My Learning Method for the Beginning Violinist

I'm not an expert with the violin nor have I taught extensively. However, I remember very clearly what methods I used and many have said that I learned very quickly so I think this method works well. It takes a combination of many different books as well as the traditional "Suzuki" method.

What you'll need: The Doflein Method, Suzuki Volumes 1-4, Solos for Young Violinists book 2, and the Wohlfahrt 60 Studies for the Violin and Kayser 36 Etudes.The studies and etudes probably won't be needed until the end of the first year. Before I start, I highly recommend a teacher; he or she will also most likely take a different path and I suggest you follow that. If you don't have a teacher, you can use this guide to be well on your way to an excellent high school violinist.

The following is under the assumption that you can read the music (or at least figure out where the finger should go), not necessarily play in-tune but know "about" where the finger should go and what string to play on.

The Doflein Method and Suzuki book 1 is what you will start with. The Doflein Method contains many little pieces (usually two or three lines) and are extremely easy to both read and play. Using these small pieces, you'll quickly build your ability to read music; of course, you won't be able to accomplish this in just a couple of days but if you give it a couple of months, you should be able to read these pieces with relative ease. The other great thing about this method is it will sometimes ask you to "finish" the piece. You'll get to write your own music! Take this opportunity to write what you think sounds right after the introduction that is provided. This is a great way to test the sound of the violin and start the ability to play by ear. Unfortunately, this ability is not something you'll be able to do soon (unless you're a prodigy); expect it within the first four years. The Doflein method, to me, is considered the starting point of your studies in etudes. It will help build up your technique quickly. Compare to the Suzuki, the other necessary part of learning. The Suzuki method offers a wide range of music that you're probably familiar with (if not, they're still fun to play). I would recommend spending about one or two weeks per piece in the first book. You should finish the book by the third or fourth month; if you're too fast, you may not have got everything you needed.

At this point, your ears should be to the point that you can almost hear the difference between in-tune and out-of-tune. You won't finish the Doflein method after Suzuki book 1. At book 2 and 3, you'll continue the exact same thing as book 1 except you'll be spending much longer than a week or two per piece on more difficult pieces. Possibly a month or more so don't go to the next piece if you're not satisfied with the current piece. By the end of Suzuki book 2 or middle of book 3, you should have completed the first book of the Doflein Method. Now, you're ready start the Wohlfahrt studies.

At this point, you're about to go from beginner to the intermediate stage. The Wohlfahrt studies will take about a year and a half to finish. Work on it very slowly and do about one or two etude per week. At the same time, slowly work on Suzuki book 4. You don't need to focus a lot on book 4 except for the last three pieces because they focus on higher positions. However, if you don't feel comfortable with those yet, just work on the Wohlfahrt studies.

Once those are completed and book 4 is complete, you can start with the Kayser etudes and the Solos for Young Violinists book 2. This is beyond the beginner level so make sure you're happy with the progress made before starting with these. Have fun!

Break down of the years:
Year 1-2: Suzuki Book 1-3, Doflein Method
Year 2-3: First half of Suzuki Book 4 and Wohlfahrt
Year 3-4: Second half of Suzuki Book 4 and Wohlfahrt , Kayser
Year 4-5: Kayser, Solos for Young Violinists