Alison, I just have to say what an amazing teacher you are. I've never pledged money or purchased anything related to a youtube channel before but I've decided I'm going to work through your violin lessons seriously and practice everyday, purchase the songbooks and donate in payment of all the content you provide online so generously free to people who can't afford regular lessons. I've been trying to learn for about 6 years on and off and been through 4 teachers who all kinda indicated it might not be for me. I was about to sell my violin and quit when I thought I'd search youtube for adult beginners and see what I'm missing when I found your channel. A lot of people are great at something but cannot teach others. You're so talented but you're also an amazing teacher. Your videos are so helpful, easy to follow and understand and in such a short time watching and practicing I can honestly say I've progressed more in 2 months than I have in several years just tinkering. For the first time I'm enjoying it and feel like I'm getting better. Just your tip on paper or straws as a guide for bowing has made a huge difference and not something any teachers ever suggested. My 'e' string skills don't cause the neighbours to complain anymore either ☺ You are such a great communicator, your tips have allowed me to get a beautiful sound from my violin (pimped now ☺) and I even tuned it by ear last night and when I checked it, it was really close ....I was so excited !!!! So thank you for sharing your beautiful gift, incredible knowledge and experience. You're such a warm, genuine and gorgeous soul !!! Look forward to working through the lessons 1-10 and songbook 1 to start. Greenslevees is one of my favorites but I never dreamed I'd be able to play it but I'm optimistic now and thrilled it's included in songbook 1. Thank you so much xxx
Thank you Alison! You are the reason I got bold and bought a violin and started learning. I do not have time for lessons but i love it so much i had to learn how to play it. I m absolute rubbish but you and your lessons give me confidence that one day i will be able to play my favourite pieces. Thank you for your work and your time!
I have been wanting to start the violin for several months and just not had the courage or the understanding of how even to start the journey. The information you provide in your videos is amazing. I have now ordered my bow (Stentor II), replacements strings, rosin, tuner, and the Mulko chin rest. So excited to get started next week when everything comes in. You have really helped me. I will join your site and begin working through the lessons!
I was given the first recommended violin as a gift. I just need to find the drive and initiative that I once had when I was a kid. Thank you for the list, advice, and hopefully the push I need to start up again. Now if I can just remember how to read sheet music... Ha
Just a small note. If you do have such an echo and fade vocal, please do not add "music" on top of this. I am sitting in the office with quite good headphones and I do struggle to catch what you're saying. Cheers!
edmunek Hi don't watch UA-cam during working hours ,and stop being so snotty and maybe go and get your hearing checked There is absolutely nothing wrong with this video.!!!!!!!!!!
@@francoispretorius4175 The comment was quite polite and did not have even an inkling of being snotty, these are educational videos and should not have background music because people in other countries have a hard time understanding someone with an accent, then add a Echo and background music and it's very hard to make out what someone is saying. When someone gives feedback its not to be rude, they are just trying to let the person know what they can improve upon to make the listening experience better, and in return they will get more subscribers and ultimately make more money. I think they also make video editing software that can keep the volume at the same level, so the volume of speech will be the same volume as the violin playing, then you don't need to keep adjusting the volume up and down. We all don't have hearing like a youngster does, and unfortunately our hearing diminishes as we get older :(
@@francoispretorius4175 Many adult jobs allow you to listen to music or podcasts while working so long as it doesn't significantly detriment your productivity. I used to work at a university where my role was to assess accessibility and the original comment was very warranted. Between the echo, the inconsistent volume, the music, and the lack of professional subtitles, this video is inaccessible to anyone with hearing, attention, or language processing disability.
For some reason when I do you practice exercise It doesnt sound like the sound you have. Maybe its the strings so I shall change it. But I can't find a goldflecks so I just settled for like a rosin called Paganini which cost me like 5 dollars or so. I hope I can soon be better. Thank you Alison for all your videos.
@The piano and violin tutor Shar music sells the Mulko chinrest in the U.S. for $6.95 according to their website. I'm sure there is shipping charges on that as well. Just thought I would post it for my fellow American people.
