4 comments about Suzuki Violin School: Violin Part (Suzuki Violin School Ser.: Vol.4).

1. This book is the fourth in the Suzuki Violin School and should be accompanied by the Volume Four CD. All in all, a great learning tool and fantastic resource for students and teachers.



2. I have been playing the violin for about eleven or so years. When it was time for me to get serious about violin, the Suzuki books really helped me out. My instructor had the other Suzuki books but I feel in love with the 4th volume because I was able to play the Vivaldi piece, my first real piece. The duet at the end (first violin in volume 5) is really good.



3. I grew up learning the Suzuki method and believe in it 100%. Depending on your skill level, this may better be learned with an accomplished teacher. Suzuki method is also a philosophy - look for the book by Suzuki himself explaining this. My violin teacher made all her students' parents read this when we started lessons.
   
   This collection of songs not only is a good collection to learn various techniques on the violin, but I still have fun years later playing them over and over. They sound impressive when performed. Take note that the sixth song is a duet, and the second violin part is the one published in this book. The Violin I part is not in this book.



4. There are four people in my family who play the violin, and we all really like this book. We especially love the Vivaldi peices. There are three of them!

5 comments about I Can Read Music: A Note Reading Book for Violin Students (Volume 1) (For Violin).

1. This book has been a great help to my small daughter in her violin practice. By splitting the tasks of note reading and rhythm reading into separate sections on pitch and rhythm she doesn't get as frustrated. The author knows that it's best to concentrate on ONE thing at a time as you're learning!



2. I use this book to teach children how to read music. It came in great shape and i use it all the time!



3. This book is perfectly designed for the Suzuki lesson structure. If there is an able teacher and parent present to introduce and teach each lesson, the book is very successful. My students are exposed to the basic concepts of music theory in a theory class following their weekly group classes - so there is no need to explain basic concepts like the "treble clef" or "staff." There are plenty of introductory reading books out there for the older beginner, but this book has a gradual yet not monotonous pace, catering to an early beginner who has a support structure (parent/teacher).
   I use this book for all of my students in a studio of 40+ Suzuki Violinists!



4. My son receives private lessons in Suzuki violin. This book is used by his instructor. It moves along at a perfect pace so as not to distract from working on Suzuki pieces but to hold the students interest as he learns to read music.



5. I bought this along with several other books to get me started on the violin (I am in my 30's). I had played the cello as a kid, so I was familiar with some of the aspects of string instruments. This book has really helped me to remember notes. The spiral binding is awesome. The exercises are not glamourous, but they get the job done.

5 comments about Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Plus DVD: Violin.

1. "For a real violin study, go with Suzuki." While that might work for a child that is ages 3-4 in a one-on-one or small group setting (which is what the Suzuki Method was intended for), it does not work well in large group learning situation for kids who are twice that age, beginning instruments in fourth and fifth grade. And to be honest, almost everything in the Suzuki method *IS* an arrangement of an original work (like the Bach Bouree from the cello suites set for violin), chosen because even in their simplified form they help teach basic critical and fundamental concepts.
   
   This is my third year using EE2000 in my school program. I usually have between 30-40 students at each grade level in the orchestra. The books and their accompanying CD/DVD work really well and are of the appropriate complexity for the students ages none through eleven. As a private instructor myself, I recommend to all my students to seek outside instruction, but EE2000 provides a good balance of technical development with ensemble skills for the beginners. Students coming into my program who already play don't feel bored because I am able to append more complex tasks in bowing and fingering to them using the existing material, giving them helpful exercises to expand their current abilities, while they help in encouraging their beginning peers.
   
   Lastly, a smart child, if they are so motivated (as some of my kids are), can look at the directives in the EE2000 book and figure out a lot of things on their own ahead of the class, and they are provided with just enough information to accomplish those tasks fairly correctly, without doing awful things to their technique. The included instruction videos are very helpful in this case as well. This is not true with most other methods (and the Suzuki books are entirely useless without a proper instructor!).
   
   Don't get me wrong; I was a Suzuki student myself for my first few years of playing and from time to time use some of their excellent pieces in my own private teaching (although I primarily teach advanced junior high through college age players). However, it has its target audience, which is entirely different from that which EE2000 and others like it are designed for.



2. Very methodically worked out, contains a wealth of material that can be downloaded onto computer. I would suggest that this might be a drawback to many users, as not everybody has a computer available where they practice.



