In music, a method is a kind of textbook for a specified musical instrument or a selected problem of playing a certain instrument.

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

Brass

Voice

• Abt, Franz. Praktische gesangschule, Op.474.
• Concone, Giuseppe. The school of sight-singing.
• García, Manuel. Ecole de Garcia: traité complet de l'art du chant.
• Lamperti, Francesco. The art of singing. (1890)
• Marchesi, Mathilde. The art of singing, Op. 21. (1890)
• Marchesi, Mathilde. Vocal method, Op. 31. (1900)
• Panofka, Heinrich. Abécédaire vocal.
• Panseron, Auguste. Méthode complète de vocalisation. (1898)
• Shakespeare, William. The art of singing. (1910)
• Vaccai, Nicola. Metodo pratico de canto. (1832)

Keyboards

Strings

See also

• Music education

References

• "International Music Score Library Project." (Website)
• "Slide trombone methods." (List)
• "The trill in the classical period (1750-1820)." (Article)
• Anzenberger, Friedrich. Trumpet method books of the 19th century. (List at archive.org)
• Ginsburg, Lev. History of the violoncello. Neptune City, New Jersey: Paganiniana Publications, 1983. (Relevant excerpt)
• Hoeprich, Eric. The clarinet. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2008.
• Kimball, Will. Trombone. 2008. (19th century)
• Nelson, Kayla. "hornhistory.com". 2007. (Website)
• Rosen, Lawrence, Ed. CD Sheet Music. Verona, NJ: Subito Music, Corp., 2000–2009.
• Schwartz, Richard. The cornet compendium: The history and development of the nineteenth-century cornet. 2000. (Chapter 5: Tutors)
• Spaniol, Doug. "A history of the Weissenborn Practical method for bassoon" in Ewell, Terry. Celebrating Double Reeds: A Festschrift for William Waterhouse and Philip Bate. 2009.
• Westbury Park Strings. Romberg and the history of the violoncello. (Article)
• Westphal, Frederick. Guide to teaching woodwinds. Sacramento, CA: McGraw-Hill, 1990.