From the Publisher
Essential Elements for Strings – Violin Book 2
Essential Elements for Strings offers beginning students sound pedagogy and engaging music, all carefully paced to successfully start young players on their musical journey. EE features both familiar songs and specially designed exercises, created and arranged for the classroom in a unison-learning environment, as well as instrument-specific exercises to focus each student on the unique characteristics of their own instrument. EE provides both teachers and students with a wealth of materials to develop total musicianship, even at the beginning stages.
Essential Elements now includes Essential Elements Interactive (EEi), the ultimate online music education resource. EEi introduces the first-ever, easy set of technology tools for online teaching, learning, assessment, and communication… ideal for teaching today’s beginning band and string students, both in the classroom and at home.
Take a Closer Look!
Get a sneak peek inside this comprehensive method.
Take a Closer Look!
Get a sneak peek inside this comprehensive method.
Take a Closer Look!
Get a sneak peek inside this comprehensive method.
Take a Closer Look!
Get a sneak peek inside this comprehensive method.
Sharp Keys
3/4 Rhythms
Syncopation
Performance Spotlight
blanca –
Strong cover and thick pages.
I bought this product for my son to use for his violin clases. The book cover is strong and steady, the pages it’s self are thick enough to handle a boys careless flips.
RideUtah –
As described
The book arrived exactly as described and in new condition. This is the one my daughter needed for her violin class at a lower price than other places.
Alicia Havranek –
Great Series!
This book and the ones in the series are just great for beginners! I took a few violin lessons but I am basically having to teach myself. Easy to follow and the CD is great! If you are new to the violin, get a book with a CD. I’m still on book #1 and have been for the past 2 months. I finally busted out the CD and wow, why didn’t I do it sooner! So helpful to hear the music and then play along and alone. Helps a lot and you really start to learn how to train your ear. I would highly recommend this book and #1 and 3 in the series.
4 people found this helpful
JRM –
Not a big fan…
I played through books 1, 2, and 3 and this is my honest opinion. While book 3 is a little different than books 1 and 2 in that it has more scales and technique studies, all 3 books are pretty similar. What I don’t like about these books is this: The exercises and songs you learn on one string are the same for all the strings. This makes it too easy to fall into playing from memory rather than by actually learning the notes on the fingerboard. You know how the exercise is supposed to sound because you have played it several times before so you just make the right sounds. I guess I am kind of old school in that I would prefer more note reading than these books offer. I am not saying that playing by ear is not a good thing, I am just saying that these books kind of fail in the “learning the notes well” department. JMHO
3 people found this helpful
Dimiter –
Essentials will help a lot
Essential Elements for Violin (and for other string instruments) are extremely useful. I got part 1 and after that part 2. Just by myself I learned the basics of the violin in a level, that I can prepare myself to play almost everything that I would. It was as a joke, but my wife order the violin for my son. but he decided to play cello, because was BIG. so the violin was sitting a while till I got Essential Element Book 1. when I started learning I realized how enjoyable and insparational was set up that manual. So, that book hook me up and now I’m playing violin.As a last word for the I can say: It is extremely intelligent way to learn violin. Highly recommend.
11 people found this helpful
Ariel Perry –
As an adult I am trying to expand my musical knowledge and this has been a great help! It comes with all kinds of tips …
Essential Elements is what I used to learn music in band as a kid. As an adult I am trying to expand my musical knowledge and this has been a great help! It comes with all kinds of tips and tricks as well as access to their website which gives the lessons online! It is a valuable resource for learning how to play an instrument! I bought all 3 volumes for Violin.
6 people found this helpful
Momma knows –
Great lessons!
We needed this for my child’s violin lesson. My only complaint is she uses it to much and pages do eventually come out. Maybe they can work on that. Other than that it’s a great book for learning quick.
2 people found this helpful
tool man –
Great book
Great book
AllaGudumacAllaGudumac –
Arrived with deformation
The media could not be loaded.
The book looks like new, however it has cover deformation.What made me unhappy:(
One person found this helpful
Karen M –
Good book with plenty of songs
Good book with plenty of songs. We are about to order the CD to accompany it, as it doesn’t come with it, but you can either download it, order it online or use the postcard to order it (for the price of postage). The CD’s contents are on the book’s back cover. My son will need this for school next year, so having it for the summer to practice with will only help!
Krysta R –
Makes u feel like a superstar
I ordered volume 1-2 of this and also the Suzuki method and u gotta say this is BY FAR the best! I like how I can log into my library online with the activation code on book to play along to songs. Seriously, it’s amazing. U can also ordere the cd, but what’s the point! Just play it on your iPhone or laptop (I use my iPhone and sound bar via Bluetooth and play along)It’s so awesome. I’m 30 and self teaching and I definatelu recommend it
7 people found this helpful
Davis Rodriguez –
ALWAYS GREAT
ALWAYS GREAT JUST ONE OF THE BOOKS CODE DOES NOT WORK ONLINE LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE USED IT ALREADY.
Libby DeSotel –
Quality instruction
Love buying my children new books-it means they are advancing! This book follows right where book 1 left off. Great instruction and good illustrations to assist practicing at home.