3. It's a much too slow moving violin book. It lingers on the open strings for nearly half the book, in little small songs that don't keep your interest. The other half of the book is pretty much unhelpful, piano duets that are at a level for which you don't get to be prepared for.
   A CD is included, but it's useless and confusing, with the unnecessary orchestra accompanying the bland simple melody. It's only useful if you haven't a metronome.
   There's software included, but as a beginner with little music background, there's not much use for a program to write your own music. But, I suppose the software is the nicest thing out of the package.
   The DVD's okay, giving a little video tutorial, but it's not substantial.
   
   There are better beginner violin books out there, I'd recommend the ABC's of Violin!



4. I bought this book for my son to practice violin. It is very helpful to him.



5. ihave been studying violin already for 1 year and i still think for my self as a beginner, i purchase this book and i was really amazed about how good is to explain the basic of the possition of the violin and the fact is that end up lerning a few new stuff, since some times the simple is the best, i strongly recommend this book to every one who is starting to play the violin, but i recommed it as a good material support, not as a guide, since the best option for me will be always suzuki methot, still the book offer a CD and a DVD that have very good tools to help you to reed music sheet better, i know beacuse im very bad leering :P so i only can say that and really think that no one will regret this purchase and will be good for every one that want to add some mote techniques to his/her violin class

5 comments about Violin For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).

1. after wasting my money, I decided to get "Picture Yourself Playing Violin"- a much better decision



2. I am an adult who wanted to learn to play the violin without the expense of private lessons. So far, this book has been very easy to follow and the instructions are very clear. The CD is wonderful, it includes short videos and mp3 songs. I can play along with the songs and know that the notes are correct.
   My only compaint is that I found alot of the photos in the book hard to see. They are in black and white and the photos are far to dark.



3. Even though I am learning violin, I am not a dummy, and I do not like to be taught like one. There are much better book out there to learn how to play violin.



4. Katharine Rapoport brings a lot of experience to light in this book; designed for the very beginner through advanced. If you are trying to tackle violin pedagogy on your own maybe because you can't afford private lessons or maybe your schedule is not conducive for private lessons, or whatever reason; this book is a good place to start. The instruction is informative, structured, and relaxed in nature.



5. As a book about violin basics, this is OK. However as a book about learning to play the violin, it fails. There is an included disk containing both audio and video clips, but it is only good for the audio clips. The video did not work on my copy of Real Player. I finally learned that if I were to pay another $40 to Real Player I could look at the videos that I had purchased. While the line drawings in the book are good, the photographs are very difficult to make sense of. They are all black and white and they have not been well done. For this reason, I would not recommend this book. Spend your money elsewhere.

3 comments about David Cerone Performs Suzuki Violin School (Volume 2).

1. Ordered the Book and CD together, received the book, but now over one month later am still waiting for the CD. It would be nice if could have had the CD with the music book.



2. Part of the Suzuki Method relies on hearing the music about 8000 times before the child graduates the particular "book". If you (and your child) do the method properly, you will have this entire cd memorised and may even be sick of it by then. It is well done, nicely clear for advanced beginners and has a clear piano part.



3. We own this cd and, well, one can hardly comment on the music without 1st having experienced working with the Suzuki method of helping their child learn to play an instrument and read music.
   The cd is most useful and my child learned very quickly by listening to this cd. There are other versions of the Suzuki books on cd and when your child advances you can see and hear the differences of each. The way your child plays, once having worked long enough, can reflect the style in which the artist plays. My son took to playing violin very quickly. And could choose which cd he wanted by book 3.
   He still listens to the old cd,s (he added the music to his ipod, btw) for refreshing his memory and improving his critique of music. He is 16 and loves all music.
   If you are considering this method for someone you love, remember musical literacy is a lifelong treasure and pleasure no matter what your talent level. You can't go wrong even if you just want to listen. Get the book if interested, because even if you want this for yourself you can read along and definitely help your own musical literacy skills.
   It's a whole other language and nothing can beat hearing the language of music.

4 comments about Suzuki Violin School, Violin Part, Volume 2 (Suzuki Violin School, Violin Part).

1. thirty five days passed, and i have not get the cd yet, how can i review it?!



2. Violin teacher recommended book after finishing Vol. 1. It is clear and concise.



3. This book is an excellent teaching book for anyone!
   Here are the songs: Chorus from "Judas Maccabaeus" by G.F. Handel, Musette by J.S. Bach, Hunters' Chorus by C.M. von Weber, Long, Long Ago, by T.H. Bayly, Waltz by J. Brahms, Bourree by G.F. Handel, The Two Grenadiers by R. Schumann, Theme from "Witches' Dance" by N. Paganini, Gavotte from "Mignon" by A. Thomas, Gavotte by J.B. Lully, Minuet in G by L. van Beethoven, and Minuet by L. Boccherini.
   
