Hello everyone, this is Joel Kennedy from Kennedy Violins. Today, I’m going to share some insights on the best beginning violin songs, focusing on the highly recommended Suzuki Book 1. This book has a well-structured approach that makes it ideal for beginners. Here are the top five reasons why I recommend starting with Suzuki Book 1.

1. Gradual Progression with Exercises

One of the standout features of Suzuki Book 1 is its gradual progression. Each song comes with exercises that prepare you for the main piece. These exercises are simple and designed to develop the skills needed for the song as well as for future pieces.

They act as stepping stones, ensuring that by the time you get to the song, it feels manageable and within reach. This method of incremental learning helps build confidence and competence in a seamless way.

2. Strategic Learning Curve

The book is structured so that each song is only slightly more challenging than the last. This subtle increase in difficulty helps learners develop new skills such as different notations, rhythms, string crossings, and fingerings without overwhelming the student.

By the end of the book, students find themselves significantly more skilled than when they started, often without realizing how much they’ve learned along the way. This strategic approach to skill-building is one of the key strengths of the Suzuki method.

3. Fingerings Over Note Names

For beginners, especially those who are new to reading music, the Suzuki Book 1 uses fingerings instead of note names. This makes the learning process less intimidating and more accessible.

While learning note names is important and will come with time, starting with fingerings allows students to focus on the physical aspect of playing the violin. This practical approach helps beginners get comfortable with their instrument quickly and effectively.

4. Versatile Skill Set

By the time you finish Suzuki Book 1, you’ll have developed a skill set versatile enough to tackle a wide range of music genres. Whether you’re interested in fiddle music, Irish jigs, Celtic tunes, rock, country, or pop songs, the foundational skills you gain from this book will enable you to explore these styles. The exercises and songs in Suzuki Book 1 provide a solid base that prepares you to play various types of music with confidence.

5. Extensive Support System

The Suzuki Book series is extensively supported with a wealth of resources available online. There are numerous recordings of the music, which makes it easy to listen and follow along. This aids in developing an ear for music and enhances the learning experience. Additionally, each book in the series comes with accompanying materials, such as piano accompaniments and duet books. These resources allow students to play with others, making the learning process more enjoyable and interactive.

To give you a better idea, let’s look at some specific examples from Suzuki Book 1. The first song in the book is "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." At first glance, it might seem daunting, but the book includes preparatory exercises and variations of "Twinkle" that help you get ready for the main theme.

Play through specific exercises based on the song...

For example, on page 21, you’ll find simple exercises like:

Four sixteenth notes followed by two eighth notes

Two eighth notes followed by an eighth note rest and then another eighth note

Eighth note followed by two sixteenth notes

Two groups of triplets

Two groups of sixteenth notes

These exercises are designed to develop your rhythm and finger coordination. Once you’re comfortable with these, you move on to variations of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and apply each rhythm to the melody.

By the time you reach the main theme, you’ll find it much easier to play, and in some cases the exercises are even easier to play than the main theme. This approach of building skills gradually through exercises and variations is a hallmark of the Suzuki method.

Building gradual skills

As you progress through the book, the pieces become more complex, but the transition is smooth. For instance, by song 13, you’ll be playing a minuet by Bach. This piece introduces more advanced techniques such as string crossings and dynamics, but thanks to the preparatory exercises, you’ll be ready for it.

By the end of Suzuki Book 1, you’ll be able to play a wide range of pieces, including a gigue by Gossec. This final piece combines various techniques you’ve learned throughout the book, showcasing your progress and ability.

Best Violin Songs from Suzuki Book One for Beginners

In Suzuki Book One, you'll find a carefully curated selection of songs that are perfect for beginning violinists. Here are a few that we highly recommend:

• "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star": This classic tune is the first song in the book and is accompanied by various preparatory exercises and variations. These help students master the basic rhythms and fingerings, making the main theme much more approachable.

• "Lightly Row": As the second song, "Lightly Row" introduces more complex bowing techniques and string crossings. It's a gentle step up from "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," building on the skills you've already acquired.

• "Song of the Wind": This lively tune is a favorite among students and teachers alike. It further develops finger coordination and rhythm, setting the stage for more intricate pieces.

• "Go Tell Aunt Rhody": This folk song is another excellent piece for beginners, incorporating different rhythmic patterns and finger placements that are crucial for progressing to more advanced songs.

• Minuet by Bach: Found in the middle of the book, this piece introduces students to classical repertoire and more sophisticated musical concepts like dynamics and phrasing.

• Gigue by Gossec: As one of the final pieces in the book, this lively dance showcases a range of techniques including string crossings, varied dynamics, and advanced fingerings. Mastering this piece demonstrates a solid command of the violin.

These songs are strategically placed to ensure a smooth progression from simple to more complex pieces, making Suzuki Book One a comprehensive guide for beginner violinists.

In summary, Suzuki Book 1 is an excellent starting point for beginner violinists to learn their first songs. Its gradual progression, strategic learning curve, practical approach with fingerings, versatile skill set, and extensive support system make it a highly effective method for learning the violin. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build a strong foundation, Suzuki Book 1 is a great choice.

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