Slowing down mp3 tracks
When first playing along with a piece, it can help to slow down the tracks while you get used to the speed. To slow down the tracks you'll need them as mp3s (not just as a CD). If you need help converting the CD to mp3s just ask me, I can help 🙂 To slow down the mp3s you can search for an mp3 speed changer app. I use audipo on both android and iphones. On a computer, try this music speed changer website (https://app.musicspeedchanger.com/) or the VLC player. For a chromebook try Music Speed Changer (https://app.musicspeedchanger.com/)
More detailed instructions for iphones
If you can, it is probably easier to put the mp3s into itunes on the computer because you can multi-select but it is also possible to do them directly on the iphone (one at a time).
Install your chosen app for slowing down mp3 tracks onto the iphone. I used Audipo.
If you are using the phone for the whole task then open the email from me with the link and click on it so you can see the list of tracks. From here different iphones are slightly different. On some you can click the 3 dots by each track then "open in". Select the audipo app then "save". Do this for each track in turn. On other iphones, you can single click on each track in turn, then select "audipo" or you might need to download or "save file" for each track then forward it to the audipo app.
When you have saved the tracks into Audipo, open the audipo app and the tracks should (hopefully!) be in there ready for playing.
VLC music player instructions
On the VLC software, the speed selector isn't always visible on the player by default but you can put it on by following these instructions: Go to the Tools menu, then "Customise interface". Now in the "main toolbar" tab you should see a scrollable list of many items that you could put into your toolbar. Scroll right down near the bottom to find the "Speed selector". Click and drag this up into the main toolbar area, then click close. You should now see a little "1.00 x" in the bottom toolbar area of your VLC player.
A metronome can be helpful for older intermediate/advanced students. I don't suggest using a metronome with children in book 1. You can search for metronome apps or try these:
On iphone/ipad: Promoetronome
On Android: Metronome beats
On a computer or chromebook: https://www.musicca.com/metronome
There are many ways to tune your violin:
You can tune your violin to a piano.
You can carry a chromatic tuner in your case, like the D'Addario or the Snark SN-5 (especially good for a child who doesn't have a phone)
You can use an app that sounds the pitches of the strings (like a tuning fork) or you can use a chromatic tuner app.
For most people a chromatic tuner app on their phone will be the most practical solution. You can search for "chromatic tuner" or try these:
On iOS InsTuner
On Android Best Tuner
On computer Tuner Ninja or Musicca tuner
New Zealand Suzuki Institute (NZSI)
If you live in New Zealand then I highly recommend you join the New Zealand Suzuki Institute so you receive their newsletter and can attend their events. If you live overseas, see if there is a local Suzuki Institute that you can join.
Recommended reading
About the philosophy of the Suzuki Method: