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Editor's picks

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  The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner, Book 1 (Book & CD)

  Book (Carl Fischer)
  

  Rating (111 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Best book by far for adult beginner

  I had always wanted to learn how to play the violin and finally decided to take the plunge last year. It seemed like a good idea to buy some starter books that would help me learn how. I picked up three such books that had been recommended to me. By far the best was the "ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner." The notes were easy to read and the tunes were really fun to play. New ideas were introduced at a good pace--not pushy fast, not pokey slow--just right. I could keep up without feeling overwhelmed, but I felt like I was learning something, too. I'm now near the end of Book 2 of the series and having a blast! Can't wait to try out Book 3. The other two method books I bought just didn't cut it for me. They seemed harder to understand and threw a lot at you all at once. It was the ABCs that really made me want to keep playing--no contest as far as I'm concerned, at least. 5/5 "gregw9902" (Tucson, AZ) - See all my reviews This review is from: The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner: Violin, Book 1 (Paperback) I had always wanted to learn how to play the violin and finally decided to take the plunge last year. It seemed like a good idea to buy some starter books that would help me learn how. I picked up three such books that had been recommended to me. By far the best was the "ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner." The notes were easy to read and the tunes were really fun to play. New ideas were introduced at a good pace--not pushy fast, not pokey slow--just right. I could keep up without feeling overwhelmed, but I felt like I was learning something, too. I'm now near the end of Book 2 of the series and having a blast! Can't wait to try out Book 3. The other two method books I bought just didn't cut it for me. They seemed harder to understand and threw a lot at you all at once. It was the ABCs that really made me want to keep playing--no contest as far as I'm concerned, at least. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 10, 2004

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  The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner

  The ABC's of Violin has played an enormous role in fulfilling my dream of learning to play the violin. I'm overwhelmed by the simplicity of its approach, and it's underlying structure that has so effectively developed my skills. New concepts and techniques are introduced in such a logical manner as to further a student's development while limiting the frustrations and intimidation that frequently accompany a new undertaking such as learning an instrument. I also enjoy the vast repertoire of material presented throughout the book. The material ranges from focused studies to actual songs, encompassing nearly every genre imaginable, from classical to folk. Many of these songs are famous, others are slightly more obscure, but each cleverly selected to introduce a new element or concept at precisely the right time. The variety of music selection has also expanded the future directions that I hope to take my violin playing. I also highly recommend acquiring the accompanying CD... 5/5 ken (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner: Violin, Book 1 (Paperback) The ABC's of Violin has played an enormous role in fulfilling my dream of learning to play the violin. I'm overwhelmed by the simplicity of its approach, and it's underlying structure that has so effectively developed my skills. New concepts and techniques are introduced in such a logical manner as to further a student's development while limiting the frustrations and intimidation that frequently accompany a new undertaking such as learning an instrument. I also enjoy the vast repertoire of material presented throughout the book. The material ranges from focused studies to actual songs, encompassing nearly every genre imaginable, from classical to folk. Many of these songs are famous, others are slightly more obscure, but each cleverly selected to introduce a new element or concept at precisely the right time. The variety of music selection has also expanded the future directions that I hope to take my violin playing. I also highly recommend acquiring the accompanying CD... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 25, 2003

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  Yes, for the absolute beginner

  I started off by using this book when I decided to teach myself the violin, and I'm very happy I did. The finger placement charts really helped me get started right. It's been a lot of fun using the book, because I can play famous melodies I'm familiar with. I also thought the author's original tunes were nice. And after doing the warm-up exercises, it was really easy to play the melodies that came after.Yes indeed, this is a book for an absolute beginner on the violin--and I ought to know. I was one just a few months ago. Now, I'm in book 2 of the series and enjoying it. And I didn't need a teacher, either.I'd recommend this book very highly. 5/5 T. J. Carpenter - See all my reviews, June 17, 2005

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  List Price: $9.95
  

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  Crescent 4/4 Beginner's Violin Set with Carrying Case and Accessories

  Toy
  

  Rating (54 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Fair quality for the price, but that price is rather low.