   I've only played a couple songs so far, and they are beautiful. I like the Suzuki method because each book gives you a solid foundation and a little taste for the next book to come. I have this CD that comes with it, and the songs are WAY too fast for me to play along with. Also, the book gives you fingerings above most notes, which is a little drawback.
   
   The bottomline is that the Suzuki series is excellent and I would recommend it anyone beginning the violin! :D



4. I grew up learning the Suzuki method and believe in it 100%. This should really be learned with an instructor versus being self-taught. Suzuki method is also a philosophy - look for the book by Suzuki himself explaining this. My violin teacher made all her students' parents read this when we started lessons.
   
   This collection of songs not only is a good collection to learn various techniques on the violin, but I still have fun years later playing them over and over.

3 comments about Suzuki Violin School Volume 1 - Revised Edition (Book & CD) (Suzuki Violin School, Violin Part).

1. This is a good product. I just didn't realize it was a revised edition until I received it, but it still works!



2. I bought this to help me learn to play the violin (I am in my 30's). I played the cello as a kid so I was already familiar with stringed instruments and note reading. This a progressive program that builds on itself. The book comes with a CD to help you hear how the songs should be played and that you can play along to.
   
   I'd also recommend the "I Can Read Music" book for Violin.



3. My daughter has been thrilled with the Suzuki violin book and cd. Her playing skills and confidence have improved tremendously.
   Thank you,
   Michelle

5 comments about Suzuki Violin School: Violin Part, vol. 1 (Suzuki Violin School, Violin Part).

1. So many other violin instruction books become dull and boring with their scales and two-line practices. Suzuki, however, is fun. It teaches you to play the violin through songs instead of through hundreds of exercises on boring items. Exercises are provided, of course, but they are icing on the cake.
   
   I began violin with a different method that nearly turned me away. I didn't see the fun in playing a hundred and fifty repetitions of "hot cross buns." I did see the fun in playing Minuets, however, when a new teacher had me switch to Suzuki.
   
   I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. The method is fast, fun, and head-over-heels better than those...other books.



2. There are only 17 songs in this entire book! NO fiddle music. All the notes are much smaller than all the other books, hard to read. There are finger numbers above all the notes, so you don't learn to read the notes, you read the numbers and make mistakes because you don't know which string you should put the finger on. The accompanying CD is way too fast to play with! The other books give you more to play, to read and contain twice the melodies which are from all different styles.
   
   Just don't get what all the fuss is about with this method if you don't learn to read right and don't play any worthy exercises.



3. Suzuki is a collection of some classic pieces of music which many of us violin players grew up on. It has exerpts from many famous composers (presented progressively in terms of skills level) which can be perfect for performances. However, it needs to be supplemented by other method books which allow more practice, especially in order to develop pitch, sight reading, and techniques.
   
   For those starting out, volume 1 may not have a clear enough presentation of the basics of reading music. I usually start my students on "String Builder," which gives a more step-by-step instruction and offers a whole lot more pieces to practice on (and it also has short duets to play together).



4. I have played the viola for 5 years and started with Suzuki. Most of the songs are the same in both books. I am now in viola book 4 and it is great. I have been making it into All-County Orchestras by starting with the book!



5. I ordered this book back in April 30 the impression from the website that was in stock and hence could be shipped out immediately. However, I wasn't given notice that it was shipped until MAY 8 and they have not yet arrived by MAY 11! Who knows about the book itself, since i have not yet received it, butI am NOT satisfied with this order. BEWARE - consider ordering from another music or book website.
   
   Suzinne

5 comments about The Sobs of Autumn's Violins.

1. Author A. R. Homer creates a captivating story of the D-day invasion and all that leads up to it by mixing actual historic facts with both real and fictional characters. His novel, "The Sobs of Autumn's Violins - A Novel of War and Love," is a wonderfully creative and devious mixture of history and imagination.
   
   Although this is only Homer's second novel, he is already being viewed as one of the more credible and exciting up-and-coming mystery, thriller writers of his generation. This book is not just a story of WWII spies and espionage; it is laced with great interplay between characters and is partially a love story as well.
   
