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10/08/2021 01:37 PM
Violin is one of the hardest instruments to learn, with many difficult technique challenges in addition to learning music reading and all the basics of music. Finding the right book for your ability level is essential for beginner violinists.
This article breaks down some of our teachers' favorite violin books for beginners of all ages.
The Suzuki Method: Volume 1 is probably the most common violin book out there. While the "Suzuki Method" is a specific method of teaching involving teaching students by ear, the Suzuki books themselves include a great assortment of classical violin repertoire. (Many teachers choose to use these books without teaching the Suzuki method!)
Volume 1 of the Suzuki method book series starts out with fairly simple pieces such as variations on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," but it progresses fairly quickly. By the end of the book, students will be playing some simple classical pieces such as Bach Minuets.
Because this book has no explanation of music reading concepts, this book would be best for beginners who already know how to read music or those who have guidance from a teacher.
Best for: learning classical music, fast paced learning
Recommended Ages: 7-adult
Fairfield Fiddle Farm Book 1 is a great fiddle book for beginners and goes nicely as a supplement to the Suzuki Method Volume 1 book.
The book starts out with fairly basic fiddle pieces in the first half of the book and progresses to some fairly complex arrangements including difficult runs and double-stops by the end of the book.
The book is ideal for students who are working with a teacher, since the basic technique concepts and music reading are not explained in the book.
Each piece comes with chord symbols and a basic piano accompaniment, making it a great option for teacher-student duets or playing with an ensemble.
Best for: an introduction to fiddle music
Recommended Ages: 7-adult
Essential Elements For Strings is a common book in school orchestras and group settings, but it also works great for self-learning and private lessons.
The Essential Elements serious is a great introduction to music reading for children. The book consists mostly of short simple pieces that progress at a fairly slow pace, reinforcing concepts as you learn them. The Essential Elements serious would be a great introduction for a student who isn't quite ready for the music reading aspect of the Suzuki book series.
Best for: music reading, group settings, slower paced learning
Recommended Ages: 5-13
My First Violin Fun Book is ideal for young students. Similar to the Essential Elements serious, the book is focused on introducing music reading to young children; however, the book is more child-friendly and includes worksheets and coloring pages for children.
Once students have finished this book, they can progress to the Violin Song and Coloring Fun Book, which includes many nursery-rhyme songs that kids will recognize.
Best For: very young children
Recommended Ages: ages 4-7
I Can Read Music is meant to be a supplement to the Suzuki violin series. Since the Suzuki method involves learning by ear, this book is an introduction to music reading for those students who may not have learned it initially.
I typically recommend this book for adults and older beginners who want extra practice music reading at home.
Best for: learning music reading and practicing sight reading
Recommended Ages: older children through adults
The All For Strings Theory Workbook is a music theory workbook made for violin students. Music theory is not quite as intuitive on the violin as they are on other instruments such as the piano, so it's helpful to have a music theory book that's geared specifically towards violinists.
This book does a great job of explaining key signatures, sharps and flats, finger position, rhythms, and more for violinists. The book is laid out in a worksheet format, allowing for students to practice the music theory concepts as they learn them.
Best for: learning music theory and how it relates to the violin
Recommended Ages: 8 through adult
The Violin Notespeller Book is a workbook for learning notes on the violin. One of the best ways to practice music reading is to simply get more experience identifying notes on the staff, and this book is a great way to get that type of practice.
This book includes a series of worksheets for identifying notes, both through letter names and violin finger numbers. The book progresses through basic open string identification, fingers on each individual string, and ends with testing your knowledge of all the notes on the violin.
Best for: note identification practice
Recommended Ages: 8 through adult
These are just a few of our favorite beginner violin books that our teachers use in their lessons. If you are interested in learning the violin, we recommend trying out one of the books on this list to get your started!
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The best way to learn the violin is by taking private lessons with an experienced instructor, who can help you find the perfect book based on your goals and experience. Sign up for lessons at NOLA School of Music today!