I started off learning the violin with the Suzuki method (at least, I think that`s pretty much what my teacher used) and I didn`t learn to read music right away. When I did, I didn`t learn the note names, just what finger the note was played with (i.e. a "b" was "first finger, A string) and I wasn`t very good at sight reading for a long time, especially when I started in different positions and could no longer tell what note to play based on what finger I used in 1st position. My question is, when do you think beginners should learn to read music? I know with Suzuki the theory is that you have to learn how to play first, like you learn to speak before you learn to read. What do you guys think? And should beginners learn the note names or just how to play them on the violin?

At the risk of getting shot down in flames, with the exception of very young children, I think everyone should read music from day one, including the note names. I taught five year olds that way and was very successful.

Liz

I think you should know the name of the notes. First, try to remember the name of the note. then use the flash cards, see as fast as you can and say it what note it is until you are expert with this. So you will memorize it very well without you count what note it is on the song.

It`s good to know that people do teach with note names. I`ve been wondering why everyone doesn`t do this, isn`t it much less confusing than first playing without reading at all, then relying completly on fingering numbers, and then finally learning the names (like with Suzuki)? Liz, what books did you use to teach with? Everyone here basicaly uses either Suzuki or Royal Conservatory of Toronto. I like how the Suzuki pieces build on each other, rather than having them all the same level, and I think that it`s helpful to be able to listen to the recordings. However, I don`t like how much fingering is written in, and how third position isn`t introduced for a long time.

I started out on the piano. I was taught how to read music from the beginning, so after about six years I started the violin. Sight reading was a piece of cake compared to piano music. One staff, one clef, the biggest chord is four notes.

lol, yeah it would be easier after piano I suppose. I did play piano for a year before violin, but as I was 6 it didn`t make much difference. . . Doing theory now I am finally getting the hang of the bass cleft

Suzie,

In the UK teachers use quite a range of books. I used Abracadabra.

Liz

i cant read music in above ths tave on the e-string i find it really hard to know what notes are what and i have askd my teacher but she says just to let it come to you. but i have recently taken an interest in the flute and am going to start lessons soon i think that this will help with my violin.
it is especially sight reading for exams and stuff. has any one got any learning techniques that would help me understand 3rd 4th and 5th position easier?
as i said i dont really have that much trouble with the positions on the G, D and A string, its just the E string that i have trouble with!