  When I first got this (my first violin), I was quite impressed with it. It came in a nice case, had a strap to retain the neck in the case, and was rather shiny.Later however I managed to snag an inexpensive retired rental off of ebay and had a nice comparison. Compared to a more expensive yet heavily beat up rental, this violin has pegs which slip a lot. You'll need peg drops or a lot of patience to continue to reset them. The rosin does work, but it's fairly horrible. Bridge is uncut and feels much more fragile than the rental. Strings sound... oddly hollow compared to the Thomastik Dominant strings I have on the former rental.Overall I would recommend this to an adult with some degree of patience. If you're buying this for a child, you had better be ready to add new strings, better rosin, peg drops, and perhaps be prepared for its viable lifetime to be rather short. I haven't owned it long enough to know for sure, but from the guides I've read on... 3/5 R. Hiranaka - See all my reviews This review is from: Crescent 4/4 Beginner's Violin Set with Carrying Case and Accessories (Toy) When I first got this (my first violin), I was quite impressed with it. It came in a nice case, had a strap to retain the neck in the case, and was rather shiny.Later however I managed to snag an inexpensive retired rental off of ebay and had a nice comparison. Compared to a more expensive yet heavily beat up rental, this violin has pegs which slip a lot. You'll need peg drops or a lot of patience to continue to reset them. The rosin does work, but it's fairly horrible. Bridge is uncut and feels much more fragile than the rental. Strings sound... oddly hollow compared to the Thomastik Dominant strings I have on the former rental.Overall I would recommend this to an adult with some degree of patience. If you're buying this for a child, you had better be ready to add new strings, better rosin, peg drops, and perhaps be prepared for its viable lifetime to be rather short. I haven't owned it long enough to know for sure, but from the guides I've read on... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 24, 2010

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  Check with an instructor before you buy.

  This is my 1st violin, but when I went to my 1st lesson, I was informed that the bridge and strings needed to be replaced.For a few dollars more get a better one.The rosin I got was broken.I do like the case however you can't keep sheet music in the pocket without folding it.I don't like the velco on the neck as it snags the strings.Overall it's ok for a 1st violin. 2/5 Echo (CT.) - See all my reviews This review is from: Crescent 4/4 Beginner's Violin Set with Carrying Case and Accessories (Toy) This is my 1st violin, but when I went to my 1st lesson, I was informed that the bridge and strings needed to be replaced.For a few dollars more get a better one.The rosin I got was broken.I do like the case however you can't keep sheet music in the pocket without folding it.I don't like the velco on the neck as it snags the strings.Overall it's ok for a 1st violin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 28, 2010

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  Needs new strings.

  I bought this violin for my little brother for $70 here at Amazon, and for the price, you can't ask for much more. Once the Orchestra Teacher changed the strings, she said that it's actually a really good violin for beginners. 5/5 Ludwid Reyes (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews, September 3, 2009

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  It 'an absolute tool, professionally done and comes with a difficult case admirably

  The sounds are incrediable: beautiful, and stay in tune.

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• 

  Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Plus DVD: Violin Book 1

  Book (Hal Leonard Corporation)
  

  Rating (40 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Excellent for Adult Beginner!

  Once I got my hands on this book, I discarded all the other "beginner" books I'd purchased. No more having to play juvenile ditties like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.I'm an adult beginner violinist and Essential Elements 2000 for Strings with its accompanying CD & DVD has enabled me to teach myself how to play my violin while thoroughly enjoying the effort and without experiencing the boredom and humiliation of having to learn tunes better geared toward much younger students.I've only been playing since July and I'm already about to graduate to the second book in the series. The curriculum is interesting, playing along with the orchestra on the CD is exciting, and realizing how fast I'm progressing is a dream come true for this 54 year old beginner.I highly recommend this book as well as Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory Complete to anyone seriously interested in learning violin. 5/5 Suzanne Langlois "JOBeth" (Georgia) - See all my reviews, September 18, 2006

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  Well thought out series.

