So, you want to play the violin or viola? Where should you start if you don't have a teacher? For the adult beginner or returning player, musician/teacher Laurel Thomsen suggests a team effort of technique videos, technique books, and method/repertoire books to give you the best chance at success on your own. There are an overwhelming variety of videos, books, and methods out there! In this episode Laurel takes some of the guess work out of the equation so you can make a more informed decision about where to invest your time and money.

Books mentioned in the episode
Technique Books: (Good for the shelves of all players. All are applicable to violinists and violists)
-Principles of Violin Playing & Teaching, by Ivan Galamian
-The Teaching of Action in String Playing: Developmental and remedial techniques for violin and viola, by Paul Rolland
-Basics: 300 Exercises and Practice Routines for the Violin, by Simon Fischer
-The Twelve Lesson Course: A New Approach to Violin Playing by Kato Havas (You might consider also purchasing the companion book: A New Approach to Violin Playing)

Rote method books: (Focuses on music reading through exercises and short pieces. May need supplementation with technique books and/or videos.)
-Sound Innovations for String Orchestra (both violin and viola versions available)
-Countless others, all roughly the same idea

Repertoire type method books: (Offers a progressive series of repertoire. May or may not teach music reading or specific technique. May need supplementation for these.)
-Suzuki Method by Shinichi Suzuki (The ABRASM series is comparable, and now also comes with audio CDs)
-Mark O’Connor Fiddle Method by Mark O’Connor (now also available for viola)
-American Fiddle Method by Brian Wicklund (both violin and viola versions available)

Repertoire supplements:
Fingerboard Geography by Barbara Barber
Fiddle Magic by Sally O’Reilly
Fiddle Rhythms by Sally O’Reilly

Music Theory:
Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, book and 2 CDs (Alto clef version now available as well.)

Technique video links from the episode: (Applicable to violinists and violists.)
www.violinmasterclass.com
www.violinlab.com

To learn more about Laurel and her performing, teaching, and writing, please visit www.laurelthomsen.com
To check out photos, musings, video links, and get updates about Laurel's educational materials and performances, visit "Laurel Thomsen Music" on Facebook and share your support with a "Like".
Want to offer a comment or have a question answered on the podcast? Post to Laurel's Facebook wall or send an email to [email protected]

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