Violin Lesson

Violin lesson book for beginners?

I started to learn the violin about 4 or 5 months ago with an instructor. I love the violin, and love to practice, but I just don’t like having a teacher (I’m an indipendant kind of person.) So do you know of any lesson books, DVDs, etc. that will help an early violinist? I have been playing piano for about 8 or 9 years, so I know how to note read. But if I could get something to help me continue my progress in violin while discontinuing my lessons, that would be great!

Honestly, you can’t learn the violin adequately without a proper teacher.

I used to be of the same mindset as you — and quite honestly, it failed miserably. I had the same experience and determination, but no DVD or lesson books can adequately teach what a teacher can teach. There are some things so miniscule; certain movements and techniques, that you’d never even be able to see from a book or movie. That’s what teachers are for.

Furthermore, when you’re making a mistake or doing something in a way that’s not quite the best, a book or movie don’t exactly point it out to you. A teacher does — and they can help you to correct it.

It’s important that you’re doing everything correctly. While many prefer to believe that as long as it sounds good, it will work, that’s not always the perfect mindset. If you do something wrong, it can actually cause injuries — and I’ll be the first to admit that when you’re doing something wrong, it will hurt. In some cases, it will hurt a lot. With a teacher, it’s unlikely you’d have that problem.

So all in all, stick to a teacher. However, I do recommend that you follow your hopes in getting a program to work with.

I recommend the Suzuki method series. The books range from levels one to ten, and most common music suppliers carry them. However, one thing that I should point out is that they’re not really instructional; they simply have songs for each level of skill.

If you want actual skill improvement books, I would recommend Essential Elements. It’s a great system with levelled books, and fairly easy to follow.

Just the same, as I said, nothing quite compares to an instructor to help you through the challenges.

Good luck =) I hope you continue to enjoy the violin, as well as music altogether, as I have.

Learn Violin! Violin Lesson #1- Holding the Bow (bow hold), pt.1