Where Can We Learn To Play The Violin

Where Can We Learn To Play The Violin How To Learn The Violin And Where ChaptersThings To Know About Playing The ViolinTips On Playing The ViolinFinding a Teacher To Learn The ViolinLearn The Violin At SchoolLearn To Play Violin At Home With A TutorLearn A New Musical Skill With Violin LessonsLet's say you've always yearned to play a musical instrument but, for whatever reason, you simply never got the chance as a child. Now, master of your own destiny, you intend to satisfy the need to express your artistic side by studying music and learning how to play an instrument.You're not really sure which instrument appeals to you the most and, quite frankly, you don't really care which instrument you learn to play. In fact, your criteria for selecting a musical instrument comes down to a handful of factors: availability - of lessons and equipment, affordability and ease of mastery.As so many of us do in times of indecision or when more information is needed, you turn to your trusty research assistant, _______ (insert name of your favourite search engine here).  You are astounded to discover that the answer to both of your questions, 'easiest musical instrument to learn' and 'most difficult musical instrument to learn' is one and the same: the violin.  How can a single instrument be both the easiest and the most difficult?You Superprof examines both sides of the violin: the ease and joy of playing as well as the hardships involved in mastering this melodious music-making device.Along the way, we'll provide tips and tricks you can use to quickly achieve mastery!violin players are no different in that aspect.Mastering the basics - feeling the violin correctly positioned and playing simple chords are all great achievements in your development as a violin player.The intermediate stage of learning, when you are more than a beginner but not yet qualified to successfully audition for a band or a chair placement (if playing in an orchestra or ensemble is your intent) can last a very long time; years, even!Another aspect that affects violin players exclusively is  mastering the art of holding a violin and working the bow in an optimal  position to prevent pain and injury. Getting the physical aspects of violin playing down pat  takes a lot of practice, as does the ability to actually play a tune.That that scratchy sound you make whilst you get your head around holding your bow properly is normal, and it will ease up over time!All of those screeching sounds your instrument makes as your pass your bow over the strings are actually essential: if you are able to make your violin sound like a cat in agony, the closer you are to finding your ideal fingering, posture and bow pressure.Soon, muscle memory will take over the act of positioning yourself and your instrument correctly. Any further screeching, should there be any, will be quickly corrected.Harsh solvents may ruin the finish of your violin! Source: Pixabay Credit: PexelsYou must take care of your violinIt should go without saying that if you want your violin to play well an d last a long time, you must take good care of it.The idea of maintaining a piece of musical equipment seems a little tedious to some but it is necessary and, rest assured, it will become a habit. You may be wondering: what exactly is involved in caring for a violin?Essential steps include:Wiping rosin off the bow and strings after every playing sessionDon't forget to dust both the instrument and the wooden part of the bow!Avoiding the use of harsh solvents to remove sticky rosin residue; that could result in your damaging the finish of your instrument!Loosening the bow after each sessionEnsuring the bridge and sound post are correctly positionedMaking sure your instrument's pegs are properly fittedChecking strings for wear and replacing them as necessaryStoring your violin in its case, in a temperature-controlled environmentIf you have ever watched a violinist prepare for a performance, you will no doubt have seen them checking over their instrument, tightening their bow and rubbin g what looks like a small object up and down the length of the bow hair.The instrument's unique sound comes from the friction of the bow as it passes over the strings.Violin rosin is applied to the bow  prior to playing - either in concert or practising, to ensure the proper amount of friction for optimal sound.Beware that, especially as a beginner violinist, you may apply too much rosin! Beyond your instrument sounding 'uneven' - a tonal quality only a violinist could describe well, you will see a sticky powder accumulate on your violin's body.The opposite is no better: forgetting to rosin or deliberately not applying any will make for a weak, whispery sound. It might take you a while to discover the best rosin and the correct amount for your particular bow.Tips On Playing The ViolinNow that you know what to expect when you start learning to play the violin, see our tips for beginners below.1. Things you will needWhen you learn to play the violin, it's easy to be fooled into thinki ng all you need is yourself and your instrument. However, every violinist needs, as well as their trusty instrument:-a good bow - a carry case -a rosin (described above) -a music stand and some sheet music -pencils and erasers (for note-taking) -a metronome (a device that helps you stay in time) -good lighting (in which to read music and practice playing in)One of the things you will need, along with your violin, is a bow. Photo credit: BotheredByBees on Visual hunt2. When and how often to practiceIt may seem a bit of a silly tip but  practising at the same time every day actually makes you more committed.Remember earlier, when we mentioned muscle memory? Just as you get hungry at regular intervals and sleepy around the same time each night, dedicated violin players itch to play at 'their' certain time.Besides, if you don't set aside a specific time to practice, you are far more likely to be too busy, too tired or to find some other excuse to skip practice altogether.That is the sta rt of the slippery slope that leads to frustration so many budding musicians experience at one time or another!Even if your violin tutor recommends practising every day, it really comes down to you: how much and how long you practise between lessons, but it goes without saying that if you practice on a regular basis, you will improve faster.3. Try out appsPlaying live music and using apps just don't seem like they should mix - but they do! So many violin apps and  great digital tools have been developed in recent years to help musicians, like practice trackers, music journals, tuner apps, etc...One of the more popular apps musicians of all instruments appreciate is the digital metronome.A metronome helps you keep time musically by announcing beats. Its steady 'tick-tock' sound, set at whichever tempo the piece of music you are playing is written in, will help you keep the correct time that piece is meant to be played in.The speed at which your metronome 'counts' is entirely up to yo u. You may set it fast or slow, or anywhere along that range. A good idea would be to start off slow, say at a 2/2 beat and, as you warm up, increase the tempo until you are playing a most fiery piece!Some violinists aver that a classic metronome, one that functions on the same principles as clockwork is more suited to their instrument. However, there is nothing wrong with trying out a digital metronome; there are plenty of well-reviewed metronome applications available for download at no cost.The idea of saving what you might have spent on a standard metronome is surely enticement to try!    