Best
BEGINNER
VIOLIN BOOKS
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Overall: Learn to play your instrument with the vaunted Suzuki education method.
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Best Feature: Uses the philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki to help children and beginners
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
OVERALL VIOLIN
BOOK
Foundation Studies
for the Violin - Book 1 Violin Expert Technique Guidance
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Overall: Updated edition of a timeless orchestral studies classic features revised text, exercises, and methods skills
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Best Feature: The book includes lessons on fingerings, bowings, and string dynamics
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
AFFORDABLE VIOLIN BOOK PACKAGE
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Overall: Pages pair familiar songs and rhythms with core exercises
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Best Feature: Engaging balance of essential exercises, theory fundamentals content
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TedScore™: 8.6/10
I still remember the day I got my hands on my first beginner violin books. This marked the beginning of an incredible musical journey that I treasure to this day.
Carl Fischer Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin—Book 1, edited by expert violinist Rachel Barton Pine, was an absolute game-changer for young me; it simplifies complex concepts and provides a solid groundwork for budding violinists.
Navigating the sea of beginner violin books can be overwhelming, but finding the right one is very crucial.
With all the options out there, each book offers a unique blend of exercises, songs, and techniques tailored to ensure that anyone can start playing with confidence.
How would you know which one to choose?
Don’t worry!
My journey was filled with melodies and memories, all thanks to the well-structured lessons that guided my practice every step of the way.
Read on for this article. It is like a trusty map; it will lead you to the excellent violin book that will be your best companion on the path to musical mastery of violin basics and classical music theory.
Getting Started
The journey of playing the violin is thrilling! I understand how important it is to select the right resources to foster enjoyment and progress at the same time.
Choosing Your First Violin Book
My experience taught me that the proper violin method book is a must-have.
It should match your learning style, whether you’re a young student or an adult beginner.
There are violin method books for classic choices for those who prefer learning by ear and developing a strong musical sense from the start.
There are also books that teach violin methods, which focus more on visual learning and detailed explanations.
These books gradually introduce notes and techniques with clear instructions.
I strongly suggest consulting with a teacher to find the best violin books for beginners that suit you personally. They’ll understand your unique needs and can recommend a book that highlights the basics of violin techniques, bow hold, and posture.
Essential Elements of Violin Playing
The basics are non-negotiable, and I’ve found that focusing on them sets a solid foundation!
Make sure to choose a beginner violin book that covers these essentials and provides violin practice exercises to hone your bow hold and posture.
The technique is the bedrock of violin playing; advancing can become a real challenge without a firm grounding in the basics of violin technique.
The correct method book will not just teait’llt’ll show you the joy in each new note you master. And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing to experience.
Violin Books I Recommend for Beginner Violinists
Carl Fischer Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin - Book 1
When I began my violin journey, Carl Fischer Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin – Book 1 by Rachel Barton Pine was a lifesaver.
It covers everything from note reading to rhythm, which really solidified my foundation.
Carl Fischer Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin
FEATURES: Updated edition of a timeless orchestral studies classic features revised text, exercises, and methods skills
OTHER INFO: The book includes lessons on fingerings, bowings, and string dynamics
- Edited by expert violinist Rachel Barton Pine
- Contains bowing variations, 60 etudes, and techniques
- Expensive as compared to other Violin books
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Summy-Birchard, Inc Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1 - Violin Part
The Summy-Birchard, Inc. Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1 – Violin Part is invaluable for those interested in developing strong technical skills.
The incremental progression through classical tunes and pieces keeps violin students motivated and engaged.
Summy-Birchard, Inc Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1
FEATURES: You can learn to play your instrument with the vaunted Suzuki talent education method.
OTHER INFO: The Suzuki Method uses the philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki to help children and beginners
- The instructional book includes numerous songs appropriate for the given stage
- "the "mother-to" gue" approach encourages children to learn from the natural observations
- No Cons!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Music Sales America A New Tune a Day - Violin
Diving into music theory and notation is incredibly simple, with Music Sales America: A New Tune a Day – Violin, Book 1 by Sarah Pope. I found its lessons on scales and arpeggios to be clear and effectively structured.
Music Sales America A New Tune a Day - Violin, Book 1
FEATURES: This book will guide you through the ins and outs of your instrument at a comfortable pace
OTHER INFO: Featuring new text, technique instruction, updated music, and multimedia content
- A modern take on a tried-and-true instructional method course
- Progressive instruction guides new players through the basics of their instruments
- Includes tips from professional musicians, an audio CD with actual performances, and a DVD that illustrates the basics
- No Disadvantages!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Kjos All for Strings Book 1
Now, for working on intonation, which we all know can be a nightmare, I swear by Kjos All for Strings Book 1 – Violin by Gerald E. Anderson and Robert S. Frost.
It emphasizes finger placement and helps refine those pesky intonation issues.
Kjos All for Strings Book 1 - Violin
FEATURES: This method book helps build the groundwork for the proper intonation, fingering, and bow technique.
OTHER INFO: Subjects include rhythm mastery, reading, music history, and general musicality and musicianship
- Fit for young students and advancing musicians
- Composed by the esteemed author/music educator Gerald Anderson
- No Cons!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Hal Leonard Violin Essential Accessories Bundle
If you’re like me and find scales oddly soothing, the Hal Leonard Violin Essential Accessories Bundle by Michael Allen is the holy grail of scale books.
The systematic approach to scales and arpeggios transformed my practice sessions. Plus, it comes with additional accessories. Talk about a great deal!
Hal Leonard Violin Essential Accessories Bundle
FEATURES: Pages pair familiar songs and rhythms with core exercises
OTHER INFO: Engaging balance of essential exercises, theory fundamentals, and entertaining content
- The bundle includes Essential Elements Interactive with access to online teaching, learning, and assessment tools.
- Solid foundations built in Book 1
- Buyers may prefer to buy the book only
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Alfred Solo Time for Strings - Book 1
I found Solo Time for Strings—Book 1 for violin by Forest Etling to be an excellent resource for building my foundational skills. It’s clear explanations and progressive exercises kept me engaged.
The variety of pieces included allows students to develop a sense of accomplishment as they move through the book, making it a rewarding experience for young and adult beginners.
Alfred Solo Time for Strings - Book 1, Violin
FEATURES: Help students learn the basics of playing songs on their instrument for their first solo performance.
OTHER INFO: Instruction based on notational reading and playing technique
- Suitable for practice either in class or at home
- Progressive instruction for solid and quicker technique advancement
- Buyers may prefer to buy the book only
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Beginner Violin Books:
Things to Remember!
Embarking on the violin journey is thrilling; I’ve found some fantastic books to help beginners learn the violin itself!
They break down complex techniques into digestible chunks.
Carl Fischer Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin – Book 1 – My recommendation and one of my favorite beginner violin books!
Summy-Birchard, Inc Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1 – Violin Part
Music Sales America A New Tune a Day – Violin, Book 1
Kjos All for Strings Book 1 – Violin
Hal Leonard Violin Essential Accessories Bundle
Alfred Solo Time for Strings – Book 1, Violin
Remember, each book offers a unique approach, like finding a new friend who speaks music!
Wait! This will take a second…
Aiming to be the best violinist is an excellent goal for a musician. Looking for a fun violin book where you could learn violin skills and read sheet music is very helpful. But you also need to know the techniques for choosing the correct violin.
Read the following article to learn more about selecting a violin!
