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Is the Suzuki violin method good for adults?

When people think of the Suzuki violin method, they often picture young children learning to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ on tiny violins

But what about adult beginners or intermediate players? Can the Suzuki method work for them?

The short answer is ‘yes’—with the right approach. While Suzuki was originally designed for children, its structured progression, emphasis on ear training, and carefully selected repertoire make it a powerful tool for adult learners as well.

In this post, we’ll explore:

– What the Suzuki method is
– How many Suzuki violin books there are
– Why the method’s structure is one of its biggest strengths
– How adults can benefit from it (and what to watch out for)
– Why having a teacher or guided course is essential

By the end, you’ll see why Suzuki can be a fantastic path for adult violinists – and how you can make the most of it.

What Is the Suzuki Method?

Developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in the mid-20th century, the Suzuki method is based on the idea that musical ability can be developed in anyone, much like learning a native language. Key principles include:

– Listening & Repetition – Students learn by ear before reading sheet music.
– Parental Involvement (for children) – Parents attend lessons and help with practice or even learn to play themselves.
– Step-by-Step Progression – Each piece introduces new skills while reinforcing old ones.
– Delayed Note Reading – Reading music is introduced later, similar to how children learn to speak before reading.

While the parental aspect doesn’t apply to adults, the structured learning sequence and ear training remain incredibly valuable.

How Many Suzuki Violin Books Are There?

The Suzuki Violin School consists of 10 books, each containing carefully selected repertoire that builds technical and musical skills

Here’s a quick overview:

  • Book 1- learn proper posture, develop a beautiful sound, and refine intonation
  • Book 2-introduces more advanced bowing techniques and shifting
  • Book 3- works on expressive phrasing, dynamics, and vibrato
  • Book 4- introduces intermediate violin concertos such as Vivaldi A Minor and the Bach Double, as well as double stops and chords
  • Book 5- develop fluidity in positions 1-5 and continue to refine sound & intonation in double stops
  • Book 6- improve sound in the high register and increase dexterity in the left hand
  • Books 7-10-advanced pieces, including major violin concertos (Mozart, Bach, etc.)
Many adult learners find that Books 1-6 provide a strong foundation for most playing goals, whether classical, fiddle, or even pop music

Usually they move to separate pieces and etudes after those and don’t finish until book 10, although they’ll probably play some of the same repertoire.

The Biggest Advantage of Suzuki for Adults: Structure

One of the most underrated benefits of the Suzuki method is its clear, logical progression.

Each piece is chosen not just because it’s beautiful, but because it introduces or reinforces specific skills.

Example: Hidden Skills in Suzuki Book 1
– Twinkle Variations → Develops rhythm, bow control, and finger placement.
– Lightly Row → Introduces string crossings and smooth bowing.
– Song of the Wind → Works on fast finger movements and dynamics.

The problem? These skills aren’t always obvious when you’re learning on your own.

Without guidance, an adult might rush through pieces without mastering the underlying techniques—leading to frustration later.

That’s why, in Meghan Faw’s online Suzuki violin courses, she explicitly breaks down the skills in each piece. This way, students don’t just play the notes: they build a strong technical foundation that allows them to tackle any music they love in the future.

Why the Suzuki Violin Method Works for Adults (with adjustments)

Pros for Adult Learners:

✅ Structured Learning – No guessing what to practice next.
✅ Ear Training Focus – Helps with playing by ear, improvisation, and ensemble playing.
✅ Progressive Difficulty – Avoids overwhelming jumps in skill level.
✅ Classical Foundation – Even if you love other genres, Suzuki’s technique translates well.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them:

❌ Designed for Kids → Some pieces may feel childish.
– Solution: Supplement with adult-friendly music (e.g., fiddle tunes or pop songs).
❌ Parental Role Not Applicable → Adults must self-motivate.
– Solution: Join a community (online courses, group classes or amateur orchestra).
❌ Delayed Note Reading → Some adults want to read sheet music sooner.
– Solution: Introduce reading alongside Suzuki (many teachers do this for adults).

