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Learning to Play Violin on Your Own – Three Things to Consider

There are more options than you think for learning to play violin. Generally budget is the first and primary thing looked at. Here, you’ll learn three other things you should remember.

Considering all of these products and courses you can use to teach yourself violin, that is quickly becoming a very popular method of learning. This option is the crowd favorite for your wallet as you don’t have to pay indefinately for lessons and you can go over the materal any time you like.

With this option you can choose how fast you want to learn. It can be a good or a bad thing though. Many people will procrastinate when left to their own devices.

This is one of the primary perks of face to face lessons, either in group or an one-on-one environment. When you choose that route, you are put around people who honestly love playing the violin which will motivate you.

The next point is how observant you are. Seemingly minor details aren’t always minor in music. They can make or break your progress if not paid attention to. If you aren’t so sure on this point or lack confidence, you may be better having someone there to critique your performance. Otherwise you may be very adept at playing poorly.

Finally there is the question of patience. If you lack patience you will give up one way or another. Realize that it takes time to learn anything new. Some days you may not play as well, but don’t be discouraged. It is to be expected. Overall improvement over time is what you need to be aware of. Having a teacher can help pace your expectations so that you keep your goal in mind.

None of these points are absolute in that if you have or lack the point you should either try alone or take lessons. Personal preferences are important, and you can deal with any weakness.

Having others there and invested in your progress does wonders to keep you moving in the right direction. These people don’t have to be teachers, family and peers do just as well. Although this leverage point is often skipped over, it can make a massive difference. And don’t hold back when talking to them. If you tell them you’re going to be the best in the world, imagine how motivated you will be to not feel the embarrassment of playing at the same poor level each week.

There is usually a middle ground available if you look for it. For example, you could get a learn violin course and with the extra money, hire someone to pester you until you practice or lock you in a room with a violin a few times per week.

Be unique in your approach to learning violin and vary it. Repetition may be the mother of skill, but it can also be the mother of boredom if you don’t have fun with your routine. Be on the look out for any resistance or negativity, and find ways to overcome it. Keep the excuses to a minimum, because if you aren’t making progress, you are wasting your time and focus. Belief in your own abilities will carry you to the dream.

Violin Course for Children

Making the joint decision with your child that they will learn the violin is an exciting step for your child. Because there are so many courses available and so many methods of learning, it is important to find a violin course that caters especially for children. Children have unique needs compared to adults and these needs need to be taken into account so that your child can find the best possible path for reaching their music goals and desires.

Physical Limitations

Learning to hold the violin can be an awkward challenge. Balance depends on using a chin rest and a sense of coordination is essential, as movement in both hands is needed to play violin successfully. Fortunately, there are smaller violins available to make playing the violin easier for a child. Violin sizes range from as small as 1/8 through to 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and the normal full size. Specialty music stores usually stock them are the best first choice as you can try the instruments out. Be aware however that smaller violins may not give as good a quality sound as adult violins. Also, be aware if buying online that you really need to hear the violin to accurately judge the quality of the instrument, so use caution before proceeding.

Responsibilities

A lot of responsibility goes along with playing the violin, as instruments need to be cared for and looked after. Violins and more especially the bow can be worth a lot of money and if kept in mint condition may keep their value or in the case of famous brands like the Stradivarius, even increase in value over time. Learning the violin is a great chance for your child to learn how to care for their possessions and yet enjoy the process. Some key points in violin care including applying rosin to the bow hairs before playing, loosening the bow hairs when finished and storing the instrument correctly in the case. It is also good practice to use a polishing cloth to keep the violin wood gleaming and the fingerboard free of dust.

The Costs Involved

Naturally, there are costs involved in your child learning the violin. Some of the continuing costs will be replacing strings. It is good for your child to have at least one spare set (even two) of strings as strings can and do break. Even changes in weather such as a hotter day can cause the strings to snap. Depending on the quality of sound you desire, you can spend as much or little as you like on strings. Rosin, which is essentially hard blocks of tree gum, needs to be rubbed over the bow hair before the strings will make any noise and are another expense to keep in mind. The good news is rosin lasts a long time as long as it is not dropped and smashed. Other costs included gas for travel, lessons and possibly hiring an instrument if you choose not to buy one.

Worth the Investment

The time and effort required to motivate and support your child in their desire to play violin is well worth it. Not only will it help them to flourish artistically, it will open their social circle to include many new people of different ages and backgrounds and give them a confidence that comes from doing something you love! Do everything you can to keep it fun and the cost will seem minimal compared to the enjoyment and success your child experiences from playing the violin.