Violin Prep Course
Adult
This course teaches the first few pieces in Suzuki violin volume 1 (six different rhythm variations of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). It usually takes 2-4 weeks to complete.
The course starts by introducing the violin and the bow and teaching how to tune the violin. You'll learn how to hold the violin and the bow separately, then how to put them together to play the twinkle variations.
Each piece has a "learning" lesson and a "polishing" lesson. The "learning" lesson is complete when the piece can be played reasonably fluently slowly all through with any little mistakes being corrected straight away. The "polishing" lesson is complete when the piece can be played at CD-speed with good posture and tone.
When you have finished the "learning" lessons in this course, you'll be ready to start the "Violin volume 1" course.
Developing a good posture and tone on the violin, and the dexterity to play at CD-speed often takes most of book 1 so it doesn't matter if you start on the main book 1 course before completing the polishing of the Prep Course pieces. Keep working on polishing posture and speed and give it time.
Course Materials
You will need a copy of the Suzuki violin volume 1 book and CD/mp3s:
If you are in New Zealand you can buy the book from me, and buy the mp3s using one of the links below.
Suzuki violin volume 1 (Revised Edition) book
If you are in another country (or in NZ) here are some other links where you can buy it. The newest edition is the "International Edition" with the recording by Hilary Hahn, but the "Revised edition" would also be OK. Note that I have had trouble buying the mp3s from New Zealand, probably to do with their license agreements (I think it was the Alfred link that worked for me). If you have trouble buying the mp3s do get in touch with me and I can probably help.
Book and CD together from Amazon
Also download the following pdf: (links visible when subscribed to "Violin" membership)
A narrow A4 ringbinder folder with tabs can be a good way to keep your violin paperwork in order.
Instructions
Print out the course booklet using the link in the Course Materials section (visible when logged in), then work through the lesson videos, using the course booklet to record your progress.
If you would like my feedback at any time, just send me a video ("Violin" "Video uploads") or book a lesson ("Violin" "Individual lessons"). I look forward to hearing from you.