The Missing Piece: You Need a Teacher or Guided Course

Here’s the truth: The Suzuki books only provide the music

They don’t explain:
– How to practice effectively
– What techniques each piece teaches
– How to correct mistakes before they become habits

That’s why self-teaching from the books alone often leads to plateaus or bad habits

2 Ways to Learn Suzuki as an Adult and get Fast Progress:

1. Find a Suzuki Teacher – Look for one experienced with adult students.
2. Join an Online Course – A structured video course can provide step-by-step guidance. I highly recommend Meghan Faw’s Suzuki violin bundle.

Ready to Start Your Suzuki Violin Journey?

If you’re an adult beginner or intermediate violinist, the Suzuki method can be a fantastic path if you approach it with the right guidance.

To help you get the most out of it, qualified Suzuki violin teacher Meghan Faw has created online courses with tutorials for Suzuki Violin Books 1-6. Each lesson:
✔ Breaks down the hidden skills in every piece
✔ Provides practice strategies to avoid frustration
✔ Includes bonus exercises for technique and musicality

Whether you’re just starting or revisiting the basics, this course will give you the structure and clarity you need to progress confidently.

Join the Suzuki Violin Course for Adults Here

Closing Notes

The Suzuki method isn’t just for kids. With the right approach, it can give adult learners a rock-solid foundation for any musical style. The key is understanding the skills behind the pieces – and that’s where a teacher or structured course makes all the difference.

Have you tried Suzuki as an adult violin learner? Share your experience in the comments!

Happy practicing! 🎻

18 Best Violin and Viola Duets

Learn the best violin and viola duos including free sheet music!

Duos for violin and viola know a rich history spanning centuries. Many composers have written pieces for this beautiful combination.

Here on Violin Lounge, I’ve done articles on several different chamber music combinations, including violin/piano, violin/cello, and violin duets. Today we’ll be adding the viola into the mix for the first time, presenting the most beloved and a few lesser-known works for violin and viola.

For most pieces (where this was legally possible) I’ve provided free sheet music links.

#1 28 Little Duets, Op. 191 by Franz Wohlfahrt

Franz Wohlfahrt specialized in writing etude books for beginner and intermediate violinists. This book of duos is very approachable for beginners, an excellent choice if both you and a violist friend have recently started playing!

Buy the sheet music here!

#2 15 Duets after Two-Part Inventions by J.S. Bach (arr. Iwata/David)

Unfortunately, J.S. Bach did not write any duets for violin and viola. (That we know of…maybe they’ll still find one!) However, these duets based on simple two-part inventions are charming and quintessentially Bach. If you have recently started exploring solo Bach repertoire, these provide some wonderful music in the same style.

Buy the sheet music here!

#3 Four Sonatas for Violin and Viola by Michael Haydn

These four sonatas are suitable for more advanced intermediate players. They are mostly in first through third position, although the violin part does occasionally go up to sixth. Nevertheless, they straight-forward, charming pieces with many sparkling solo lines for the violin. Below is the first sonata in C major.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#4 Duo for Violin and Viola in F Major by Joseph Haydn

Michael’s older brother, Joseph, was the more famous composer of the two. Michael is best-known for his choral works, while Joseph is remembered for writing an astonishing 106 symphonies! Even with all that, Joseph still found time to write a violin/viola duet. Like Michael’s sonatas, the violin’s part is more involved than the viola’s, mainly in terms of the rhythm.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#5 Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major by W.A. Mozart

Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante is one of the most frequently performed violin/viola duos. It is not just scored as a duet but accompanied by a full orchestra. Unlike the Haydn pieces, both instruments have equally interesting parts in this thirty-minute three-movement work. Comparable to Mozart’s violin concertos, this piece is ideal for advancing older students.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#6 Duo for Violin and Viola in B-flat Major by W.A. Mozart

Love Mozart but don’t have an orchestra on hand? This melodic duet is just what you need if you only have two players. This piece is no less difficult than Sinfonia Concertante, however. It demands crisp articulation, a fast left hand, and long phrases, but the rich result with just two instruments is very satisfying. If you enjoy playing this piece, you should also try his Duo in G major K 423.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#7 Six Duos for Violin and Viola, Op. 10 by Carl Stamitz

