I get this question from both students and teachers. Students want to know what they will learn (or should be learning) in Book 1, while teachers want to compare their curriculum to Suzuki violin book 1 standards.
It’s pretty straightforward: Suzuki Violin Book 1 is for total beginners. The early songs in the book teach skills you will need for songs later in the book, so you get a cumulative, building effect. Your teacher should spend as much time as necessary to teach you the very basics starting with how to get your violin out of its case, how to tighten your bow, and other fundamental skills.
Then, throughout Book 1, you should learn:
• How to hold the violin in a relaxed way
• How to hold the bow in a relaxed way
• How to position your left hand
• How to curve your fingers
• How to play with “Straight Bow”
• How to stay on the “sounding point” (Highway)
• How to create good tone
• Dynamics, or how to play loud and soft
• Ear training
• 1 octave scales and arpeggios
• Use of finger glue
• Block fingers versus independent fingers
• Legato vs. Staccato (detache’ lance’)
• Crossing strings properly
• Bow speed control
• Dolce, ritard, fermata
• Downbeat versus Upbeat (pick-ups)
• How to give a cue
• Pinky development
If you are not learning these skills, ask your teacher to help you with them. You can also come check out my online Suzuki Violin Book 1 lessons at RedDesertViolin.com. I have many adult beginner students who supplement their private lessons with my online lessons, and teachers love it because it helps their students to do better.
Hi Lora,
What is finger glue?
Finger glue is where we leave a finger GLUED to a note, even after we have finished playing it, because strategically, it saves us unnecessary motion because we will need that note again soon…..so if we just LEAVE IT IN PLACE (glue it), then it is there when we need it. Experience will teach you when to use finger glue and when not to.
Hi Lora – I’m an adult beginner with no musical knowledge whatsoever apart from what I’ve gleaned from watching my daughter learn the violin over the past four years. I love the thought of taking up the violin but have struggled to find a teacher locally and am considering signing up for your wonderfully comprehensive online Suzuki lessons. I’m just wondering whether you can help me with a couple of questions before I start? First one is that I’m very self conscious at the thought of being overheard while practicing and am considering buying an electric silent violin to help overcome this. My daughter also wants me to get one so she can act out her David Garrett fantasies! Do you have any thoughts or recommendations on this subject? I’ve looked online at the Stagg EVN, and another from a UK Luthier called Paul Michael Stanton – both of which suit my current budget as I’m currently saving up for the 4/4 I’ll need to buy my daughter later in the year (which hopefully she’ll still condescend to share with me). My second question is that I’m not much taller than my daughter who is currently playing a 3/4 violin that has a beautiful tone and I prefer to ‘play’ (I’m using the term very loosely here!) her instrument than the cheapie 4/4 we have on loan from a friend. Is this okay for now or should I be persevering with the 4/4? Apologies for the long post – it’s past midnight here in sunny Australia so best I end here! Thanking you in advance – HollyRae 🙂
PS – Gail and Beth – thank you for posting – you inspire me to have a go too! I’m lucky in that both my husband and daughter are supportive of my desire to take up an instrument at my age but most people look at me like I’m kidding myself if I mention it to them 🙁
Hi Holly!
It’s great to hear from you! Hey….people can look at you like you are crazy all they want to. Give it a year, and that look will turn from disbelief to amazement, and finally to total respect. But it takes a good long push of 1-2 years before you will really be sold. Many people quit before they get over the “beginners hump”, because it takes a long time before you can really pull out a good sound from your violin….but once you do….you want more and more!
Ok, Electic Violins:: They are GREAT tools for practicing and for living out fantasies of being a rock star. (yes, I have one….and yes, I have fantasies of rocking out on it)
So, get the EVN, it will be a great tool for both you you.
However, if you REALLY want to learn to play the violin, you will need a real violin, to learn the acoustic properties and to work with the 3 ingredients of tone: bow weight, bow speed, and bow placement. These are NOT the same on an EVN…..EVN’s are more forgiving, with less diversity in their sound.
But, let’s get you over the self-conscious thing. It’s ok to feel that way, and for the first while, sure, go ahead and try to “stealth-practice”. But know this: IT IS AN AWESOME UNDERTAKING to start an instrument as an adult, and it is admirable……and NO ONE in their right mind expects you to sound like Heifetz yet!!! Everyone knows violin takes alot of skill. People listen with a supportive attitude more than a judemental one. Now, of course in life there are jerks…..but as they say, “Haterz gonna hate”.
So, do make it your intention to get over that self-consciousness!
Now, about full size vs. 3/4:
3/4 is FINE, especially if you are lucky enough to have a nice sounding one. The only disadvantage of a 3/4 violin is that they are not as loud or powerful, have less projection, and tend to not be of TOP professional quality, and by professional quality, I mean, they are not fit for a professional who makes their living performing on a regular basis. Top quality 3/4 do exist, but they are very expensive, and in limited supply. I have moved 2 of my adult students from full size to 3/4 because they were so small. I have advised others to go to a 7/8. It is a BIGGER advantage to have a violin that fits us than it is a disadvantage not being able to play as loudly.
