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, Double Bass D Position Book 1 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. Book I covers the same information but begins in different regions of the fingerboard. This allows teachers to utilize the standard approach by starting in SimandI first position (A position) or in a higher region (D position) on the fingerboard.

Unique characteristics of New Directions For Strings include:
Posture directions specific to each instrument
Development of basic performance competencies: - music notation and composition - aural skills, dictation and improvisation - music theory
A Tetrachord-based approach to support proper development of the left-hand frame and finger patterns relative to keys
Ensemble opportunities early in the book
Systematic experience with the National Standards
Two contrasting solos for each instrument
Includes additional resources for teachers: pedagogical information, teacher tips, assessment materials, organizational resources