Awesome video with Great information from a professional that's seen it all come down the line and knows what works and what doesn't . Thank you so much for sharing your experience and expertise .
Hello, Madam Thank you so much for your videos, inspired by your videos, I started learning the violin and bought a new violin for me, hopefully, one day I will meet you!
I got my first violin complete with case, bow, and chin rest for £20 on a second hand facebook "buy and sell" page - I got the rosin & tuner from my local music shop, the tuner was £10 and the rosin was £4, meaning I only spent £34 total for a working violin. Yes it's probably not the best and you can see its age from where the varnish is wearing away, but after 3 weeks of practice I still notice a hefty difference in my playing with only the odd scratch & squeak on about 10 beginner songs. If I continue to improve I may treat myself to a new starter set which includes everything for £60, rather than second hand, but in my opinion there's absolutely no reason to be going for anything other than the very cheapest as a beginner. I've told myself that until I can do vibrato, I won't be buying anything over £100.
I couldn't disagree with you more. Playing and learning on a really cheap violin can have a very adverse effect on your progress. A violin that gives you a poor response is a lot like a really slow computer that has low capability. You will not accomplish the same thing on a violin that does not support you. Im not saying that you must spend £500+ as a very beginner, but going for a good instrument brand and model would be preferable. These cheap violins that you refer too (£60 for example) will likely not stay in tune, the angle and placement of the strings will be off, the tone of the instrument will be squeaky and horrendous sounding, and the fingerboard will eventually warp causing issues with the bridge. Because of the very poor setup, the bridge and string action will be vastly off - this will affect how you do (or don’t) hit other strings. This is a highly important factor of learning the violin as it will dictate how you learn to feel the placement and angle of each individual string when crossing. If the bridge is too high, it raises the strings which will cause extra pressure in your left hand. If the bridge is too low, then you will get unwanted vibrations and rattling. The neck will be carved poorly. This may ok in the very beginning, but when one starts learning vibrato and moving into other positions, it can cause awkwardness and hinder ones ability to work well in higher positions. It is a false economy to progress into buying yet another cheap violin, because as you progress, you will begin to find and see these faults and then not want to play it. You may not even be conscious of the reasons why you find yourself not liking the violin, but it will be a combination of being displeased with the tone, sometimes even finding the sound of the instrument painful, being unable to tune it, having parts break off, the feel of a cheap violin that doesn't really fit in the hand, the visual ugliness of something cheaply made, and the overall bad feeling of having an object that was not made with care. You will quickly find it difficult to progress much beyond the basics, plus spending £60 on a violin then feeling like you have to then spend a small fortune to gear it out, is also cost prohibitive.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor I understand your viewpoints, but for those of us who don't have money to spend on even slightly better violins, a cheap one is literally the only place to start. I have noticed some off tones and yes sometimes I do have to tune more often, you absolutely get what you pay for, but I don't see this having a long lasting negative effect - all the basics can still be carried across and when the time comes to upgrade to a better instrument, any bad habits can quickly be practiced away. I don't have money to keep replacing bits so I won't, unless a string snaps or the board breaks or something. A perfect instrument with a nice sound is fantastic, sure, but a playable instrument is just fine for beginners. Each violin is slightly different anyway, so whenever you upgrade there will be a period of adjusting, it may take longer for me when I can upgrade but for now I seem to be doing fine. A good artist can still make a masterpiece whatever media they use, so it really shouldn't be too different for instruments.
I will not comment on making a masterpiece with whatever musical media, since I am also a beginner. However, as a professional decorative artist for 17 years I 100% disagree with that statement. Quality products and tools make a HUGE difference.
Hi Alison! I am following your Violin learning Lessons and I love them! I have to ask you, can you please make a video about bow re-hair vs buying a new bow? What do you personally do when your hairs start breaking?
A very helpful video thank you. I think the link to the tuner needs updating. I followed the link and bought the tuner and it turns out it is to fit a guitar, not a violin. The one for a violin needs a bigger bracket. It’s not well named by the company since the one I have does not say it is for a guitar, whereas the one for a violin says violin in the name. I’d love an index or list of all the videos you have reviewing things to buy. Is that possible? I don’t know if UA-cam facilitates that. I found it hard to find this one when I wanted it since I hadn’t written down the name. With thanks for your totally brilliant videos, I have learned a huge amount.