Kimble –
As advertised, fair price
We needed this book for lessons and youth orchestra so I won’t comment on content (Though it seems good) but the price and convenience of getting it here quickly was great!
Robert C. Koehler –
just what I wanted
good series
Kevin & Kellie Ventroni –
Essential elements-violin
Exactly what we needed and was delivered when it was suppose to.
freda.y –
good book for beginner
good book for violin beginner
Jennifer E. –
These books are great for some one self teaching
I wanted to learn to play violin and cant afford lessons so I bought both these books. They were very helpful. My violin I bought from cicilio came with a book but it was to hard for an an absalute beginner. These books are great for some one self teaching.
2 people found this helpful
G –
very, very good
the CDs/DVDs that come with this are pretty useless- if you are a complete beginner you really do need a teacher, there is just no substitute for that, but these books are a great tool. I hadn’t played in almost 8 years and was able to play decently again using these books as my only re-teaching tool in less than a week (but some things you just never really forget). If your teacher/tutor wants you to buy this- or you are brave enough to learn on your own- don’t think twice about buying these books, just do it!!
2 people found this helpful
JENNIFER CASSIMAN –
6th grade violin book
Fast delivery just in time for my daughters class. Great job!
Brenda Perez –
Essential elements for strings book
It nicely book and no scratch or damage.
M! –
Good
This book came in great shape. No folds, marks, scuffs. Love this book to work through! I reccomend.
2 people found this helpful
Eddie Man –
Great book well worth it
If you’ve begun in the EE Book 1, this book is the logical next step. Great music materials, lots of helpful hints
One person found this helpful
Joyce –
It’s what she needs
Perfect for what she needs at school
Dani Arteri –
Great series, but Book 2 CD does not have all the songs!
At the time I write this review, I have been teaching myself violin for about 6 months. I have used the Essential Elements series and am thrilled with how easy to navigate and thorough they are. Book 1 teaches you the basics; Book 2 has been a good follow-up, but not a whole lot of new material is introduced. This book reviews the info learned in Book 1, teaches you how to play flat notes (whereas Book 1 covers the sharps), has some fun “performance” songs near the end, and very briefly covers sliding to another position and playing chords at the very end of the book.One thing that was frustrating to me- the CD that comes with the book does NOT have all of the tracks to play along with. Those CDs are one reason why I love this series- since I’m teaching myself, being able to play along with “backup” helps me make sure I’m playing the correct notes and corrects me if my timing is off. I was practicing one day, and all of a sudden my CD stopped because it ran out of tracks; I was only 1/3 to 1/2 way through the book!!! It was very frustrating that it is not mentioned in the description that you need to purchase the additional CD for all of the songs. The CD is found here:
Essential Elements 2000 for Strings (Play-Along CD Set, Book 2)
So, 4 stars for needing to purchase additional materials without much warning (I might let Amazon know though, so I can see if they’ll add it to the description), and also because not a whole lot of new stuff is brought up in the book. However, it is still an excellent series, and I would not be where I am now in terms of learning the violin without Essential Elements 2000!
26 people found this helpful
EUGENIA SHOOK –
TONS FOR YOU MONEY
once i got the book and started using, i see why it has been around forever. it is the best for self- or instructional-teaching. I gives the violinist the basic information needed to succeed. Of course, any one achieving mastery always turns to video, tutors, and more, but for someone trying to pick up the violin in a at-home setting can easily do so with this book. shares theory, techniques, scales and an evolving tutorial to understand what to do, terms to use and practical pieces to play. Very well written compared to others I have looked at.
One person found this helpful
D’asia Denise –
Awesome Information!
I purchased this product because I wanted to teach myself how to play theViolin. I thought this would be a good option because it was a beginners series . I used to play the clarinet, so I already know a lot about music. I was inspired to learn by Lindsey stirling on YouTube. When I recieved the book it was in good condition. All the pages were perfectly intact and nothing was missing. My order was delivered a lot faster than I expected. The book also was a lot bigger than I thought that it would be. The content in the book is very useful. It’s a pretty good series and if you don’t know how to play this would be good for you! I don’t think a advanced player would benefit much from this book. I was also impressed because it was so informational but affordable. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who is a learner. You would probably also benefit from getting a teacher. If your in a school band this can be something extra you use as a study guide.
One person found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
Lesson book
I understand that many instructors love this series, but I found ABCs of Violin a bit better for self study. The CDs are nice to hear what it is you are supposed to sound like and to play along with after you get the piece down. Do get both book 1 and 2 if this is the series you are going to use. Once you get going, it doesn’t take long to want more pieces to play that you like. I play every piece in the book, but I play the pieces I like much more often for practice. If you push yourself you can get through book 1 and 2 in less than 2 months. Do get the books with both the CD and DVDs, they are a big help.It may take hours of practice but when you start playing songs (pieces) you like it is a ball. I’m at 3 months now and am starting to learn Vivaldi’s Spring, and a number of Fiddle tunes. Bach’s Jesu (full solo version (advanced)) is still giving me fits, but I have just started learning second and third posistions.I find the advanced Fiddle books teach, or at least make you learn, double stops much more than many of the violin lesson books.Good luck and enjoy.