  "For a real violin study, go with Suzuki." While that might work for a child that is ages 3-4 in a one-on-one or small group setting (which is what the Suzuki Method was intended for), it does not work well in large group learning situation for kids who are twice that age, beginning instruments in fourth and fifth grade. And to be honest, almost everything in the Suzuki method *IS* an arrangement of an original work (like the Bach Bouree from the cello suites set for violin), chosen because even in their simplified form they help teach the fundamental concepts.This is my third year using EE2000 in my school program. I usually have between 30-40 students at each grade level in the orchestra. The books and their accompanying CD/DVD work really well and are of the appropriate complexity for the students ages nine through eleven. As a private instructor myself, I recommend to all my students to seek outside instruction, but EE2000 provides a good balance of technical... 5/5 Gene Wie (Irvine, CA USA) - See all my reviews, September 27, 2007

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  excellent violin method

  This is an excellent first book for the violin. I have started learning violin again after a 24 year break! This book is aesthetic, has very clear instructions and diagrams and is designed beautifully. The progression of the exercises is completely logical, allowing you to perfect each technique before moving on. Every symbol is explained clearly, no new note or technique is found in exercises that come before their explanation. There are numerous scale and arpeggio exercises that are marked with a different background color, making it easier to find them. There are many orchestra arrangements (mostly duets), and even a duet with piano accompaniment. The accompanying discs are an added attraction. I don't particularly make very much use of them, but they can make practicing more interesting for children who generally have less discipline. This is a much better series than The ABCs of Violin. 5/5 P. Meyer "music lover" (Israel) - See all my reviews, March 11, 2005

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  List Price: $8.99
  

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  Barcelona Beginner 1 Series 4/4 Size Student Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, and Strings

  Musical Instruments (Barcelona)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (3.2/5)

  

  nice violin...great value

  My five year old announced that she wanted to learn the violin. I used to play the cello so I was thrilled but I also know how the interest of a five year old can change quickly. At first I looked at some toys but did not see anything that would allow her to really play. I got this violin for her for Christmas. She was extremely happy and has played it everyday. It is a beautiful instrument and has great tone. The case and bow are also very good especially for the price. My daughter likes the backpack straps on the case and pretends that she is off to music school.The kit also includes an extra bridge, strings and rosin. Considering the cost of video games etc these days, this is a GREAT BUY!Note - I found a web site with instructions on how to measure your child to make sure you get the right size instrument. 5/5 L. Davis (Pikesville, MD) - See all my reviews, January 4, 2011

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  The first violin for a child

  Bought this violin for my 3-year-old granddaughter who loves music. The price is excellent, the case and the bow are of good quality and for a very young beginner it is an excellent first violin. We are looking forward to her starting lessons soon. 5/5 C. Metzner "metznerc" (Venezuela) - See all my reviews, January 27, 2011

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  Spend a little more and buy something that works.

  Got this violin in the mail quite quickly, which was nice. Looked gorgeous :)Then was told the bow was awful, so I had to buy a new one. Then my violin teacher noticed the tuning peg for the E string was made faultily - the hole where you put the string was built on the wrong end of the peg. The E string kept on breaking. More time at the music store :( THEN the tuning pegs just stopped holding, so I'd spend 30 minutes trying to tune the thing. The notes were all totally out of sorts. I spent all my time trying to tune instead of practicing. Frustrating.And the zipper on the bag isn't holding well.All this within 3 weeks of opening it.And you'd need to buy a shoulder rest.I didn't even open the violin for 2 weeks after getting it, so I just missed the return window. The seller is offering to "fix" the tuners, which of course would cost me another $10 shipping it and the time it takes to package, etc. No thanks -- not worth... 2/5 KCo - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Barcelona Beginner 1 Series 4/4 Size Student Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, and Strings Got this violin in the mail quite quickly, which was nice. Looked gorgeous :)Then was told the bow was awful, so I had to buy a new one. Then my violin teacher noticed the tuning peg for the E string was made faultily - the hole where you put the string was built on the wrong end of the peg. The E string kept on breaking. More time at the music store :( THEN the tuning pegs just stopped holding, so I'd spend 30 minutes trying to tune the thing. The notes were all totally out of sorts. I spent all my time trying to tune instead of practicing. Frustrating.And the zipper on the bag isn't holding well.All this within 3 weeks of opening it.And you'd need to buy a shoulder rest.I didn't even open the violin for 2 weeks after getting it, so I just missed the return window. The seller is offering to "fix" the tuners, which of course would cost me another $10 shipping it and the time it takes to package, etc. No thanks -- not worth... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 21, 2011