Thank's for the input. In Germany I could only get the stentor but I don't like it. Have you ever tried a Thomann violin and did a review about it? I like the student and it got a good review in a german magazin. But I wonder how it can be any good on that price. Well it says it is solid wood at least, I wonder if I should get it anyway and just add a better bow since the bow is called to be really bad.
Ma'am can you upload a video toss the feathers by the Corr's. A tutorial in violin playing that music. Please........I will appreciate very much. Thank you and God bless...
Alison, could you do a video about how to prepare for exams and competitions? My daughter is currently preparing for her first yet already important competition. She‘s just 7 and at the time I participated in competitions I was much older than her. Maybe you have some tips and tricks on how to prepare most efficiently. Have a nice day!
This is a difficult one, as how I would 'specifically' prepare would be different to how her teacher would have her prepare - and at the age of 7, I wouldn't want to confuse things. The best thing she can do is to practise until she never gets it wrong and practise in front of as many people as possible.
Just a word of warning, the bow that comes with the stentor II isn't the greatest. Fortunately I upgraded to a better quality carbon bow which sounds a lot better, has less scratching and plays a lot easier.
What are your opinions on the Gliga 1 violins? I am thinking about renting one and then working my way through your violin course to see if I like it. :)
Hello Alison, thank you so much for what you are doing for us! I have a question. I live in Moscow (rus) and the violins you recommend are a bit hard to get here and only option is ebay which is very very pricey with shipping. Maybe you can advice me online stores which ships to outside of Europe or Asian ones, what options for me? In Russia are popular Cremona violins, but for me are expensive too. Thanks in advance! ^_^
Im afraid I dont know what does or doest ship to Russia and I have not played Cremona violins so I dont know anything about them Sorry i cant help more.
No! Bows are too unique to the individual so makes and models are totally useless as its based all on weight and feel. I could recommend a particular brand that is supposed to be super good, but because you may feel its too light at the heel or point etc, you would end up hating it, but for me, it might be the perfect weight. Of course, when you are talking about good quality bows - thats fine, but again, its all about the weight and feel.
Hi Alison, Thank you so much for all your videos,because of you I find courage to fulfill my dream in old age (33) and learn how to play violin.Few days ago i bought Stentor Student 2 violin and really enjoying playing.Just loving the sound even when i miss tone,or hit two string :-} the felling i get is just incredible and indescribable.I am currently practicing lesson number 5,almost there,but i noticed i need a shoulder rest,so after lot of researching i found 2.Wolf primo and secondo.I read that most violin player recommend secondo and for viola primo shoulder rest,so was wondering why do you thing primo is better for violin.I am 184cm high and really appreciate any help or advice you can offer me since unfortunately here where i live ,there is no instructors,music schools or even shops that can help me and i don't want to travel 1h to London just to get advice.And for Stentor 2 do you prefer Pirastro Tonicas string over Dominos since in one video you were mentioning Dominos are very good for Stentor violin and what does small tubes do on strings that I got with my violin. Thank you again for all you hard work,time an patience to make all those videos to help us beginners to make our dreams come true.
I can’t stand the Secondo because is has a super annoying arm that sticks out. Because of this he shoulder rest is constantly dropping off, the arm twists, it loosens over time and the shape is (in my opinion) awkward. I prefer Tonicas over Dominants as I mentioned in the video.