25 people found this helpful
EstherEsther –
Perfect!
I’m not sure if this was meant to be included or not but I actually am happy you left this sheet music ! Gives me something new to play thank you 😊
One person found this helpful
Matt Cates –
Just what I remembered it being!
This is a great book for learning, I was in advanced with book three but I haven’t played in 8 yrs so I got the intermediate book 2 again and I remember everything like it was back in middle school
Amazon Customer –
Perfect for 8th grade!
Son loves it.
James B. –
No tabs here
Good second book. This series emphasizes reading music, not relying on tabs.
Huong LeHuong Le –
Essential elements for strings BK2
It is very good book for my nephew. Thank you very much.
Makda –
Packaging
This book was for my daughter. She loves it. I’m happy that the book came like new and packaging was perfect and clean.
Margaret Hoagland –
It is straightforward and easy to understand
I taught myself how to play the violin using this series. It is straightforward and easy to understand. I would highly recommend lessons as well, but this book will teach you all the basic things you need to know.
9 people found this helpful
Lora Salazar –
Book is required by class.
This book is required by Orchestra class.
Llerena –
Really good
Helps you learn the violin really well you can go to a bad player to a good one in a year
Jerry E. Semler –
New Violinist
I am a student who is just finishing Essential Elements 2000, Book 1. This is the series that my instructor likes to use. If you purchase the Essential Elements 2000 Violin Book 2 Bk/CD you will also want to purchase the Elements 2000 for Strings (Play-Along CD Set, Book 2) as not all of the songs in Book 2 are on the companion CD.
One person found this helpful
Kitty –
Good.
This is good for anyone new, its very easy to understand.
Yi –
Good book
Recommended by our middle school orchestra teacher. A good book
Mohamed –
Very good
Good book
Brigette –
great
The CDs are nice to hear what it is you are supposed to sound like and to play along with after you get the piece down. Do get both book 1 and 2 if this is the series you are going to use. Once you get going, it doesn’t take long to want more pieces to play that…
E. Moyer –
your own personal backup band
The CD that comes with this book gives you your own personal backup band. The software you can install on your computer lets you decide the tempo…slow as you try to master the tune and faster as your playing improves. With this method you can hear what the notes are supposed to sound like and learn the correct timing of the tune.
2 people found this helpful
Amit B Jain –
That everything was awesome
All good. For my child’s strings/orchestra class at school
jenny elizalde –
I teach violin and this is perfect for beginners
I teach violin and this is perfect for beginners. Quality of the book is very good and would definitely recommend. The price is spot on.
Lutfia San –
How about what a violin sounds like when playing each song
Bought Book 1, 2, and 3.I wish the sample songs/music available online were that of one instrument. How about what a violin sounds like when playing each song? That would have been nice.
2 people found this helpful
Li Z.Li Z. –
Books good
I paid for the two books
GeorgeT. Branch –
I thing I find fundamental is the violin specific instructions …
I thing I find fundamental is the violin specific instructions. Im a pianists and I already No scales and some pieces
Rebecca Niles –
Good
Its good
Deborah D. Johnson –
Great for you or your students.
These are the perfect instructional books and I use them for my students too. Never disappointed.
Alexander C. –
Wow exclt technique book
EElements is my favorite Violin book. I had studied using severals methods as Suzuki for example, that I found a little boring.But this book, and the EE series are just exclt. First the book are design for a easy comprehension and guide you in your day-to-day study. The CD is performed by a real orquestra, its an exception in the Hal Leonard books that are usually performance using synthesizer.The EE series for violin is very good option in your violin study. Totally recommended Much better that Suzuki
Phyl Y. –
get this
This is one that many teachers are using – its easy to understand.
JRA –
Great book
Fast delivery. Good quality. Excellent book.
Ray Ruballos –
lowered expectations
I didn’t know how to play the violin before. Now that I have this book I still don’t but I feel better about myself for buying the book to pretend to play.
2 people found this helpful
B-randon –
Arrived as described
Came in great shape. It was the exact music book my daughters music teacher requested.
Randy Slick –
These books bring me along nicely. All I need to do is open them …
These books bring me along nicely. All I need to do is open them up and play the pieces in order. I’m happy to be able to learn to read and play music for the violin and get good practice reading music at these early levels so trouble free, I’m really looking forward to progressing to the more expert levels.
One person found this helpful
Ramon Briones –
Good book
Good book if you’re kids are learning the violin
Love my violins –
Good teaching tool
I am a beginner adult violinist. Good book – easy to learn from. I recommend it.
Pat K –
Good starter book
According to my daughter, who really uses this book: She felt that it’s a good starter book. This was a book that they used in orchestra at her elementary school. She wanted to continue learning, and since she was familiar with this book decided to get it. It provides her with examples and also a cd for her to hear how it should sound.
One person found this helpful
chel2305 –
Great Buy!
Purchased this for my daughter after she finished Book 1. She is 10 and has been playing the violin since she was 7. Essential Elements for Strings has been helped her learn a lot of music stuff.
6 people found this helpful