First Violin Reading for Kids
The Real Book for Beginning Violin Students (D and A Strings)
What Is This Book?
The Real Book for Beginning Violin Students (D and A Strings) is a first-reading book that teaches young violinists to play using only six notes on the D and A strings. With seventy familiar songs, extra-large notation, and a carefully sequenced layout, it helps beginners build solid music-reading skills from day one. The book moves gently from letter names in the notes to standard notation, so confidence grows step by step.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for young beginning violin students, typically ages 5–11.
It works well for:
School string programs and orchestra classes
Private violin lessons
Homeschool and home-learning families
Group classes, sectionals, and ensemble programs
Adult beginners who want a very gentle, visual start on violin
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The book uses extra-large music notation that is easy for young eyes to see and follow.
In the first half, letter names appear inside the noteheads so children can instantly connect what they see with what they play.
In the second half, the letter names are removed, guiding students to read real music notation independently.
Each page contains a limited amount of material, so students are never overwhelmed and can focus on one idea at a time.
Simple, clear instructions, diagrams, and charts support both visual and verbal learners.
The gradual progression and kid-friendly layouts make early practice feel achievable and fun.
What Music Does the Book Include?
The Real Book for Beginning Violin Students (D and A Strings) includes a large selection of classic, time-tested songs that use only beginner-friendly notes on the D and A strings.
Students will play familiar folk tunes, traditional melodies, and other well-known songs that are easy to remember and fun to perform.
The variety of pieces exposes children to different musical styles while keeping every song reachable for new violinists.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
Extra-large music notation
Letter names inside the noteheads in the first half of the book
Standard notation without letter names in the second half
Simplified, child-friendly arrangements using only six different notes
Clear, uncomplicated diagrams and charts for quick reference
Limited material per page to avoid overwhelming beginners
Easy-to-read instructions and sheet music
Fun, engaging, and uncluttered page layouts
Large selection of classic, time-tested songs for young violinists
Carefully sequenced reading material focused on the D and A strings
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Music reading on the D and A strings
Basic rhythmic concepts and steady beat
Proper violin playing technique and posture
Left-hand fingering and right-hand bow control
Understanding of melody and simple harmony
Listening and playing with others in group performance
Foundations of music theory and note recognition
Creativity, musical expression, and confident performance
General music appreciation and enjoyment of practice
How to Use This Book
Teachers can use this book as a primary reading method for the first months of violin study, introducing songs in order as students master each note and rhythm.
In school string programs and ensembles, it works well when multiple students use the same edition, allowing everyone to play together on the same familiar tunes.
Parents can follow the clear instructions to support home practice, even without a music background, by reviewing one short page or song at a time.
Students can use the first half for supported reading with letter names, then return to the same songs in the second half as a “reading challenge” without letter names.
The focused D and A string approach makes it easy to integrate with other method books, warm-ups, and technical exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this violin book best for?
This book is designed primarily for young beginners, roughly ages 5–11, but any new violinist who wants a slow, visual start on the D and A strings can use it.
Do students need to read music before starting?
No. The book starts from the very beginning, using letter names inside the noteheads before gradually moving to standard notation.
Can this book be used in school string programs?
Yes. Editions are available for various instruments, so teachers can mix and match for ensemble groups, beginning orchestras, and classroom instruction.
Does this book only use the D and A strings?
Yes. All seventy songs are carefully written using just six notes on the D and A strings, so beginners can focus on solid fundamentals without extra complexity.
Who is the author?
The book is written by Larry Newman, founder of Children’s Music Workshop and Music Fun Books, a nationally recognized music educator and author of hundreds of method books and arrangements for young musicians.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.