Carl Stamitz was one of Mozart’s teachers and also wrote one of the most famous viola concertos, so he understood string instruments very well. His six duets are lively and tasteful. Check out this sprightly rondo movement from the duet in A major.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#8 Sonata for Viola with Violin Accompaniment by Alessandro Rolla

Italian violin virtuoso Alessandro Rolla was born just one year after Mozart. Rolla taught Paganini and is responsible for many of the advanced violin techniques we use today, so it is particularly interesting that in this piece, he chose to feature the viola instead, even calling it “Sonata for Viola with Violin Accompaniment”.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#9 Duet for Violin and Viola in G Major by Franz Hoffmeister

This five-minute duet works well as a recital time-filler or encore. Although it goes at a quick pace, the rhythms are easy to understand, and it mostly doesn’t go above third position. If you enjoy playing this piece, Hoffmeister wrote five other violin/viola duos as well.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#10 6 Duos dialogués by Rudolphe Kreutzer

Kreutzer was one of the most important developers of the French violin school. He wrote a famous book of etudes, several concertos, and forty operas. These short duos are only a few pages each, providing a light repast after practicing your Kreutzer etudes.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#11 Duet for Violin and Viola, Op. 13 by Louis Spohr

A German violin virtuoso of the mid-19th century, Spohr’s notable contribution to the violin world was the invention of the chinrest. Like many composers of his era, he was far more influential during his life then after his death. A few of his violin concertos do remain in the common repertoire, but much of his work is rarely heard. Consider adding this duet to your next recital, and everyone may learn a little about this important figure.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#12 Passacaglia for Violin/Viola by Johann Halvorsen

This is another very famous duet, based on a suite by Handel. A passacaglia is a series of variations on a simple bassline. This passacaglia arrangement is very challenging, but dramatic and a wonderful way to show off for both soloists. There is also an arrangement for violin and cello.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#13 Sarabande for Violin/Viola by Johann Halvorsen

This movement is also based on a Handel theme. It has a similar structure to the passacaglia: a short theme spun out into more and more complex variations.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#14 Two Duets for Violin and Viola, Op. 208 by Johann Kalliwoda

Kalliwoda was an early 18th-century violinist from Prague who wrote hundreds of compositions. He was a court conductor and choir director, and was respected by his contemporaries, including Robert Schumann. These short duets, though lesser-known, are wonderful examples of the type of chamber music written for court settings.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#15 Duo for Violin and Viola by Jean Sibelius

In the world of violin solos, Sibelius is mostly remembered for his grandiose violin concerto. He wrote other lovely pieces too, such as a sonatina and this duet. It is vastly different from the concerto, as the violin plays a simple, reflective melody without much virtuosic material.

Buy the sheet music here.

#16 12 Duets for Violin and Viola, Op. 60 by Robert Fuchs

These short, whimsical pieces are from the turn of the 20th century. They are a small sample of a much larger chamber music output from Austrian composer Robert Fuchs. A professor at the Vienna Conservatory, Fuchs’ music was particularly admired by Brahms, who called it “so charmingly invented, that one is always pleased.” Share in the light-hearted charm of these short works, such as the waltz included below.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#17 Three Madrigals for Violin and Viola by Bohuslav Martinu

Most of the duets on this list are in a classical form and style, but I wanted to include something from the modern repertoire as well. Czech musician Bohuslav Martinu composed in the neoclassical style, the same style used by Stravinsky, Ravel, and Prokofiev. This means that while his pieces imitate classical forms and may even hint at baroque elements, they are filled with modern harmonies and techniques. These Three Madrigals are technically demanding for both instruments, face-paced and highly spirited.

Click here to download the free sheet music.

#18 Just for fun…Christmas duets!

Christmas is one of the best times for holiday-themed jams with your musical friends or family, so I did not feel this list would be complete without a Christmas resource. This book provides 22 traditional, beloved carols at the easy-intermediate level. If you are looking for something easy, light, and fun, you can use this resource to learn and perform a favorite carol.

Buy the sheet music here!

