MATERIALS GUIDE

ESSENTIAL MATERIALS FOR BEGINNERS

Violin (appropriate size)
Bow
Hard case
Shoulder rest (I recommend a sponge, Polypad, or Kun) 
Rosin
Suzuki Book 1 (violin part) 
Suzuki Book 1 recording
Notebook

Please bring all of these materials (except the recording) to every lesson.

Please do not purchase a violin without bringing it to me first. Most young students will rent an instrument from Johnson String Instrument, which is a cost-effective way to find appropriately sized instruments for children.

Recommended Reading

Beyond the Music Lesson, by Christine Goodner

To Learn with Love, by William and Constance Starr

Helping Parents Practice, by Ed Sprunger

Nurtured by Love, by Shinichi Suzuki

Teaching with an Open Heart, by Edward Kreitman

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Playful Parenting, by Lawrence Cohen

Online Resources

SUZUKI

About the Suzuki Method, fundamentals from the Suzuki Association of the Americas

Important Ideas to Remember in Your Role as a Suzuki Parent, by Teri Einfeldt

Suzuki Violin Pieces in their Original Forms, by Mark Polesky

Suzuki Triangle, by Christine Goodner

PRACTICING

The Ideal Violinist, by Bayla Keyes

Improve Your Talent series, by Greg Beaver

Practice Self-Audit, by Johnah Sirota

Getting Kids to Practice, from NPR

Establishing Artistic Goals in Your Practice, by Rebecca Fischer

Complexity and the Ten-Thousand-Hour Rule, by Malcolm Gladwell

Contextual Interference in Structuring Practice Time, from the Bulletproof Musician

The practice of practicing, by Stephen Hough

Secrets of a Mind-Gamer, from the New York Times

Is Slow Practice Really Necessary?, from the Bulletproof Musician

WHY STUDY MUSIC?

Long-Term Benefits of Music Lessons, from the New York Times

How Playing Music Affects The Developing Brain, from WBUR