Learning Suzuki violin:
from the Twinkles to Book 2
If your child is starting Suzuki violin, it helps to know what the journey looks like. Here's how the first two books unfold, and what you'll be doing as a parent along the way.
The first step: the Twinkles
Every Suzuki violinist begins with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, played as six rhythm variations. These are the first six pieces in Suzuki Violin Volume 1.
The Twinkles build the foundations for everything that follows: good posture, a steady rhythm and a lovely tone. Young children usually spend longer on this stage than older ones, and that's normal. A good foundation makes everything after it easier.
Children of different ages learn the Twinkles in different ways. A 3- or 4-year-old needs short, playful steps, while an older child can move faster. Suzuki teachers tailor each lesson to the individual child.
The rest of Book 1
After the Twinkles, children work through the rest of Suzuki Violin Volume 1, a carefully ordered set of folk songs and classical pieces, including:
Lightly Row · Song of the Wind · Go Tell Aunt Rhody · O Come, Little Children · May Song · Long, Long Ago · Allegro · Perpetual Motion · Allegretto · Andantino · Etude · Minuets 1, 2 and 3 · The Happy Farmer · Gavotte (Gossec)
Each piece introduces one or two new skills, so each step feels achievable. Pieces already learned are reviewed regularly, which builds fluency and self-confidence.
Learning by ear first
In Book 1, children learn pieces by ear and from memory, in the same way they learned to talk before they learned to read. Listening to the Suzuki recordings every day is a big part of this: the more familiar a child is with the music, the more easily it comes to their fingers.
When does reading music begin?
Just as children learn to talk fluently before they learn to read, music reading isn't introduced until a child can play the early pieces confidently. During Book 1, many teachers introduce rhythm and early reading activities, and proper music reading often begins in Book 2.
Book 2
Suzuki Violin Volume 2 carries on from Book 1 with longer and more complex pieces, building concentration, technique, tone and musicianship.
What you need at home
Your child needs a violin of the right size for their arm length. Young children start on small size violins and move up as they grow. Your teacher will help you choose the right size.
The parent's role
In the Suzuki method, the parent comes to every lesson and practises with the child at home. You don't need to be musical: your teacher will show you exactly what to do, step by step. Short, regular practice and daily listening make the biggest difference.
Online Suzuki violin lessons
At Katie Suzuki Music, children from age 3 learn violin by live one-to-one webcam lessons with a registered Suzuki teacher. If you'd like to find out whether it suits your family, book a free 30-minute intro chat: katiesuzukimusic.com.