Students’ repertoire is drawn, at least initially, from the Suzuki violin repertoire books. They can be purchased at most local music stores, and online via SharMusic.com or any other sheet music website. Students are encouraged to purchase mp3s or CDs of this music as well and to listen to the repertoire they’re learning, as well as future repertoire, as much as possible.

For technique, Kate uses Drew Lecher’s Violin Technique: The Manual. More information on this method can be found via Lecher’s website and the book can be purchased there as well, both physical copies and e-books/.pdfs. It is also available for purchase at Sapp Violins.

For theory, Kate uses a few different workbooks, depending on student age. Young students do well with Lina Ng’s Theory Made Easy for Kids, Volumes 1 and 2, and My First Music Theory Book and its two follow-ups. Middle- and high-schoolers do well with Charles S. Peters and Paul Yoder’s Master Theory Workbook series. Volumes 1 through 3 cover basic theory and volumes 4 through 6 cover advanced concepts like counterpoint and orchestration. For additional rhythm work, Kate uses Edward L. Aloya’s Winning Rhythms. These books are all available online, at Amazon and other online retailers, and should be available at any local music shop (though the shop may not have them in-store and may need to order them).

For those looking for violin rentals, repairs, or pretty much anything else violin-related, Kate highly recommends Gregory S. Sapp Violins, Ltd. The Sapps are extremely knowledgeable, professional, helpful, and reliable. All students in the Kulzick Violin Studio are required to rent their instruments from a luthier shop. Here are a few in the Chicago suburbs:

Gregory S. Sapp Violins
Austin’s Violin Shop
K. R. Bachelder
Kenneth Stein Violins