Rebekah S:

For an older beginner, go with Essential Elements. The Suzuki Method is almost always aimed at very young students, often in group settings.

Should you decide to use Suzuki, make certain to be well versed in the whole method of teaching violin that way- it’s an entirely different world of teaching.

Often deciding which course to pursue is a decision best made on a student-by-student basis. Maturity level, age, previous experience, and strengths and weaknesses all come in to play.

Basically, there is no one best way, and the quality of teaching is far more important that the book you use.

Best of luck, enjoy teaching!!

brian777999:

You can use the Suzuki books even though you are not teaching the Suzuki method. They have some great music in them.
Essential techniques has good scale work in them ; I use their technique studies for my own use.

There is no reason why you cannot use both.