Violin For Dummies, Book + Online Video & Audio Instruction Paperback – March 30, 2015

From this adult beginner's perspective this appears to be the perfect book. It answers many of the questions I would ask if I were taking lessons, which undoubtedly is best if one is truly committed to learning the instrument. The book breaks down the deceptively complex task of producing a musical sound into easy subtasks. For example the student learns to play pizzicato before the bow is introduced.The only drawback is the binding , which will not lie flat on a music stand. I think I'm going to have to have it rebound at a print shop, which will probably double the cost of the book. Why wouldn't the publisher save me the trouble and expense by using a spiral binding?

Great learning tool

Contains much good information about the violin and its playing. But it does not replace lessons. The book will be useful in conjunction with lessons but is inadequate for learning to play the violin. My experience is that one needs the services of a good violin teacher to learn the techniques involved in playing the violin. One example is holding and using the bow. The words and the pictures are great, bu cannot replace a good instructor manipulating your fingers as hold the bow and showing you how to bow.

Great for beginners. I've been reading this while waiting for my violin to be ready. It eases you into things, and is easy to read. I was able to pick my violin up out of the case, tune it, and take the bow to strings pretty quickly.

This is a must have for those who are starting to play the violin for first time and even better for those who are learning in their mature after 50 years. HIghly recommended with super support online. I'm ahead of my first lesson because of the book!

This book did fine to introduce me to all aspects of the violin and got me started with playing. More emphasis could gave been used when explaining the fretboard notes, but the absolute biggest complaint about this book is all the ill-timed, stupid jokes and puns that overwhelm every single paragraph and/or sentence. Also, the author spends a lot of time explaining what she is about to explain before she explains it, just start explaining already!

This book is very thorough, almost could be used to teach yourself.Very helpful audio and video companion files online.It's still a good idea to get in-person instruction to get precise advise on things like properly holding the bow.But it is a perfect companion for honing your craft between in-person lessons.

Very informative and keeps your interest.....Did I say sense of humor, well that too. Haven’t started playing yet, but I have many hours on guitar. I have begun a new endeavor and Katharine seems to be the perfect person for this. I definitely recommend this book if you’re new to violin. She will get your heart pumping for the love of this art.

Excelente libro, escrito de forma amena y muy clara, para tener una visión muy completa de este maravilloso instrumento. Contiene información histórica, técnica, ejercicios muy prácticos para principiantes e intermedios y se complementa con audios y videos de su página de internet. Lo recomiendo totalmente para ampliar tu cultura musical y mejorar tu forma y técnica de tocar.

Veramente utile. Di facilissima comprensione anche per i più neofiti.

Excellent book and service. Everything you need to get started. So glad I bought it. Thank you.

Intended as a gift. Reported by receiver to be excellent as guide book. The relatively high cost.makes me award 4-star rather than 5-star.

Perfecto, rápido y cómodo.El libro estupendo, espero que pronto salga a la luz la edición en español.Excelente como todos los de la colección.