of her former students are now professional musicians. "The real preparation for these books came from a lifetime of teaching. This method has been successful in my own studio, and I am happy to share it with other teachers who are looking for a new, classic approach for their students."