What is your favorite violin/viola duet? What other chamber music combinations would you love to learn more about? Share your thoughts in a comment.

Violin Half Position – all notes, finger chart and exercises

Half position on the violin is just a semitone under the first position and comes in handy in solo as well as orchestral playing

Finding Half Position

What does “half position” even mean? Simply put, it is used to play the notes that are “in the cracks” of first position, or lower than regular first position fingerings.
Basically, every finger goes down one half step or whole step lower than it would in first positon. For example, 1 on B♭, 2 on B, 3 on C#, 4 on D. There are different possible combinations but this one is common.

Half position is particularly useful for very fast passages where you do not have time to shift to another string. You might also find it in music with many sharps or flats where you cannot use open strings.

Finger Chart of Half Position

Notes in Half Position

The full chromatic range of notes you can play in half position is as follows:
G string: G#/A♭, A, A#/B♭, B, C
D string: D#/E♭, E, F, F#/G♭, G
A string: A#/B♭, B, C, C#/D♭, D
E string: F, F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭, A

Sheet music of the half position

This is what the half position notes look like in violin sheet music. I’ve chosen between notes that are enharmonically the same. Of course if a F# is possible, a Gb is possible too (also see the finger chart above).

Example of Half Position

It is not common to find extended passages in half position (unless in etudes) because it is only used to make passages more comfortable. There is no need to play slow, legato passages in half position because you have plenty of time to shift.

This quick passage from Mendelssohn’s violin concerto is a great example of how half position comes in handy. At exactly 0:50, you can catch where Hahn shifts from third to half position on the A string. This is marked in the sheet music.

Half Position in Sheet Music

Several etude books contain exercises that focus on half position. Here are just a few to get you started:

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How to Learn Half Position

The good news for half position is that it does not require shifting your hand further up the instrument. It may however feel strange at first to place your fingers so close to the nut. If you’re out of tune, it usually needs to be even lower than you think! Practice placing the notes with a tuner. Also for each pattern play close attention to whether the fingers touch or there are spaces. This is called “coding”. Learning the coding of half position is the best way to feel more comfortable.

Also, be sure your wrist is hanging down far back enough to reach these notes, there is space between the neck and the base of your thumb, your thumb is across from first finger, and your first finger is comfortably next to the nut. “Pizza wrist” is your absolute enemy and this (and all) situations!

Read all my violin position blog posts:

Violin Seventh Position – all notes, finger chart and exercises

The seventh position on the violin starts halfway the vibrating string length: on the first octave

If you’ve practed the octave harmonic, the seventh position will be easy to find.

Finding Seventh Position

Seventh is a VERY high position, and can seem intimidating. Want to know a secret? All the techniques in the other positions apply to seventh position too. It’s not it’s own scary thing, just use the shifting methods and exercises you’ve been doing up to this point! Seventh position is one of my favorites, and it can be yours, too.

Many people struggle to find a position that starts so high up. Here’s a few helpful tricks:

  • Remember discussing harmonics in my other shifting articles? Seventh position starts on the harmonic that’s an octave above the open string you’re on. If you can hear this harmonic when you touch the string lightly with your first finger, you’re in the right spot!
  • In lower positions, the left thumb and first finger move together. Starting from high fifth position (i.s. C# on the E string) first finger starts to inch forward while the thumb stays put against the violin’s heel. By the time you get to seventh, your finger should be about 1 ½ inches ahead of your thumb.
  • Seventh position starts on the note that is one octave above the open string you are on. So an E for E string, A for A string, etc.

Finger Chart of Seventh Position

Like other high positions, you can think of seventh as having a “low” and a “high” version, depending what key you are in. For example, E♭ on the E string would be low seventh position: high seventh would be E natural.

Notes in Seventh Position

The full chromatic range of notes you can play in seventh position is as follows:
G string: F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭, A, A#/B♭, B, C, C#/D♭
D string: C#/D♭, D, D#/E♭, E, F, F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭
A string: G#/A♭, A, A#/B♭, B, C, C#/D♭, D, D#/E♭
E string: D#/E♭, E, F, F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭, A, A#/B♭

Sheet music of the seventh position

This is what the seventh position notes look like in violin sheet music. I’ve chosen between notes that are enharmonically the same. Of course if a F# is possible, a Gb is possible too (also see the finger chart above).

