These exercises are often presented in different keys in ascending order to aid in difficulty, known as methodical progression, or to focus on isolated aspects like fluency, rhythm, dynamics, and articulation.
Duets or recital pieces may with accompaniment are often included as well for students to perform.
As typical instrumental methods are meant to function as textbooks that supporting a private teacher rather than to facilitate self-teaching, and thus usually includes 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 specially tailored for students on certain skill levels, which is in contrast to a complete method, sometimes in multiple volumes, meant to accompany the student until he or she becomes an advanced player.