OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Fiddle Time Starters + CD: A beginner book for violin

My son started learning to play the violin and this was the book we were advised to get. Great little tunes, opportunity to create your own, uses ‘proper’ music and the letters for numpties like me who are totally hopeless at reading music but want to help/be supportive. Love the CD - he gets to play along to it and it sounds great!

The overall plus of this book, I feel, is the emphasize on singing as an integral part of the learning process from the start and pupils' active encouragement in rhythmic engagement every step of the way.Every piece has words and a catchy tune! I love the way this book incorporates each fundamental point of technique within a very memorable/ traditional or collectively known rhyming song.The idea of notating the heart beats is an innovative and very attractive way of illustrating and encouraging the understanding of the division of the beat.I like the use of raps as a catalyst for further technical development. Pupils are introduced in an almost subliminal way to several important 'classical' composers within very cleverly arranged pieces exemplifying their style of composing.This book uses throughout, action/rhythm words in general teaching use (but essential to the Dalcroze method), what a shame this book's system fails with the minim! Why did you not use the word 'stride' or its equivalent as it is indicative of the length of the note.(I am aware that some children are unfamiliar with the word, but in my experience they learn it quickly and understand the system relevance.)I wonder if it may have been possible to print this as a small book, akin to the old Starters book which fits in a violin case and therefore is easier for most pupils to remember to bring to lessons.I think this book is an absolute must for anyone teaching strings as part of a wider opportunities program and it is a most valuable addition to the the existing beginners' repertoire. I am gradually integrating as much of this helpful material as I can into my 'normal' teaching even though pupils may be using a different book; it should I feel, be highlighted and held up as a shining example of 'best practice' within instrumental teaching training courses. Congratulations for a very thoughtfully compiled edition.

My child's violin teacher introduced me to buy this book, which he needs in class now. It is suitable for beginners in violin learning.

My daughter sigas started learning the violin and this book has given her confidence. Perfect for beginners.

AWESOME! Teaches you SO much about how to play the violin. How to hold the bow correctly ( the long stick that you see when people play the violin), how t hold the violin, activities, right hand and left hand plucking. Tells you everything. It's totally BRILL.