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The article focuses on the controversial topic among string educators regarding the use of markers on fingerboards as a means of teaching students proper finger placement. An argument is formed due to different views of teachers regarding the use of tapes and decals as fingerboard markings. The negative views include the idea that students should develop their playing ability through their ears to avoid results of poor posture and dependence on poorly positioned markers. On the other hand, those in favor of the tapes believed that markers add accuracy and assist on the notes that students play. Moreover, other critics believe that students' learning varies and that arguments on the way the string educators should impart their teachings to their students are not required.

The article presents suggestions for choosing strings for student instruments. Orchestral strings are made from many types of materials including metal, metal hybrids, gold, silver, Zyex core, Perlon core, other synthetic cores, and gut, just to name a few. These materials affect the way the instrument sounds and other aspects of performance, such as articulation and dynamic control. Changes in humidity and temperature can also affect the sound. After a break-in period of about a week, a new string will stretch out and hold a pitch well, but all new strings have to be tuned frequently. The length of the break-in period varies and depends on the type of string. Strings have a limited playing life and even strings that are never played should be discarded after ten years. Metal strings are inexpensive, durable, and often used by beginning players. Even frequently played metal strings can last up to two years when properly maintained. Gut strings can work well on older instruments but may sound dull on newer ones. Gut strings go out of tune easily, react to even slight weather changes, are expensive, and do not last as long as synthetic or metal strings. For these reasons, gut strings are not recommended for beginning or intermediate players. Bass strings are the most difficult to choose and the most expensive.

A personal narrative is presented in which the author discusses his experience of becoming and orchestra teacher and providing music education to the students.