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  List Price: $169.99
  Price: $99.99
  You Save: $40.00 (40%)

  Priced for the beginning player

  4/4 or full-size violin, for violinists age 9 and above with an arm length of 23.5 inches and up

  Glossed finish to protect from scratching and surface wear

  Made from hand-carved maple with spruce top

  Package includes Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, and Extra Strings

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• 

  Violin For Dummies

  Book (For Dummies)
  

  Rating (28 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  better than online courses I've tried

  Goes from the very basic through fairly advanced in manageable steps. Clear and concise with excellent descriptions. Included CD helps with practice pieces and songs.For less than the price of one music lesson you have a companion guide and reference to help you navigate from beginner to beyond.I know I sound like a commercial, but I'm a real person who is amazed that someone put in the effort to craft a manual that really helps self starters.To show you how basic it can be... it tells you how to take the violin in and out of its case.The lady who wrote the book knows her stuff and how to communicate it. Actually the quick guide on how to hold the violin and bow will save you grief down the line.Good luck and have fun with it. 5/5 Raymond Patrick "ray" (albuquerque,nm) - See all my reviews, February 26, 2008

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  Great book for beginners

  I am an adult who wanted to learn to play the violin without the expense of private lessons. So far, this book has been very easy to follow and the instructions are very clear. The CD is wonderful, it includes short videos and mp3 songs. I can play along with the songs and know that the notes are correct.My only compaint is that I found alot of the photos in the book hard to see. They are in black and white and the photos are far to dark. 5/5 S. Chamberlain "kanona531" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews, March 10, 2008

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  Violin Instruction

  Katharine Rapoport brings a lot of experience to light in this book; designed for the very beginner through advanced. If you are trying to tackle violin pedagogy on your own maybe because you can't afford private lessons or maybe your schedule is not conducive for private lessons, or whatever reason; this book is a good place to start. The instruction is informative, structured, and relaxed in nature. 5/5 Troy A. Lewis (Baton Rouge, LA USA) - See all my reviews, May 20, 2008

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  List Price: $24.99
  

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  ViolinSmart 4/4 Full Size Student Violin w/Bow, Case, and Rosin - Solid Black

  Musical Instruments (VIOLINSMART)
  

  Rating (56 reviews):

  (2.9/5)

  

  Go Violin!

  I ordered this violin on a Sunday evening and recieved it the following Saturday at 9am with the cheapest shipping.This is, well, a cheap violin. You're looking at it because you're interested in getting a cheap violin. Why? I thought of the following:Decor, prop, for a child, to find out if you hate or have an unknown untapped talent for the violin, you think it will be fun, but don't want to spend a lot of cash on a whim.I'm kind of the last two, and I don't have piles of cash lying around. So I figured I can afford that, if I hate it then hey at least it would look pretty in a room of my house somewhere.So yeah, it arrived timely. The case... is cheap. There's like some glue on the felt in spots, wooden debris, the outer material feels a bit flimsy, but it's a case, and it will suffice. It actually looks soft-sided but it's firm. I kinda like it. My interior was red, not the tan.Setting up the bridge is really easy. I'm... 4/5 amarygma (MN, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: ViolinSmart 4/4 Full Size Student Violin w/Bow, Case, and Rosin - Solid Black I ordered this violin on a Sunday evening and recieved it the following Saturday at 9am with the cheapest shipping.This is, well, a cheap violin. You're looking at it because you're interested in getting a cheap violin. Why? I thought of the following:Decor, prop, for a child, to find out if you hate or have an unknown untapped talent for the violin, you think it will be fun, but don't want to spend a lot of cash on a whim.I'm kind of the last two, and I don't have piles of cash lying around. So I figured I can afford that, if I hate it then hey at least it would look pretty in a room of my house somewhere.So yeah, it arrived timely. The case... is cheap. There's like some glue on the felt in spots, wooden debris, the outer material feels a bit flimsy, but it's a case, and it will suffice. It actually looks soft-sided but it's firm. I kinda like it. My interior was red, not the tan.Setting up the bridge is really easy. I'm... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 18, 2006

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  Better than I expected!