HOpe I answered your questions. Let me know if you have others! I’m so glad you are going to take this journey….and having this common ground with your daughter will be awesome!!!
Hi Lora – thanks so much for your warm and welcoming reply! I’m pretty keen to try and overcome the fear and give this a shot but just wanted to check whether I need to buy the Suzuki Violin Book 1 and the CD before starting? Kind regards, HollyRae
Hi Holly,
No, you do not need to buy the sheet music. The Suzuki method is taught by ear, and so you should be able to get through all of Book 1 without the sheet music.
That having been said, most people prefer to buy the book to have as a “cheat sheet” and a reference in their library. Even people who cannot read any music feel that having the music helps, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Also, you do not need to buy the recording, because when you sign up, you will get to download a recording of me with pianist Jed Moss to help you learn the pieces.
Thanks again for responding Lora – just waiting for my new credit card to be approved and I’m going to sign up – can’t wait! One last question – and perhaps it’s too hard to answer – but violins tend to be very expensive in Australia and there’s not a great range to choose from. I was browsing eBay tonight and an old French one struck me as having just the kind of sound I like (and in my price range). Is this a crazy way to buy an instrument? The seller has very good feedback and has provided a demonstration on YouTube at: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OLD-ANTIQUE-FRENCH-VIOLIN-SCHOO-OF-CAUSSIN-PROBABLY-BY-LABERTE-CA-1920-VIDEO-/252765701166?hash=item3ada02842e:g:jdUAAOSwNsdXSv1Z
Would love to hear your thoughts – HollyRae 🙂
Oops – wrong eBay listing – this is the correct one!
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232275227662?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
So Holly,
About the price of this violin, I saw only the STARTING BID, so of course that sounds like a great deal!!!
How high would I go on this violin?
Well….without being able to play it for myself, and considering the risk of purchasing on Ebay, I would go as high as $1500……but I would rather see it go for $1200.
If it is everything it claims to be, and if it’s the same violin shown in the video…..it’s really probably worth $2500 or so.
BUT THAT IS A WILD GUESS, based on SOUND and the apparently GREAT shape the instrument is in. I know nothing of the possible maker, which can greatly impact the value. But really, what you want is SOUND, that’s the ONLY thing I consider when shopping for violins.
KEEP ME POSTED……I LOVE that violin on the video.
Holly,
It is very tempting to buy violins this way….and you can get GREAT instruments for really good deals……but you can also get ripped off.
The first thing I notice is that the violin being played in the video is not the same violin all the pictures show……you can barely tell, but the violin in the video doesn’t have that ornate tailpiece…..so which violin do they plan to send….the one that sounds good, or the one that looks good?
If I could purchase the violin being played in the video, I would pay twice that price RIGHT NOW to get it. It sounds like a fantastic and warm violin…..I would LOVE to have that violin.
So quickly ask the seller about the fact that the video violin appears to be different than the one in the pictures……and get it in writing.
If you can buy the violin on the video……GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the encouragement Lora – and for the advice! My computer doesn’t have the best screen resolution so I hadn’t noticed the tailpiece. But I’ve emailed the seller seeking confirmation so hopefully they can clarify any differences (they have a very good record on eBay so feel they can be trusted 🙂
The violin was originally listed at US$990 Buy It Now or Best Offer but a few hours after I found it the ending listed and it was offered as a No Reserve auction. It has a week to run so the end price could be anyone’s guess! I’ve seen this happen before and the item being auctioned can fetch more than when it had a Buy It Now price! 🙁
Will keep you posted – HollyRae
Hey, I’m 47 and just started playing 4 months ago! I work hard, and am a quick learner who seems to have a feel for this particular instrument (not so for every one I’ve tried!) so I’m already on Minuet 2 near the end of book one.
I’m staring to feel at home on my violin and seeing the possibilities, which keeps getting more exciting! So for anyone out there if any age who feels too intimidated to start…DO IT!
I once read about a woman in her 40s who told her mentor she’d always wanted to learn ballet. “But do you realize how OLD I’ll be by the time I get any good?!?” “Yes, the same age you’ll be if you DONT start”. Her mentor said.
That’s always stuck with me. So, everyone..:GO FOR IT!
Inga,
I love your story, and the anecdote about the 40 year old Ballerina!
I applaud adults who are brave and humble enough to start something new and challenging!!!
And you are right: it’s never too late to start, but tomorrow might be, so DO IT NOW!
I’m Brasilian and I’m 68 years old. I just decide to learn how to play violin. My died father used to play violin and other instruments and I remember how beautiful it was. Thank you for the motivation.
I can’t think of a better way to pay homage to your father than to play the instrument he loved! GOOD LUCK on your journey!
Hi Beth. I am also 68 and started learning the violin last October. I am loving every minute. Welcome to my world!
Keep up the great work, Gail! It’s AWESOME that you are learning a new instrument. You will enjoy it for many years to come!