To study classical violin, reading music is necessary. For the first three books of the Suzuki method I start the student without reading music. This is excellent for ear training and does not divide the concentration between learning to read music and gaining comfort and connection to your instrument. I teach music reading as a side skill for beginners apart from the violin. After Suzuki Book Three, I transition the students into learning to play with music because by this time the fundamentals are firmly established.