  I purchased this violin on a whim when I was reminiscing about playing as a child. It is a terrific price (cheaper than most toys...or at least the same price as a meal out with the family...) and comes with everything I needed to get started. I was pleasantly surprised that it came well packed and within the suggested time. I was also able to track the item through UPS. I panicked at first because I could not get any sound to come out of it and thought I had been sold a piece of junk. I went to the internet to see if I could figure out what was wrong and found that I needed to attach the bridge that was in the accessory compartment of the case. It was much easier than I thought. I found a great website that explained it all to me [...]and also has free beginning lessons and other important information that I have already found helpful. The other crucial key to getting sound from the violin is to have the bow rosined properly. (You also need to tighted the bow with the little... 5/5 L. Nevin "Eagle Mountain Books" - See all my reviews, July 20, 2006

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  Black Pearl

  I've been interested in playing the violin since about the age of eight, I am now nearly sixteen and decided it's about time to play. I did not start in earlier years because violins are regularly rather costly. Out of curiousity, I began browsing Amazon's selection of violins and stumbled upon this specific violin set. It is a great price, a beautiful violin and a wonderful set for a beginner. I ordered this violin on the 5th of July, I was told it would arrive between the 13th and the 18th. It came today, which is the 14th, quite a timely manner and in perfect condition. The violin was just like the picture, I am not at all disappointed. Though I have to say, I had an issue with one of the strings which broke on me while I assembled the bridge, which comes unassembled and without instructions. Being that I've never seen a fully assembled violin with my own eyes, it was a bit of a challenge to figure out how to assemble it. I at first thought the strings go through the holes that are... 5/5 Alaka Lalia R. "Lia" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews This review is from: ViolinSmart 4/4 Full Size Student Violin w/Bow, Case, and Rosin - Solid Black I've been interested in playing the violin since about the age of eight, I am now nearly sixteen and decided it's about time to play. I did not start in earlier years because violins are regularly rather costly. Out of curiousity, I began browsing Amazon's selection of violins and stumbled upon this specific violin set. It is a great price, a beautiful violin and a wonderful set for a beginner. I ordered this violin on the 5th of July, I was told it would arrive between the 13th and the 18th. It came today, which is the 14th, quite a timely manner and in perfect condition. The violin was just like the picture, I am not at all disappointed. Though I have to say, I had an issue with one of the strings which broke on me while I assembled the bridge, which comes unassembled and without instructions. Being that I've never seen a fully assembled violin with my own eyes, it was a bit of a challenge to figure out how to assemble it. I at first thought the strings go through the holes that are... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 14, 2006

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  List Price: $129.00
  

  Comes with hard shell case, bow, and rosin

  4/4 or full-size violin, for violinists age 9 and above with an arm length of 23.5 inches and up

  Inexpensive starter instrument for children and adults alike

  Available in an array of colors

  Select spruce top, pearwood fingerboard, maple back and sides

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  My Violin

  Software (eMedia)
  

  Rating (9 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  So easy even I can do it.

  I just got my copie of "My Violin" today in the mail. After playing with the program for about 3-4 hours, I have to say I LOVE! it. I am 31 years old, and I'm just now begining to learn the violin. I have had no priore contact with reading music or ever playing it before , which is why I picked this program. It was ment to be use for children 6 and up, and my only thought was, "Hey if a 6 year old can learn to play violin off this, then maybe I can as well." The program is truly simple to follow, easy to understand, mixes video and visual componates at EVERY step, and passivly teaches you how to read music and learn rythm. The instructor obviously loves teaching and is very friendly and easy to understand. It is a bit childish in its content, how ever it was designed for children! as an adult beginner i realy recomend this program not only for kids, but anyone who may have a hard time learning. The use of games to help remember the lessons and the use of video help was... 5/5 Taira Hopkins "I have loved the stars to fond... (Eugene , OR USA) - See all my reviews, February 7, 2009

