The Adult's Guide To The Strictly Strings Violin Method
There’s nothing easy about learning the violin as an adult. You’re probably tired from work, tense from hours at the computer, and struggling to find practice time between other responsibilities. But a well-structured method book will make the process much easier. If you want to take as long as possible to learn the violin, try this:
Search Youtube for videos each time you want to learn a concept
Practice by “cramming” rather than playing for a bit every day
Do it entirely on your own, without consulting a teacher
A good method book series has carefully structured lessons, is peer reviewed by master pedagogues, and has fun, skill level appropriate music arrangements. In this blog, we’ll cover one such method: Strictly Strings.
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What the Strictly Strings Method Covers
The Strictly Strings series introduces you to the violin in a logical, step-by-step manner. It starts with the basics, such as how to hold the instrument and bow, proper posture, and producing your first notes. But it doesn’t stop there—this method also dives into music reading, note recognition, rhythm, and basic music theory. All these elements are combined with simple exercises that reinforce your understanding while keeping things enjoyable.
In this method, you will build a good foundation. By the time you're halfway through the first book, you’ll have a good grasp of key musical concepts like finger placement, bowing techniques, and dynamics. Plus, each lesson builds on the previous one, making it easier to see your progress and stay motivated. It’s much different from learning positions or music by ear, or learning concepts by rote – this gives you a holistic understanding of the violin.
The Pedagogues Behind the Method
Strictly Strings was developed by known music educators: Jacquelyn Dillon, James Kjelland, and John O'Reilly. They bring decades of teaching experience to the table, and they worked together to build a method that works for students of all ages. The method is published by Alfred, and has been used by thousands of students and music schools.
The Repertoire Within the Method
You’ll get a mix of folk songs, classical pieces, and original compositions that help you build your repertoire from day one. Early on, you'll be playing familiar and simple tunes like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," but as you progress, the material introduces more complex pieces.
You'll also encounter well-known classical melodies, such as Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" and other familiar tunes that have been arranged for beginner violinists. If you already appreciate classical music, you’ll love playing melodies that you and your friends already know – you can even play the tunes with orchestrated backing tracks.
Why It’s Perfect for Adult Beginners
Adult violin students like to know the reason behind certain exercises and concepts. The authors of this series kept that in mind by designing lessons that explain the "why" behind each step. This way, you not only learn how to play, but you also understand what you're doing musically, which can deepen your appreciation for the instrument.
Strictly Strings also avoids overwhelming students with too much information all at once. The lessons are broken into bite-sized sections, so even if you only have 15-20 minutes a day to practice, you’ll still be able to make steady progress. Each page has clear instructions and diagrams to guide you along.
Many adult learners find the accompanying CDs and online resources particularly helpful. These tools allow you to hear how each exercise and song should sound, which makes practicing on your own much more manageable.
Consider Working with an Experienced Teacher
Studying a method on your own is far better than doing nothing, but a qualified teacher can cut your learning time in half (or more). Teachers often combine method books with their knowledge of the instrument, knowledge of the violin repertoire, and things they have learned from their teachers, and they can fashion your learning progression specifically based on your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. For violin lessons in Northern Virginia, contact Alexandria Music Studio today.
