In great detail, this book covers parts of the violin, how to store, care for, and correctly hold the violin and violin bow; plucking strings; bowing patterns and techniques; simple songs on the “A” and “E” strings; and even concert etiquette. 144 pages. The corresponding Practice & Performance CD contains 44 tracks.

Customer Review

 
Lynne W. from Charles Town, WV wrote the following on 02/25/2008:
My child and I both love book 1 of this series.! It is easy to use and provides clear instructions for everything from how to hold the instrument to how to behave at a concert. The large typeface makes it easy to read from a distance so that you can read it while holding the violin. Simple drawings of the violin and of children learning how to play are included throughout. A completion certificate is in the back, as well as a mail-order form to receive a (free) gold seal to place on it. The book is in black and white, plastic comb-bound. Each lesson is brief so that the student is not overwhelmed with too much information, but students who quickly grasp a concept can move forward to the next with ease. The strings A and E are emphasized. D and G are not used at all in Book 1 but are introduced in volume 2. Fingering to make additional notes is not taught in this book. Reading music is NOT required to use this book! Parents who want to help their children learn to play the violin, whether or not they read music themselves, would find this book easy going. It is a great book for children who want to start playing NOW, but would be discouraged by trying to figure out sheet music. Students using this book will not learn actual songs, but will learn patterns that will lead to playing songs in the second book. (Patterns include one such as "short short short short long long" to the pattern of "pea-nut but-ter ice cream".) No teacher preparation is necessary, though it is helpful to skim the lesson beforehand. The book provides an excellent preface to parents/teachers on how to use the book most effectively. Multiple age students can use the book at the same time. The book seems geared to kids under the age of 10 or so. For example, patterns to play are written as "pea-nut but-ter ice cream", and there is a charming story about how to hold the bow featuring a princess who needs a place to sit. Still, the book would be useful for any age student, particularly for older students who might be intimidated by the instrument. If you want to encourage a child to develop an interest in the violin, you may want to begin with Book 0. I did not use it, as my child was already keenly motivated, and found that nothing was missed by beginning with Book 1. I studied the violin as a child and found that this book answered a lot of my own lingering questions about the instrument. I would highly recommend this book to any homeschooling parent, whether or not they have studied the violin before. In fact, it would be ideal if the parent rented a violin to learn right alongside his/her child! As for learning styles, a visual learner will LOVE this book for its clearly written instructions. An auditory learner would appreciate the CD (purchased separately), though I did not use it. The kinesthetic learner will appreciate the short lessons and the freedom to just start playing the instrument unhindered by too many "rules". I do not think that this book can replace the value of a violin teacher, but it is a good place to start if you want to see if your child really wants to learn before you commit to lessons. It is also a good supplement for children who are already in lessons, but need a little extra encouragement or attention. The only thing you need to get started with this book is a violin with its bow, rosin, and a digital tuner (or a tuning pipe). General Note: The violin is one of few instruments that are scaled down to fit a child's small frame. Renting a violin is preferable to purchase for children. Rental contracts often provide for trading "up" to a larger size as the child grows. Rental prices can be quite reasonable.