What books do I need to start? (for beginners)
A spiral notebook (1 subject fullsize)
All For Strings Violin Book 1
Suzuki Violin Book 1
Suzuki Violin CD 1 (or Tape)
How and where do I acquire an instrument and supplies?
There are two options: renting or buying an instrument.
Renting
You will need to call a local instrument dealer/music store and ask about rental. If you want to know if violin playing is for you, this is a good way to go. I recommend that you inform the renter that you must have the instrument approved by your violin teacher prior to renting. This will insure that you get a violin that is in good condition.
Local stores are:
Sam Ash, (941) 351-7793, 7606 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34243
Fogts Music Inc, (941) 957-1288, 4209 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231
Buying
You can contact a local instrument dealer/music store or look online. One can spend from $50 to $2,000,000 on an instrument. The advantage of buying is typically you will get a better instrument for the price. For beginning students, I recommend purchasing an "outfit." An outfit usually includes a violin, case, bow and sometimes rosin and a tuning pipe. They begin at about $100 and go up. For advanced students, you will buy the violin, bow and case separately. I recommend that you inform the seller that you must have the violin approved by your teacher prior to your purchase. This will insure that you get a violin in good condition.
Local stores are:
Sam Ash, (941) 351-7793, 7606 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34243
Fogts Music Inc, (941) 957-1288, 4209 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231
Supplies
Local music stores will either have items in stock or can order them for you. If the need is not urgent, I recommend using mail-order houses such as Shar 1-800-248-7427 (SHAR), http://www.sharmusic.com. Feel free to call them and order their catalogues; they are great for comparing prices.
Local music store, such as:
Mathis Music, (941) 924-2202, 3821 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239
Will I / my child have performance opportunities?
Performance opportunities are available from a variety of sources: (These activities would be appropriate for students that have studied privately for 1-3 years.)
District and State Festivals
- As a teacher in the Florida State Music Teachers Association, Sarasota Music Teachers Association and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, students can participate in District Festival events and if awarded a superior rating, can participate in the State Festival.
Junior and Youth Orchestras
- Florida West Coast Youth Symphony
School opportunities
- School Orchestra (Competitions within the school district)
Adults or advanced teens can participate in local community orchestras.
- Community orchestras are also a great source of connections for chamber music (small groups such as quartets and trios).
Charitable Organizations
- One can volunteer for local hospitals, retirement homes, schools, libraries, etc. Music can have a magical effect on people.
Home (appropriate for any playing level)
- A performance after dinner is always welcome. When a child performs a couple of short pieces and is greeted with great enthusiasm and encouragement, it can work wonders not only for their playing but for their self esteem.
More Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good age to start? Is it too late to begin or continue?
- Children
I recommend that students begin at age 5. I have taught students as young as 3 and I am always willing to try a few lessons to see how it goes. If a child is talented and/or mature, it is often possible to begin early. I try to be creative and use different styles to connect with the student on their level.
- Adults
It is never too late to begin, or continue what was started in the past. There is much cognitive information and discipline that is required to play the violin and adults usually have the advantage in these areas.
What about the Suzuki Method? Is reading music important?
The Suzuki Method incorporates rote into the study of violin. In my experience, the Suzuki method can make it difficult in later years when they eventually are required to read music.
Imagine that you teach a child to recite a rhyme from memory while still holding the text in front of them. If you then present that same child with the same text but place it another book that looked unfamiliar and asked the student to recite it, he/she would not be able to read the text. This is because they cannot read; it is an illusion. It appears that they are reading the text because it is in front of them; however, to learn the rhyme, they were listening to your words and reciting them back. The same applies to reading music. It is well worth the time investment at the beginning of a child's musical development to teach the reading of musical notation. You can teach such things and have a lot of fun in the process!
Suzuki students may play a song earlier in their training, but in the long term tend to fall behind when they have to relearn how to read musical notation. Students who are taught to read at the onset acquire the correct mental processes that allow them to progress quickly.
Parents often want quick results, however I believe their foundation in music is key and can be applies to any instrument and other areas of life. Reading music frees the student to play any music they wish. It creates a sense of independence that inspires confidence and success.
What is a School of Violin-Playing?
A School of violin playing is a combination of two elements; the method (technique) of how one plays the instrument and the overall philosophy of making music. The secret to a good school is consistency; using the same method (technique) every time. When a musical situation arises, one is then able to focus on the style/interpretation of the music and not be hindered by insecure or indecisive technique.
Violin is an ancient art form and much can be learned from the past.
Other Helpful Links
Shar Products
Sam Ash
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