Today I actually had a good “self” violin lesson. I was extremely surprised. 

I did two scales from my scale book today for quite a while. Then I did book one of the Essential Strings violin. I decided to start going through book one because of the different way EE presents the strings than Suzuki. I wanted to get as much per string in Book 1 EE as the book did. It is much more thorough. I then played some of the songs progressing through book 1 because I was satisfied that I had achieved what was needed in book 1 for the strings. 

I am going to do do the songs. If I have an issue with the song, I will do the exercises that go with that song’s lesson. The last song will be the most difficult. When I can do that song I will begin book 2. At that point, I will have to get suggestions for an etude book because I do not have one.

What was so surprising is that my intonation was really good. I do not have any tapes on it. You know how you can tell when you are spot on? I had that happen a lot, and when I was off, it was not by much. Too bad I am so inconsistent.

I will wait to ask so I have a better idea what level. The ones I have seen have freaked me out because every song, from the first song, is always way beyond me. I will need a slow, graduated progression. Well,  if any of you know of one that would start with quite a few first position only songs, and has a gradual progression, feel free to recommend.

I am a very organized and structured learner so structured books work best for me, with some downloads to just add to it.

Thank you.