   Actual facts are weaved into and throughout the storyline which adds a touch of realism and believability to the plot. The only thing lacking for this book to make it to the best seller's list is marketing and being "discovered" by the media. This book is a must read for all avid readers of thriller or WWII books. This book is destined for greatness and gets the MWSA Highest Book Rating - FIVE STARS!



2. I recently watched Ken Burns's magnificent series, The War, which left me with a desire to read some good fiction about D-day. A friend recommended "The Sobs of Autumn's Violins" to me, and I was glad he did. Like the Burns series, this novel tells the larger story (in this case, the preservation of the D-day secrets) through the tales of ordinary people who become extraordinary in the face of life and death struggles. However, this magnificent novel adds a new dimension to what is portrayed in the Burns documentary, namely the personal stories of English and French participants; for me, this really fleshed out the story of D-day.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the way Homer structured his novel, interweaving several plot threads in short chapters, all of which end with a cliff-hanger. Somehow he makes all the diverse plot threads come together at the end without any awkward contrivance.
   
   Make sure you have food and drink handy when you read this book, because you won't be able to put it down!



3. This is a very well written, articulate well constructed story. I know it is said often, but I really could hardly put it down. I very seldom buys books for others, just based on my enjoyment of it, but I have bought several copies, and had them shipped to friends all over both coasts. Excellent read.



4. When I was considering buying this book I saw the Amazon reviews were all 5 stars and my immediate thought was "how many friends did the writer get to send in these reviews?". Then, however, I read the book and, believe me, they were right. Not too many of these stories can generate these types of reviews because this story has been done many times already, but Homer carries it off and exceptionally well. His writing is clear, precise and flows well. I really enjoyed this and before I finished the book I ordered the "Mirror of Diana" his next one. If you enjoy novels about spies, WW2, nazi's and D-Day you'll love this. The only book that is as good is "Eye of the Needle" and that is saying something special.



5. Fantastic! Very well written with unexpected twists and turns. I am sad to have finished it. Wish the author was more prolific. I am planning reading his other book.

5 comments about The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner: Violin, Book 1.

1. I am 30 years old and never touched a violin in my life, but had always wanted to learn how to play. I ordered this book, along with her DVD, and have learned a lot! The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner - DVD The book teaches basic note reading, as well as warm ups and short songs. The DVD helps with knowing the parts of the violin, proper handling, and tuning. I recommend this book, but also some sort of video accompaniment. Youtube has a lot of free videos on violin basics, as well.



2. I purchased this for my wife and she loves it. It is a nice violin starter guide with a great assortment of songs and instruction. I was very pleased with the incredibly fast shipping!!! Thanks! I'd highly recommend this item!!!
   -Mel



3. I've never played violin. I have a cheap one and just wanted to mess around and this book seemed like a good way to get started. There is a companion DVD that does not come with the book and unless you know something about playing the violin already, you need the DVD. They should either bundle the DVD with the book or stress that the DVD is required if you are really an "Absolute Beginner".



4. This book is really no good without also buying the DVD and CD. The book does NOT give any information about placement of the bridge (searched the web an I think it should be by the notches in the F holes, low end by E string) or how to tune or use rosin. The DVD gives some information about tuning and a little about finger placement. I don't have the CD, but think it is probably necessary so you can learn where to place your fingers to get the sound right.
   
   Edit: Well, I bought the CD and it does not have any commentary, or announcement of the song or enough pause to follow along. So I would downgrade this series to a 1 star. There are better choices. I feel like I really wasted the money, especially on the CD.



5. I was very disappointed in this book. The title ("The ABC's of Violin for the Absolute Beginner") really should have been something like "The Beginner's Violin Class Primer" and/or come packaged as a set with the CD/DVD.
   
   I am an absolute beginner at age 37 and was expecting a little more instruction about how to hold the violin and other basics. There was nothing in the Amazon "blub" about needing to purchase the separate DVD or Audio CD. I'm not expecting to become a 1st chair concert violinist at my age....I just wanted to learn a little about the violin and we live in a rural area where violin teachers are about as plentiful as hen's teeth.
   
   This really seems to be a book for students who have access to a violin teacher. The lessons also seem to move very quickly. So far I prefer the "Learn to Play the Violin" by Frank Cappelli that I got from our local library. The Cappelli book at least has photos and descriptions of how to hold the violin and bow (it's not great, but it helps) and has more exercises on learning to play the correct strings...which isn't easy at first! I'll keep the "ABC" book for the songs, which I know I'll enjoy when I become a little more proficent.
   
   Good luck to you all!