Hi, Thank you for taking time to replay so quickly. You are amazing, thank you again for all you help. There are 2 type of Pirastro tonica with steel E or aluminium? And what about those small tubes on E and A string.some people telling to cut them off some to put them on bridge? Ordering primo today and hopefully soon will post my first video playing (or try to play ;)
Doesn't matter what you get - they are all pretty much the same. As for the tubes, please ignore what those people have said about cutting as they are wrong! Never cut anything on a violin or to do with a violin, ever lol! You just position those tubes (usually only found on the E) over where the string sits on the bridge. This is so the E does not cut into the wood of the bridge and make the string weaker.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Cool thank you so much,you helped me a lot. I was thinking the same that cutting anything from violin seems just wrong. You are amazing, stay awesome and thank you again 🤗
Do you have recommendations for a beginner bow, I had bought a used franz Hoffmann for my daughter but the bow doesn't seem to be in good condition. It's been sitting for a few years un played so I dont know if it needs some fresh rosin or if I should just get her a new bow altogether
I dont or ever recommend bows. They are far too individual as they are based solely on weight and comfortability and this differs entirely from person to person. What i might think feels too light for a bow, you might think its too heavy and so on. Also heavily depends on your violin and your playing style/technique. The same bow played on my violin by me will sound totally different on your violin played by you. I just recommend you try a bunch and go from there. I have a few bow videos where I talk about what to look for and how to choose a bow.
Hi Alison. I need a second opinion about a violin I might buy. It's the student 4/4 violin by Gear4music. I've looked at it and watched the videos on how it sounds and it doesn't sound to bad. It looks quite nice too. Do u think you could check it out and tell me what you think?
If the company will send me one to review, I will review it. I need to play it in order to say whether its good or not. You cant just read a description of a violin and hope for the best as you will have no way of knowing whether its any good or not.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Yes I agree. On second thoughts I am thinking of buying the forenza prima. Your review was very helpfull but it has gone up to £93.98. Do you still think it's worth the money?
Why dont you get the Stentor II - its a better violin all round and worth the money for what it is. Minimal scratch and decently set up. You 'could' (but not a necessity) replace the factory strings with Pirastro Tonicas for a smoother, brighter and fuller tone.
Is there a way to tell which one I have? I bought a “student quality” violin while living abroad in Korea. Unfortunately, it was a dumb decision as the pegs don’t stay put and I can’t get the strings to tune properly.
I just bought a cheap violin. I've never played before. What do I need to do to get it setup, tuned and able to start playing... Do you have a simple video for real beginners
Could you please please please Alison, make a tutorial for " Jonghyun-End of a day "or "Lee Hi-Breathe" pleaseeeeeee!!!with a sheet music cause i really need them pleaseee thank you for your videos they are really helpful!!❤❤ I can't find any of them anywhere so I'm sure it'll help alot of people too,Thanks!
Not very I wouldn't have thought since it cant detect the vibrations from your violin. Just get a proper one like the one I mention in this video. Tuning the violin is super important, so you dont want to be learning with an out of tune violin as that will be very detrimental to your learning!
Alison, I just have to say what an amazing teacher you are. I've never pledged money or purchased anything related to a youtube channel before but I've decided I'm going to work through your violin lessons seriously and practice everyday, purchase the songbooks and donate in payment of all the content you provide online so generously free to people who can't afford regular lessons. I've been trying to learn for about 6 years on and off and been through 4 teachers who all kinda indicated it might not be for me. I was about to sell my violin and quit when I thought I'd search youtube for adult beginners and see what I'm missing when I found your channel. A lot of people are great at something but cannot teach others. You're so talented but you're also an amazing teacher. Your videos are so helpful, easy to follow and understand and in such a short time watching and practicing I can honestly say I've progressed more in 2 months than I have in several years just tinkering. For the first time I'm enjoying it and feel like I'm getting better. Just your tip on paper or straws as a guide for bowing has made a huge difference and not something any teachers ever suggested. My 'e' string skills don't cause the neighbours to complain anymore either ☺ You are such a great communicator, your tips have allowed me to get a beautiful sound from my violin (pimped now ☺) and I even tuned it by ear last night and when I checked it, it was really close ....I was so excited !!!! So thank you for sharing your beautiful gift, incredible knowledge and experience. You're such a warm, genuine and gorgeous soul !!! Look forward to working through the lessons 1-10 and songbook 1 to start. Greenslevees is one of my favorites but I never dreamed I'd be able to play it but I'm optimistic now and thrilled it's included in songbook 1. Thank you so much xxx
Thank you for the lovely comment - good luck with the violin playing.
