Violin For Dummies, Book + Online Video & Audio Instruction

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?

I'm learning the violin with the help of this book!

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.

My nephew loves it! He built a violin, then wanted to learn to play it. He's making good progress with the book and the audio- visual internet supplied with it.

I purchased this used book to help me learn to play the violin. The book is in good condition and will serve it's purpose very well. The information is more than I expected. I hope to be playing my violin very soon. Being a guitar player, I expect to make the transition rather easily. Good purchase and fast delivery.

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.

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!

Great learning tool