Best Method To Learn The Violin 

One of the most common questions I receive is: What is the best violin method to learn? Is it Suzuki, or is there something else?

We often think of learning as a linear pathway, believing that a specific method or set of steps will lead us to success in music. However, learning is not a linear process, and music itself is never linear. When we play the violin, we draw on all the knowledge and experiences we have from other areas of learning. Artistic creativity varies significantly from person to person, as does the outcome of that learning.

Music methodology is crucial because it provides the steps necessary to play what you desire. The type of methodology needs to fit the student's learning style. The violin is one of those instruments where a lack of proficiency can significantly limit your creative expression. A key issue in the learning process is ensuring students have no gaps or major holes in their knowledge or technique.

My approach to teaching involves establishing clear milestones and standards that each student should aim to achieve on their educational journey. Most methodologies adhere to a similar set of standards. However, a student's path to reaching these standards can vary significantly based on their age, learning style, talents, and motivation to succeed. It's essential to adjust the methodology to suit the student rather than expecting the student to conform to it, while the focus should be on achieving clear, measurable results.

Focusing on what the student excels at in their playing is important. Method books often fail to enhance the skills that a student already demonstrates well. In many cases, it may be necessary to use several different method books simultaneously to achieve the desired results.

Students also need to understand how to do skills that are difficult for them. For example, a student may be great at playing music by ear, but that student still needs to know how to read music, even if it is not their best skill.

Artist development is an important factor to consider. For example, a student might begin learning a specific style of music but later decide to switch to a different genre. It is essential to have a solid foundation of quality technique that can be applied across various music styles. Additionally, having a teacher who encourages the student to explore different styles of music can also be beneficial.

Most students are more successful at playing a musical instrument, especially the violin when they take private lessons due to the combination of methodology and creative thinking. An online video class is limited to linear learning and can make a student less successful.

One aspect that many people overlook is the duration and quality of lessons required to achieve desired results. Lessons for students of all ages should be at least one hour long. This allows enough time not only to explain the subject matter but also to include activities, games, and creative, critical thinking exercises that help develop new skills. Lessons should be enjoyable, interactive, and engaging to maintain students' attention throughout the entire hour.

While traditional music lessons are typically held once a week, it can be beneficial to have lessons more frequently. This approach accelerates the learning process. Why is this the case? Having lessons more often allows students to ask questions promptly and measure their progress effectively. If they master a piece of music or exercise in one session, they don't need to spend an entire week repeating it. For adult learners, the goal is to play well now rather than in five years. The quickest way to achieve this is through multiple lessons each week.

I always tell people to fall in love with the teacher rather than the methodology. You could have the perfect method, but if it is not executed well by a great music teacher, then it isn't very helpful. A teacher should be your most trusted advisor and confidant. Teachers need to be active professionals on the instrument they are teaching. Music teachers should possess a substantial amount of empathy and understanding of the unique challenges their students face. They need to proactively plan, organize, and incorporate a strategy to help students progress toward success.

I frequently reflect on my students between lessons, actively brainstorming creative solutions to their challenges. A good music teacher dedicates time each week to plan the content and methodology for the upcoming lessons. The methodology serves as a valuable tool in a teacher's toolkit, offering a structured approach to lessons. However, it should be adjusted weekly to meet the individual needs of each student. This means tailoring the methodology to align with the student's goals, preferred style of music, and approach to playing.

When considering methodology, the most important factor is a student's focus. If a student has a strong desire to become a great violinist, their focus shifts to determining what they need to do to succeed. This includes identifying the right teacher, the appropriate method, and the skills they need to develop in order to achieve their dreams. This focus is the key to success.