Thank you Alison! You are the reason I got bold and bought a violin and started learning. I do not have time for lessons but i love it so much i had to learn how to play it. I m absolute rubbish but you and your lessons give me confidence that one day i will be able to play my favourite pieces. Thank you for your work and your time!
I have been wanting to start the violin for several months and just not had the courage or the understanding of how even to start the journey. The information you provide in your videos is amazing. I have now ordered my bow (Stentor II), replacements strings, rosin, tuner, and the Mulko chin rest. So excited to get started next week when everything comes in. You have really helped me. I will join your site and begin working through the lessons!
Great! I recommend you start here: Violin Lessons 1-30: bit.ly/2jjeCfX
I was given the first recommended violin as a gift. I just need to find the drive and initiative that I once had when I was a kid. Thank you for the list, advice, and hopefully the push I need to start up again.
Now if I can just remember how to read sheet music... Ha
Just a small note. If you do have such an echo and fade vocal, please do not add "music" on top of this. I am sitting in the office with quite good headphones and I do struggle to catch what you're saying. Cheers!
Noted - thank you for the feedback.
edmunek Hi don't watch UA-cam during working hours ,and stop being so snotty and maybe go and get your hearing checked There is absolutely nothing wrong with this video.!!!!!!!!!!
@@francoispretorius4175 The comment was quite polite and did not have even an inkling of being snotty, these are educational videos and should not have background music because people in other countries have a hard time understanding someone with an accent, then add a Echo and background music and it's very hard to make out what someone is saying. When someone gives feedback its not to be rude, they are just trying to let the person know what they can improve upon to make the listening experience better, and in return they will get more subscribers and ultimately make more money. I think they also make video editing software that can keep the volume at the same level, so the volume of speech will be the same volume as the violin playing, then you don't need to keep adjusting the volume up and down. We all don't have hearing like a youngster does, and unfortunately our hearing diminishes as we get older :(
@@francoispretorius4175 Many adult jobs allow you to listen to music or podcasts while working so long as it doesn't significantly detriment your productivity.
I used to work at a university where my role was to assess accessibility and the original comment was very warranted. Between the echo, the inconsistent volume, the music, and the lack of professional subtitles, this video is inaccessible to anyone with hearing, attention, or language processing disability.
For some reason when I do you practice exercise It doesnt sound like the sound you have. Maybe its the strings so I shall change it. But I can't find a goldflecks so I just settled for like a rosin called Paganini which cost me like 5 dollars or so. I hope I can soon be better. Thank you Alison for all your videos.
Very interesting and helpful. Thank you Alison. Keep up the great work! X
@The piano and violin tutor
Shar music sells the Mulko chinrest in the U.S. for $6.95 according to their website. I'm sure there is shipping charges on that as well. Just thought I would post it for my fellow American people.
Awesome video with Great information from a professional that's seen it all come down the line and knows what works and what doesn't . Thank you so much for sharing your experience and expertise .
Hello, Madam Thank you so much for your videos, inspired by your videos, I started learning the violin and bought a new violin for me, hopefully, one day I will meet you!
can you tell me which violin did you buy and how did you order it in india and the delivery charges ?? plz I'm looking for a violin.
i bought Havana-beginners violin, as per my knowledge, Any instrument between 5 K to 6 K is good for beginners. All the best :)
I got my first violin complete with case, bow, and chin rest for £20 on a second hand facebook "buy and sell" page - I got the rosin & tuner from my local music shop, the tuner was £10 and the rosin was £4, meaning I only spent £34 total for a working violin. Yes it's probably not the best and you can see its age from where the varnish is wearing away, but after 3 weeks of practice I still notice a hefty difference in my playing with only the odd scratch & squeak on about 10 beginner songs. If I continue to improve I may treat myself to a new starter set which includes everything for £60, rather than second hand, but in my opinion there's absolutely no reason to be going for anything other than the very cheapest as a beginner.
I've told myself that until I can do vibrato, I won't be buying anything over £100.
I couldn't disagree with you more.