Example of Seventh Position

Seventh position comes up constantly in advanced violin repertoire: you will find it sprinkled throughout virtually all the major concertos. As an example, here is the opening from the fifth movement of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. Watch the sheet music video, then the performance. Specifically, pay attention to the trills in mms. 30 and 31. These F# trills on 2nd finger are in seventh position. You can see what this looks like in Hadelich’s playing. Also, notice that the eighth notes in the preceding measure move from third to fifth to seventh. This common pattern avoids sudden leaps.

Start this video at 7:10

Start this video at 26:16

Seventh Position in Sheet Music

Here are some books and pieces that will give you more practice in seventh position:

Note on Seventh Position on Lower Strings

Usually, you will encounter seventh position on the E string. However, composers often love to use high positions on low strings because it creates a special color. The challenge here is getting your hand around the neck of the instrument and staying in tune.

Let’s return to our Augustin Hadelich example from the video above, this time in the fourth movement. Here he is playing in seventh position on the G string (start the video at 23:40). First, notice how far around his left elbow is. This helps him get his hand up around the instrument. Also notice how deep into the string his bow is, and how slowly the bow has to move quickly to vibrate such a short length of string.

Playing in seventh position on the G string doesn’t have to feel awkward. Practice playing scales up and down on one string. When doing big shifts, always shift with a guide finger down. For example, if you need to play a B above middle C on the G string, slide on second finger to A, then put third on B. This creates stability.

My last tip is to play on the ball of your fingers, not the tip. This will cover the string better, providing stronger intonation, vibrato, and comfort.

What are your tips for playing in seventh position? Put them in the comments!

Read all my violin position blog posts:

Violin Sixth Position – all notes, finger chart and exercises

Learn to play the sixth position on the violin with sheet music, finger chart, exercises and music examples

Finding Sixth Position

Sixth position can be difficult to find, because it is in between fifth and seventh which are more common. This means it is slightly higher than the purfling (the edge of the violin body), but slightly lower than the midpoint harmonic, where seventh is.

A good way to find where sixth position should go is to start in third position, put down fourth finger, then shift to where fourth position is.

Finger Chart of Sixth Position

Here is a visual for which notes are in sixth position:

Notes in Sixth Position

The full chromatic range of notes you can play in sixth position is as follows:
G string: F, F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭, A, A#/B♭, B
D string: C, C#/D♭, D, D#/E♭, E, F, F#/G♭
A string: G, G#/A♭, A, A#/B♭, B, C, C#/D♭
E string: D, D#/E♭, E, F, F#/G♭, G, G#/A♭

Sheet music of the sixth position

This is what the sixth position notes look like in violin sheet music. I’ve chosen between notes that are enharmonically the same. Of course if a F# is possible, a Gb is possible too (also see the finger chart above).

You see that I chose different fingering for the G and D and the A and E strings. When playing a piece this depends on the musical context and the same note could be played by the second or third finger.

Example of Sixth Position

Sixth is more of an “in between” position, meaning there are not many example of long runs in sixth position unless they can’t be played more comfortably in fifth or seventh. Here is one short example of sixth position from Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. Mvmt. 4. The three dramatic E natural trills, leading into the giant sliding run down the E string, are in sixth position. Start the video at 3:35.

In the video below you can see it at 23:20

Sixth Position in Sheet Music

Here some good books and pieces to get practice in sixth position:

How to Learn Sixth Position

Sixth position can feel awkward at first. As with the other higher positions, practice by building first on the lower positions you have learned. Play scales on each string moving up through the positions. With a metronome, practice slowly sliding each finger from first position to its sixth position note. Practice repeating patterns in sixth position to get comfortable putting fingers down in tune. You could even do this with a tuner. The exercise books listed above will help you find structured etudes to gain confidence in sixth position.

What are tips and experiences learning sixth position? Let me know in the comments!

Read all my violin position blog posts: