Smart Violin Method is a series of four violin books, composed by Sandy Herrault, violinist/fiddler, teacher and composer. They are designed to teach beginner to intermediate/advanced skills and provide solo violin performance material in a variety of genres.

Books 1-3 contain original unaccompanied violin solos with scales. Book 4, is a compilation of violin Gypsy tunes and original melodies with piano accompaniment. Click on the tabs on the left for more details. 

"As a teacher, I was constantly looking for violin music to bring to lessons. One time while I was teaching a group of six violin students, I wanted to bring them supplementary music to reinforce the skills being learned. Though I searched for the right level of music, I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. So I decided to write a piece for my students, and called it, ‘Diddle Fiddle’.  One girl after playing the music looked up at me and said, “Bring me more!”  Those words, “bring me more”, inspired me to compose more music which I eventually compiled into my first Smart Violin Method book." - Sandy Herrault

Dirty Linen Magazine
“When one begins studying the violin, whether as a child or an adult, there comes a time when still developing technical skills limit what one can learn and play successfully in the classical realm.  Usually this also comes along at a time when the student’s ear is becoming more astute, and it can pose a frustrating situation. Fortunate is the student who finds another equally challenging sort of music in the folk area to keep up interest at this time of learning. Sandy Herrault offers original music she’s written for her own students to help bridge this gap.  Herrault herself has both classical and folk backgrounds on the instrument, with ….performing experience with the band Celtic Soul.  These … volumes should be a good addition to the teaching literature for beginning and advancing students."  - Kerry Dexter Oct. ‘07

Performer/Teacher/Composer

"After extensive review, I highly recommend Ms. Herraults' Smart Violin Method to teachers and students, as well as mature and professional performers alike, respectively. I must say it is a fresh alternative to the usual repertoire that is usually offered today to teachers and students. The high listening quality of the compositions would suit the stage performer in increasing their repertoire, as well. As a professional violinist/fiddle player, composer and teacher myself, I highly stress the use of popular folk melodies and fiddle tunes in my teaching regimen. ... The Smart Violin Method offers an intelligent choice for teachers and new musical styles for students of all levels." - Jerald Franklin Archer 

Fiddler
"I'm a fiddler, old time flavor, but ran into your St. Patrick piece, the Youtube video, and was captivated by the first strain, got to have it, can't guarantee I'll learn it soon, but it will go on the list.  I'm impressed by your ability to develop melodies, after listening to some of your other pieces.  People make up fiddle tunes, but your material strikes me as superior." David S.

Parent of two students
"My two children, ages 8 and 14, have really grown through using the Smart Violin series. This series is very well designed. The books vary from serious, to classical sounds, to fun and inviting.  Both of my children really enjoy playing the songs.  I also appreciate the scales assignments weaved in through the pages." - Sherri C., Mooresville 

My student
"Mrs. Sandy is a great music writer for kids. Her books teach violin skills step by step in a way children can understand better. Also, her music is very cheerful which makes you want to play and learn more and more. I enjoyed her book,I also want to continue playing her music. I would really suggest the Smart Violin to kids, so they can have fun while they are learning. Thank you Mrs. Sandy!" - Marcus