Yet another violin question

[rowan25]

I know it is not ideal, as there is no substitute for a real live human. But if you cannot find a teacher, is it possible to learn to play the violin from a dvd set or from some sort of software? Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks

[Amber in AUS]

Oh, if you find something let me know. I don't know of anything. My DD has asked Santa for a violin for Christmas! DS isn't much better he asked for a flute which follows from an electric guitar last year.

[Dirtroad]

Isn't SUZUKI Method used for many who self teach?

[Jean in Newcastle]

The problem with doing violin without a teacher is that the first couple of years esp. it is all about how you hold the violin and the bow. Your arm, elbows, etc. must in the correct positions.

 

Of course many people have taught themselves through the ages though - esp. the more blue-grass style of playing.

 

The Suzuki method is by ear. You don't learn to read music at first. But my Suzuki teacher stressed body position even more than my other teachers.

[elw_miller]

The problem with doing violin without a teacher is that the first couple of years esp. it is all about how you hold the violin and the bow. Your arm, elbows, etc. must in the correct positions.

 

Of course many people have taught themselves through the ages though - esp. the more blue-grass style of playing.

 

The Suzuki method is by ear. You don't learn to read music at first. But my Suzuki teacher stressed body position even more than my other teachers.

 

I second this.

 

Could she have lessons with a nearby school orchestra teacher?

[midwestbelle]

that comes with a DVD. It's called Essential Elements 2000 plus for Strings. We bought it at our local music store.

 

It does a good job of explaining how to hold the instrument and bow and takes you through the lessons on the video. It also comes with a CD to play the exercises along with.

 

DH is a band director and he uses this line of books with his beginning students. DD has taken 1 year of violin, but we just won't be able to afford lessons this spring. He got her this book to be able to play along with the DVD/CD and because it has good explanations.

 

I would second trying to afford just a few lessons to begin with and then maybe a follow up lesson every once in a while. Our instructor is willing to let DD come once a month or so to check her progress and give tips.

[rowan25]

I second this.

 

Could she have lessons with a nearby school orchestra teacher?

There aren't any. We're more marching band down here. There are a very few teachers, but they are far away and charge way more than we can afford. So I was just looking for some decent alternatives.

[sbaloue]

Go to www.rainbowresource.com and type in "violin book". This was something I considered when my son started playing.

[rowan25]

Go to www.rainbowresource.com and type in "violin book". This was something I considered when my son started playing.

Interesting! Thank you

[tadbhoward]

Go to www.rainbowresource.com and type in "violin book". This was something I considered when my son started playing.

 

We use this program with success in our home.

[rowan25]

We use this program with success in our home.

Thank you for that. :)

[KJB]

If you buy the Suzuki Violin 1 book, you can find You Tube videos of almost all the pieces in the book. There are also instructional lessons for beginners. You (as the parent/adult) could watch the You Tube video yourself and then explain to your child.

 

My son plays and his teacher has him watch You Tube videos of the songs when he's learning them as well as listen to the cd. Watching the videos really helps him see how the song is supposed to be played. His bowing technique has improved a lot because of this.