I Can Read Music, Volume 2: Violin Book

This book solves a genuine problem in Suzuki programs: how to introduce traditional notation without abandoning the aural foundation that makes the method work. Martin's careful progression and abundant repetition at each stage build confidence rather than frustration, and the material works equally well for traditionally taught students who need extra scaffolding. Teachers trust this series because it reflects deep understanding of how young violinists actually learn to read.

Calm and purposeful. These exercises breathe; they don't rush. The presentation unfolds like a natural conversation, introducing one idea, practicing it thoroughly, then moving forward only when genuine readiness is evident. Young violinists encounter the page without anxiety.

This book is designed for young string students who learned through ear training first and now need to develop note-reading fluency in a structured way. It also serves traditionally taught violinists of any age who benefit from patient, incremental practice at foundational levels. Parents and teachers who value clear presentation and repeatable daily work will find this resource indispensable.

• Work through one or two short exercises per practice session rather than racing through pages; repetition is the engine here, and mastery at each stage matters more than speed.
• Have the student play aloud while you point to notes, shifting responsibility for tracking to the child gradually as familiarity grows.
• Celebrate small progress visibly; checking off completed exercises or marking pages with stickers keeps young readers engaged over the long arc of the book.
• Use familiar songs or melodies once the student has absorbed the basic note locations, reinforcing that notation represents sound they already know.

Assign this as daily home practice material to students who are concurrently learning repertoire by ear or traditional method. The book pairs naturally with ensemble pieces and performance repertoire, supporting notation skills without competing for lesson time. Many teachers work through one exercise per week as part of the regular lesson check-in.

• Reading note names on the staff in treble clef
• Recognizing and playing notes on the violin fingerboard
• Matching written notation to remembered sound
• Building fluency through systematic repetition
• Developing confidence as an independent reader