Other apps for music playing in general and violin specifically may be  free to download  while some might charge a small fee. It would be up to you to determine if the cost is worth - or if the app is even necessary at this stage in your playing.4. Keep a folderAs you learn to play the violin, you might be surprised to find that it's not all rosin, bows and music notes. During your lessons, yo ur violin teacher is sure to impart musical theory or music history or, even more fascinating, the history of the violin itself. Wouldn't you want to take notes on all that?It's also a good idea to make notes outside of class. Do you have questions for your violin tutor that you might forget before your next session? Perhaps you came across an interesting nugget on a music chat board and you wanted to run it past your instructor....For all of those reasons and more, it is a good idea to keep a notebook or folder for any notes you might make as you learn. You will be pleasantly surprised, as you progress in your skill with the violin, when you go back over them to see how far you've progressed!Along with a carry case to pack your instrument into, make sure you include a folder for all of your sheet music.Many beginners mistakenly assume that a few sheets of paper tucked inside their instrument's case is perfectly acceptable but, in general, violin cases have sculpted interiors, the b etter to cradle your instrument with. Tucking random papers around your violin might work for a while but that practice doesn't coincide with the discipline and orderliness essential to quality musicianship.Nor is it recommended as doing so may damage your violin!  You might find a case with external pockets or an interior pocket meant to store your sheet music. Otherwise, a supplemental shoulder bag would be the order of the day, and that solution offers an advantage: you can throw in your notebook, a few pens, pencils and erasers so that you have everything you might need in one place.Keeping all of these essentials in one place can make practicing so much easier and more efficient.Most classical violinists owe their skill to their teachers, at least in part Source: Pixabay Credit: Yanna Zazubuild on their raw talent during term-time.Learn To Play Violin At Home With A TutorYou don't have to spend an absolute fortune on violin classes with a professional musician boasting decades of experience.There are many accomplished individuals seeking to pass on their skill on the violin; however, they may or may not have any experience teaching music theory. The advantage to choosing that route in your search for a violin teacher that you will certainly find someone with whom you 'click'; someone you feel compatible with and can learn well from.Another option, one possibly easier on your wallet, would be to interview with conservatory or university music students. These  younger, less seasoned teachers may be better placed to teach you the basics in a more logical way, having not so long been a beginner themselves.Always available for your learning needs, Superprof features violin tutors with varying levels of experience and offering different rates.With this platform, you can either choose a tutor based in your area, one who either has a studio or will come to your home. Another option would be online classes via video link, which could save you money in the long run -  no travelling time to and from lessons, and your tutor  might give you a discounted rate because s/he won't have to travel, either!You might also be interested in knowing that most Superprof tutors give their first hour of lessons at no charge, just to see if you two would learn well together. With such an offer, how could anyone not choose   that option?Learning the violin over Internet connection is also great for those who have busy lives and need to schedule in lessons with minimal disruption to their routine like having to travel to a studio or tidy up in preparation for a visit from a tutor.Whichever method you decide on to learn the violin, bear in mind that the joys and benefits of learning by far outweigh any potential pitfalls.If you lose faith, why not take inspiration from the Royal Philharmonic  Orchestra or other famous musicians featured on radio stations like Classic FM.Should you be more of a jazz, rock or country fan, throw on some Ian Cooper, King Crimson or V anessa Mae and remember: the summer concert season is just around the corner!What new talent will be uncovered then?  Some children get the opportunity to play string instruments like violins at a young age at school. Photo credit: juhansonin on VisualHunt.comLearn A New Musical Skill With Violin LessonsAdmittedly, when youngsters think about playing any musical instruments, most gravitate to those featured in their favourite band: guitar and drums, maybe the bass or the keyboards.Perhaps, if said youngsters knew about Boyd Tinsley or Charlie Daniels, two violinists who have taken their art into the popular music arena, the violin would be a more popular choice!Whoever one's violin heroes may be - classical, jazz or rock violin, aspiring musicians can learn at least the essential elements of playing the instrument by signing up for lessons and workshops. Whether it's beginner violin lessons you're after or something more advanced, you can find violin lessons or violin teachers tailo red to you.If you are only just beginning to play the violin, you may seek a workshop or clinic detailing violin anatomy and maintenance.During such a session, you can  learn about the different violin parts  like the pegs and the mysterious sound post. What if you're left-handed: can you still learn to play?  Will you be taught  how to read music and, ultimately, how to play?Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is one of the most popular first pieces aspiring violinists are taught to play; in fact, the Suzuki Method advocates for that being the first tune any violinist should play, no matter how old s/he is. From there, your  instructor will work on ways to take you from being a little star to a huge star on the music scene!As you learn melody after melody, a good teacher will gradually introduce new techniques to help you make more beautiful music and make the experience more enjoyable.Pretty soon, you will look back on years of playing and wonder: was it really you who didn't know so much as how to hold a violin, let alone a bow?Check for violin lessons London here.