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  Pleased

  I bought the guitar version for my 6 year old son, and being the good mother that I am I got the violin version for myself to learn the violin that I received as a graduation gift for college. Cant have the boy doing "lessons" if Mom is ducking, right?Well, I must say that I am impressed with this software. You do not need to have any background whatsoever in music, which I don't. My son is very enthusiastic, and I have practiced everyday since it arrived. My three year old daughter is now asking for a violin for her birthday.The animated characters are not annoying at all, and the games are brief, but meaningful. The games are like pop quizes that give you a wake-up call to point out where your short-comings are so you can reveiw if neccessary.Another feature about the software I like is that you don't need the disc to run it. My husband has gotten a guitar so that he can play with the boy, and we have the software installed on 3 different... 5/5 WM Momma (Illinios) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: My Violin (CD-ROM) I bought the guitar version for my 6 year old son, and being the good mother that I am I got the violin version for myself to learn the violin that I received as a graduation gift for college. Cant have the boy doing "lessons" if Mom is ducking, right?Well, I must say that I am impressed with this software. You do not need to have any background whatsoever in music, which I don't. My son is very enthusiastic, and I have practiced everyday since it arrived. My three year old daughter is now asking for a violin for her birthday.The animated characters are not annoying at all, and the games are brief, but meaningful. The games are like pop quizes that give you a wake-up call to point out where your short-comings are so you can reveiw if neccessary.Another feature about the software I like is that you don't need the disc to run it. My husband has gotten a guitar so that he can play with the boy, and we have the software installed on 3 different... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 10, 2010

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  My Violin Promotional Video

  Customer Video Review Length:: 2:50 Mins 5/5 eMedia Representative - See all my reviews This review is from: My Violin (CD-ROM), April 22, 2011

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  List Price: $49.95
  Price: $38.00
  You Save: $11.95 (24%)

  Animated Fingerboard shows correct fingerings as the music plays

  Finger Tracker listens to kids play and shows whether fingers are placed correctly

  Creative interactive games make learning fun and exciting

  Over 70 large-format full-motion videos guide kids through playing techniques

  Over 160 lessons featuring basic techniques, rhythm tunes and popular songs

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  Easy Classical Violin Solos: Featuring music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers.

  eBooks (Marco Musica)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Good Clean Classical Fun

  This is an outstanding beginner book. There are probably two or three songs that are a little above beginner level but most of the pieces are easy and fun to play. Most of the music has fingerings (finger numbers above the notes) which can be helpful for the beginner as long as it's not used as a crutch.The selections are very recognizable and if you listen to very much classical music at all then you'll undoubtedly know this music (or at least recognize it when you start playing it).I do wish it was a little longer as it's very short and would have rated it higher if they could have included a few more songs. However, for the price it seems to be a fair to good value.I run through almost every song in this book once a day when I practice; it's a great warm up. I'm happy to have this as part of my music collection. 4/5 B. Noble "holomew" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews, August 31, 2011

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  Perfect for Beginners

  This book is a perfect supplement for someone who can read music and has taken violin for a short time. The pieces are short and simple. Requires the ability to play in several keys. It is appropriate for someone who has finished most of Suzuki book 1. 5/5 Reader "Love to Read" (Arkansas) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Easy Classical Violin Solos: Featuring music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers. (Paperback) This book is a perfect supplement for someone who can read music and has taken violin for a short time. The pieces are short and simple. Requires the ability to play in several keys. It is appropriate for someone who has finished most of Suzuki book 1. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 7, 2011

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  just what i was looking for

  this book was exact what i was looking for, classical pieces in very easy format, when you have some practice you can start to innovate some changes and give them more live and passion. 4/5 gustavo - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Easy Classical Violin Solos: Featuring music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi and other composers. (Kindle Edition) this book was exact what i was looking for, classical pieces in very easy format, when you have some practice you can start to innovate some changes and give them more live and passion. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 6, 2012

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  List Price: $5.99
  

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  Cecilio 4/4 CVN-200 Rosewood Fitted Solid Wood Violin

  Musical Instruments (Cecilio Musical Instruments)
  

  Rating (56 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  After four weeks of playing, EXCELLENT beginning violin

