Sassmannshaus Violin Method: Early Start on the Violin - Book 2

In contrast to other beginner violin methods, The Sassmannshaus Tradition progresses swiftly by introducing advanced violin techniques in rudimentary form, such as shifting and varied bow strokes. Note reading is emphasized from the first lesson – children are brought up to become proficient sight-readers and play in chamber music ensembles as early as possible.

The child-friendly and age-appropriate text underlying the music enables children to perceive melodies as a whole and to understand their singable qualities. Songs and scales in different positions are easily explained and mastered within the first year. This is an important advantage over methods that confine children to the first position for many years.

The method is suitable for single instruction as well as for group and class lessons and each volume contains comprehensive material and carefully calibrated learning curves. They keep children curious and interested for many months and years.

This second volume presents classical violin duets. The child’s knowledge and technique is expanded by dotted rhythms, sixteenths notes, and first double stops. And here is the most revolutionary aspect of the method: different finger patterns can be connected and combined to create any major and minor scale without the use of open strings. This creates the ability to practice scales in any position, often within the first year of playing! With this skill, songs learned in first position are easily transposed to other keys and higher position. Coupled with beginning shifting exercises this sets a foundation for an early virtuoso technique not available in any other method.