Student Guide

Besides a violin and bow, here is the equipment you will need:

Rosin -- is usually included with rentals and new instruments.

Shoulder Rest -- Kun brand is maybe the most common and I like them. I also like models by Comfort and Bon Musica. There are many others, so choose whatever is most comfortable for your shoulder and your neck height.

Soft cleaning cloth -- used for wiping off dust and rosin.

Electronic Tuner/Metronome -- A Korg combined tuner-metronome is about $30.

3-ring notebook -- This makes life easier because you can find your music and I will be supplying sheet music as we go to put in it. Avoid the crumpled pile you have to rifle through.

Suzuki Violin School volume 1, book and CD -- for most but not all beginning students with no experience...check with me first if you want.

Getting an instrument

Renting is often a good option at first. It allows you to get some experience before choosing an permanent instrument right away. Many violin shops will also apply your rental fees towards purchasing a fiddle from them later.

Practicing

A regular, set time every day is what I recommend. Practicing every day (or close to it) is the way to make progress. For beginners, I recommend a goal of at least 20 minutes. It is also very helpful to listen to recordings of the pieces you are studying as much as possible. Try sticking a copy in your car. Parents should help to guide the practicing at younger ages, gently making sure things are happening right. Parents can also learn to tune the violin using the fine tuners, which I can explain.

Attend performances

As Yogi Berra said, "Sometimes you can learn a lot by watching." Learn by osmosis and get inspiration from live music. Additionally, try violin performances on youtube or other dvds of performers in concert.

"Violin" or "fiddle?" -- a frequently asked question

They are two terms for the same instrument. Fiddle music does evoke folk or dance music, but classical musicians will refer to their fiddle and fiddlers will talk of their violin, so either works.