  This will be a moderately comprehensive review of Cecilio CVN-200 violinFirst of all my knowledge of violins is limited but I'm learning everyday. I do have a music background playing trumpet in school and piano at home with some compositions on the side. I've always wanted to learn violin and finally decided to try. 100 bucks for a violin, does it even work?I received this instrument four weeks ago and am extremely happy with it.The outfit for this is great for the price. You get everything you need to start playing and more, ie. TWO bows, TWO sets of strings, an extra bridge, a case, a shoulder rest, a simple tuner, and a cake of rosin.All of these are essential for playing the violin and you get them all. Also, the bow and strings are very delicate parts so having two in case one breaks is a huge plus for a newbie. The violin itself also comes with four micro tuners (at the bottom end of the strings) rather than just one on the e... 5/5 Cbui "CBui" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CVN-200 Rosewood Fitted Solid Wood Violin (Electronics) This will be a moderately comprehensive review of Cecilio CVN-200 violinFirst of all my knowledge of violins is limited but I'm learning everyday. I do have a music background playing trumpet in school and piano at home with some compositions on the side. I've always wanted to learn violin and finally decided to try. 100 bucks for a violin, does it even work?I received this instrument four weeks ago and am extremely happy with it.The outfit for this is great for the price. You get everything you need to start playing and more, ie. TWO bows, TWO sets of strings, an extra bridge, a case, a shoulder rest, a simple tuner, and a cake of rosin.All of these are essential for playing the violin and you get them all. Also, the bow and strings are very delicate parts so having two in case one breaks is a huge plus for a newbie. The violin itself also comes with four micro tuners (at the bottom end of the strings) rather than just one on the e... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 27, 2008

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  For the price, it's great!

  I bought this violin and a CVN-100 1/10 size for my four year old son. He loves the CVN-100, and I love the CVN-200. Please remember that most instruments need a "breaking in" period. Get some peg drops and that will help with the tuning pegs.The thing that I like about this violin is it's tone. A nice beautiful sound. I'm sure that upgrading the strings would also boost it's tone, but for right now, I'm happy. The thing that is nice about this violin, aside from the great price, and tone, is the fact that I don't have to worry about my four year old son breaking a $500+ violin. Because I've been able to be so relaxed, my son has taken full responsibility for his violin. He treats it carefully, wipes it down, and really takes pride in what he has learned in his lessons. It's been a wonderful, low stress way of introducing music, and instilling self-confidence in my little boy. Thanks Cecilio.Know that if you get this violin, you need to learn how to install the... 5/5 Arthur Moore (UT, USA) - See all my reviews, December 16, 2006

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  Cecilio CVN-200 Violin is great for the money

  I recently purchased this violin and love it! Both my local music store, and my new teacher looked it over and thought I got a great deal. Being a beginner, I really have no idea if it truly sounds good or not. But, my teacher (who has been playing violin half his life) said it really does have nice sound! So, I would recommend it as a good beginner's violin. 5/5 Quilty Qelly "Kelly" (Indiana) - See all my reviews This review is from: Cecilio 4/4 CVN-200 Rosewood Fitted Solid Wood Violin (Electronics) I recently purchased this violin and love it! Both my local music store, and my new teacher looked it over and thought I got a great deal. Being a beginner, I really have no idea if it truly sounds good or not. But, my teacher (who has been playing violin half his life) said it really does have nice sound! So, I would recommend it as a good beginner's violin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 4, 2007

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  List Price: $239.99
  

  Natural Color Rosewood Pegs, Chin Rest, Tailpiece and Fingerboard

  One Year Warranty

  Rosewood Tailpiece With 4 Fine Nickel Plated Tuners

  Includes Extra Set of Strings, Rosin, Bridge and more

  Hand-Carved Solid Maple Back & Sides

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  Play Violin Today!: A Complete Guide to the Basics Level 1

  Book (Hal Leonard Corporation)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Great for beginners

  First of all, I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I feel like the CD goes way too fast for a beginner. After playing the lessons a few times in a row, you'll get up to speed. However, when you're just learning, you have to go slow otherwise you will make tons of mistakes and constantly making mistakes will make you want to give up. The information in the book is great. It would have been nice to have color photos, but the black & white photos are clear enough that you can see what is necessary. Great start for those, like me, who don't know a thing about playing the violin! 4/5 S. Green (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews, March 14, 2011

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  List Price: $9.95
  

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