Method Books
String Builder Violin Book One by Samuel Applebaum
I Can Read Music, Vol 1: Violin (For Violin) by Joanne Martin
Repertoire
Suzuki Violin School: Violin Part, Vol. 1 by Shinichi Suzuki
Theory
After the student reaches Minuet I in Suzuki, Vol 1, I introduce students to All For Strings Theory Book 1: Violin by Robert Frost and Gerald Anderson
Instrument Purchase/Rental
For beginner students, there are a large number of options for a starting violin. In my experience as a teacher and parent of violin students, if your student plays for at least 10 months, it can be more cost effective to purchase a quality student violin online compared to renting. There are many rent and rent-to-own options at most local music stores as well as online shops, if you don’t want to make the up-front commitment.
The violin outfit that I recommend for purchase is the Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit from Kennedy Violins (available via Amazon.com or the Kennedy Violins website). They are well-made instruments that look and sound good. The instruments are professionally setup in Washington and include everything necessary to get started in the package.
Let me know if you need help sizing the instrument to your student.
I can recommend any of these options from personal experience, purchasing them for my children:
Clearance (due to slight defect in finish)
Premier Clearance (due to slight defect)
Accessories
The only additional accessory I’d recommend for beginners is a music stand for practice at home. There are many options out there, but I recommend and use the Peak Portable Music Stand.