Customer Reviews

I Can Read Music: A Note Reading Book for Violin Students (Volume 1)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is perfectly designed for the Suzuki lesson structure. If there is an able teacher and parent present to introduce and teach each lesson, the book is very successful. My students are exposed to the basic concepts of music theory in a theory class following their weekly group classes - so there is no need to explain basic concepts like the "treble clef" or "staff." There are plenty of introductory reading books out there for the older beginner, but this book has a gradual yet not monotonous pace, catering to an early beginner who has a support structure (parent/teacher).

I use this book for all of my students in a studio of 40+ Suzuki Violinists!

I was very disappointed that it didn't offer a more in depth explanation and/or instruction. I am a parent without any experience in music helping my daughter to learn, and was very disappointed that it didn't offer any explanations of the lessons being taught. For the absolute beginner: Don't buy this as it is basically just a book with sheet music. I guess if you already know how to read sheet music you can make use of it, but for those who don't-it's practically useless. Perhaps I just misread the purpose of the book before buying it, but it will be a while before it is of any use to my daughter.

Both of my children started with this work book to develop their note reading skills. They were both about 5 years old when they began their note reading practice. My daughter progressed very quickly. I think the fact that she was already reading chapter books on her own may have helped; where my son who was not reading on his own struggled around the middle of Vol.1. So, we switched to flash cards and the other note reading book, "I Know A Fox With A Dirty Socks" which is more melodic. I made an enlarged copies of music from the book to make the reading easier. (in about the same size of the flash cards') Singing the words that comes with the melody also was helpful. I think it is a good gauge to use your children's reading skills to see if they are ready for a work book like this. Another words, children could start using this work book with the same pace that they read their native language. When we practice the "I Can Read Music" at home, we will first say the note names, clap the note values, then play on the violin. I never had to help them with the finger placement on the finger board (because Suzuki Students usually have excellent hearing skills), but the note value that each holds. So, clapping together was a must. Both Vol. 1 and 2 has plenty of repetitions (in note reading concepts) and works well with Suzuki Book 1, 2 and/or 3. Each page comes with 4 lines, and easy to practice a little at a time. I highly recommend this series, since it is easy to incorporate however you would like it to work at any age. The series also was very helpful with my note reading skills (I gained the speed of note-reading. Suzuki Children have excellent listening skills, especially if they started their lessons at early age. This work book can help them to connect their audio skill to notes that they see on the music sheets which is important, especially, if they rely on their ears more than reading the notes.

" I can Read Music " I think most teachers would agree that this is an excellent teaching tool. Young students can learn to read fast and easy using this book. I have 30+ years of teaching music not only private but in public school as a band teacher and I can honestly say this book has helped many of my students. I have a young 5 year old just starting violin and it is amazing to see how fast she is learning her notes. If a student can't read music then no matter how well they memorize or how well they handle the instrument the fact is they will not be able to sit in an ensemble..... "Learn to read music!"

Richard C.

This book is exactly what the title says....a note reading book. It's a great practice book for the beginning reader on the violin. Each lesson adds a new note and works both on reading the notes as well as reading rhythms. This is not a how to play violin book so anyone starting out will have to get a separate lesson book. But it is a great note reading book to practice the skill of sight reading music.

This book has been a great help to my small daughter in her violin practice. By splitting the tasks of note reading and rhythm reading into separate sections on pitch and rhythm she doesn't get as frustrated. The author knows that it's best to concentrate on ONE thing at a time as you're learning!

If you haven't already discovered the wealth and beauty of the Suzuki books, this book is no exception. I recommend it to any teacher or student looking to supplement the Suzuki method with sight-reading "exercizes", which don't really feel like exercizes. Each lesson builds sequentially on the one before. One concentrates on pitch, the other on rhythm. It starts at an extremely basic level, accessible to literally everyone.

Big print and baby steps forward make this book manageable for young beginners. It was perfect for my child. She gained confidence and knowledge.

I bought this along with several other books to get me started on the violin (I am in my 30's). I had played the cello as a kid, so I was familiar with some of the aspects of string instruments. This book has really helped me to remember notes. The spiral binding is awesome. The exercises are not glamourous, but they get the job done.

My 7yr old daughter loves this book! She is learning to play the violin by the Suzuki method and the teacher reccomended the "I can read music" so she could continue progressing in her studies. The book is simple and laid out well; she loves to get it out duing her daily practice and 'do it on my own.' As a former music major in college, I appreciate the opportunity for her to focus on her intonation with it's simplicity, yet not so much so that she loses interest in daily practice. I enjoy seeing the eagerness and maturity that this book has helped foster with her musical experience.