Playing and learning on a really cheap violin can have a very adverse effect on your progress. A violin that gives you a poor response is a lot like a really slow computer that has low capability. You will not accomplish the same thing on a violin that does not support you.
Im not saying that you must spend £500+ as a very beginner, but going for a good instrument brand and model would be preferable.
These cheap violins that you refer too (£60 for example) will likely not stay in tune, the angle and placement of the strings will be off, the tone of the instrument will be squeaky and horrendous sounding, and the fingerboard will eventually warp causing issues with the bridge.
Because of the very poor setup, the bridge and string action will be vastly off - this will affect how you do (or don’t) hit other strings. This is a highly important factor of learning the violin as it will dictate how you learn to feel the placement and angle of each individual string when crossing.
If the bridge is too high, it raises the strings which will cause extra pressure in your left hand. If the bridge is too low, then you will get unwanted vibrations and rattling.
The neck will be carved poorly. This may ok in the very beginning, but when one starts learning vibrato and moving into other positions, it can cause awkwardness and hinder ones ability to work well in higher positions.
It is a false economy to progress into buying yet another cheap violin, because as you progress, you will begin to find and see these faults and then not want to play it. You may not even be conscious of the reasons why you find yourself not liking the violin, but it will be a combination of being displeased with the tone, sometimes even finding the sound of the instrument painful, being unable to tune it, having parts break off, the feel of a cheap violin that doesn't really fit in the hand, the visual ugliness of something cheaply made, and the overall bad feeling of having an object that was not made with care.
You will quickly find it difficult to progress much beyond the basics, plus spending £60 on a violin then feeling like you have to then spend a small fortune to gear it out, is also cost prohibitive.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor
I understand your viewpoints, but for those of us who don't have money to spend on even slightly better violins, a cheap one is literally the only place to start. I have noticed some off tones and yes sometimes I do have to tune more often, you absolutely get what you pay for, but I don't see this having a long lasting negative effect - all the basics can still be carried across and when the time comes to upgrade to a better instrument, any bad habits can quickly be practiced away.
I don't have money to keep replacing bits so I won't, unless a string snaps or the board breaks or something. A perfect instrument with a nice sound is fantastic, sure, but a playable instrument is just fine for beginners.
Each violin is slightly different anyway, so whenever you upgrade there will be a period of adjusting, it may take longer for me when I can upgrade but for now I seem to be doing fine.
A good artist can still make a masterpiece whatever media they use, so it really shouldn't be too different for instruments.
I will not comment on making a masterpiece with whatever musical media, since I am also a beginner. However, as a professional decorative artist for 17 years I 100% disagree with that statement. Quality products and tools make a HUGE difference.
Hi Alison! I am following your Violin learning Lessons and I love them! I have to ask you, can you please make a video about bow re-hair vs buying a new bow? What do you personally do when your hairs start breaking?
A very helpful video thank you.
I think the link to the tuner needs updating. I followed the link and bought the tuner and it turns out it is to fit a guitar, not a violin. The one for a violin needs a bigger bracket. It’s not well named by the company since the one I have does not say it is for a guitar, whereas the one for a violin says violin in the name.
I’d love an index or list of all the videos you have reviewing things to buy. Is that possible? I don’t know if UA-cam facilitates that. I found it hard to find this one when I wanted it since I hadn’t written down the name.
With thanks for your totally brilliant videos, I have learned a huge amount.
Harriet G yes you need to simply go to the website of thomann and type in the searcher tuner for violin there you will find what you are looking for
Thank's for the input. In Germany I could only get the stentor but I don't like it. Have you ever tried a Thomann violin and did a review about it? I like the student and it got a good review in a german magazin. But I wonder how it can be any good on that price. Well it says it is solid wood at least, I wonder if I should get it anyway and just add a better bow since the bow is called to be really bad.
Very nice😄
Ma'am can you upload a video toss the feathers by the Corr's. A tutorial in violin playing that music. Please........I will appreciate very much. Thank you and God bless...
Alison, could you do a video about how to prepare for exams and competitions? My daughter is currently preparing for her first yet already important competition. She‘s just 7 and at the time I participated in competitions I was much older than her. Maybe you have some tips and tricks on how to prepare most efficiently. Have a nice day!
