String Groove®

Teaching Ideas for Improvising
available for Violin, Viola and Cello

String Groove® is a new product designed to teach improvisation.

This system consists of a book and CD of 12 original tunes written by Edgar Gabriel in the styles of: Irish Fiddle, Smooth Jazz, Jazz Blues, Rock, Middle-Eastern, Old-time Fiddle, Salsa, Heavy-Metal, Cajun Fiddle, Rock Blues, Swing Jazz, Funk.

The 65 minute CD includes two versions of each composition. One version is complete with violinist Edgar Gabriel and the other version is performed by the rhythm section minus violin, so you can play along.

String Groove is for string students, teachers and professionals who want to learn to improvise. It can also work for other musical instruments. If you combine the violin, viola and cello books, each piece can be performed by a trio or larger string ensemble.

String Groove® works on two levels of complexity. Both the string student and the professional musician can greatly benefit from this system. It is designed for beginners of improvisation, however, students must be proficient on the instrument to improvise successfully. Full comprehension of first position on a stringed instrument is required for String Groove's most basic level (Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent). Knowledge of third and fourth positions are helpful.

Teachers may find String Groove® to be a valuable teaching tool for it may provide inspiration.

The book includes instructions and theory to help you perform and improvise in these styles. Relevant background and music history is contained throughout the book. There is also a section about microphones and electronic instruments.

String Groove's mascot Mr. Groove, or Mr. G for short, helps you throughout the book to not take improvisation too seriously.

Listen to these String Groove® "Ideas for Improvising" Music Samples:

Sample 1 - Smoothie
Sample 2 - Blue Bows

Edgar Gabriel has taught String Groove courses or workshops nationally and internationally for the following institutions: The Merit School fo Music, Chicago; The Music Institute of Chicago; Strings by the Sea in San Diego CA; The European String Teachers Association; Northwestern University in Evanston IL; The Chicago Suzuki Institue; Music for Youth of Arlington Heights, IL; Northwest Indiana Suzuki Strings; Hyde Park Suzuki Strings in Chicago; Harper College in Palatine; The Kalamazoo Michigan Suzuki Strings, Oconomowoc Wisconsin Suzuki Strings, Wheaton College in Wheaton IL, Wheeling High School, Wheeling IL; Fremd High School, Palatine IL; Buffalo Grove High School, Buffalo Grove IL; and others.

Edgar is willing to travel and would be happy to teach your private or group workshop. Contact Edgar Gabriel personally through e-mail or by phone: (847) 253-7811.

"Edgar Gabriel's String Groove® is the best product of it's kind in the market today!"
- Joseph Golan, Principal Second Violin of the CSO

Edgar Gabriel's new book, String Groove®, provides a unique and wonderful addition to the violin pedagogical literature. Rather than focusing on a particular type of music (jazz, old-time fiddle, etc.), its introduction to 12 distinct styles opens a player's eyes to the limitless possibilities of music that can be played on the violin.

Edgar's experience as a professional in both the classical and non-classical music worlds gives him the ability to explain things clearly when offering hints for skills that may be foreign to classical players, such as improvisation and swinging.

I believe that a book like String Groove® is important book for the complete education of the violin student of the 21st century. It is also a terrific resource for professionals such as myself, providing a great starting place for exploring the worlds of folk, jazz, and rock.

I look forward to referring to the 'Listening Suggestions' and 'Advanced Ideas' over and over as I work on improving my own non-classical skills."
- Rachel Barton, Concert Violinist

"It's a little gem of a book that teaches in a most concise and yet entertaining way."
- Johnny Frigo, Jazz Violinist

"This one looks very good, put together by a great Chicago player."
- Darol Anger, Jazz Violinist

Watch violinist Launa Kressin from Orange, CA lead a performance of "Blue Bows", with cellists Kenny Kressin and David Hyon. Special thanks to their teachers Karen Ahmadi and Patti Hicks.