This is a difficult one, as how I would 'specifically' prepare would be different to how her teacher would have her prepare - and at the age of 7, I wouldn't want to confuse things.
The best thing she can do is to practise until she never gets it wrong and practise in front of as many people as possible.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor Thank you 😊
great info and I love your dress as well! :-)
This was helpful i just started
A week ago
This was so helpful but I could not find any of the links?. Is this just me or have they been delighted. Thanks
Just a word of warning, the bow that comes with the stentor II isn't the greatest. Fortunately I upgraded to a better quality carbon bow which sounds a lot better, has less scratching and plays a lot easier.
I know this is an older video but what do you think about those sticky sheets that go on the violin to show/remind you where to place your fingers?
You dont need them.
is it okay if instead of using that chin rest you said i use the one that comes with the violin?
Its up to you, but the mulko one gives for a more comfortable experience.
What are your opinions on the Gliga 1 violins? I am thinking about renting one and then working my way through your violin course to see if I like it. :)
I have never played them.
Hello Alison, thank you so much for what you are doing for us! I have a question. I live in Moscow (rus) and the violins you recommend are a bit hard to get here and only option is ebay which is very very pricey with shipping. Maybe you can advice me online stores which ships to outside of Europe or Asian ones, what options for me? In Russia are popular Cremona violins, but for me are expensive too. Thanks in advance! ^_^
Im afraid I dont know what does or doest ship to Russia and I have not played Cremona violins so I dont know anything about them Sorry i cant help more.
Hey =) could you suggest a bow as well please? kind regards
No! Bows are too unique to the individual so makes and models are totally useless as its based all on weight and feel. I could recommend a particular brand that is supposed to be super good, but because you may feel its too light at the heel or point etc, you would end up hating it, but for me, it might be the perfect weight.
Of course, when you are talking about good quality bows - thats fine, but again, its all about the weight and feel.
Hi Alison,
Thank you so much for all your videos,because of you I find courage to fulfill my dream in old age (33) and learn how to play violin.Few days ago i bought Stentor Student 2 violin and really enjoying playing.Just loving the sound even when i miss tone,or hit two string :-} the felling i get is just incredible and indescribable.I am currently practicing lesson number 5,almost there,but i noticed i need a shoulder rest,so after lot of researching i found 2.Wolf primo and secondo.I read that most violin player recommend secondo and for viola primo shoulder rest,so was wondering why do you thing primo is better for violin.I am 184cm high and really appreciate any help or advice you can offer me since unfortunately here where i live ,there is no instructors,music schools or even shops that can help me and i don't want to travel 1h to London just to get advice.And for Stentor 2 do you prefer Pirastro Tonicas string over Dominos since in one video you were mentioning Dominos are very good for Stentor violin and what does small tubes do on strings that I got with my violin.
Thank you again for all you hard work,time an patience to make all those videos to help us beginners to make our dreams come true.
I can’t stand the Secondo because is has a super annoying arm that sticks out. Because of this he shoulder rest is constantly dropping off, the arm twists, it loosens over time and the shape is (in my opinion) awkward.
I prefer Tonicas over Dominants as I mentioned in the video.
Hi,
Thank you for taking time to replay so quickly.
You are amazing, thank you again for all you help.
There are 2 type of Pirastro tonica with steel E or aluminium?
And what about those small tubes on E and A string.some people telling to cut them off some to put them on bridge?
Ordering primo today and hopefully soon will post my first video playing (or try to play ;)
Doesn't matter what you get - they are all pretty much the same.
As for the tubes, please ignore what those people have said about cutting as they are wrong! Never cut anything on a violin or to do with a violin, ever lol! You just position those tubes (usually only found on the E) over where the string sits on the bridge. This is so the E does not cut into the wood of the bridge and make the string weaker.
The Online Piano and Violin Tutor
Cool thank you so much,you helped me a lot.
I was thinking the same that cutting anything from violin seems just wrong.
You are amazing, stay awesome and thank you again 🤗
Do you have recommendations for a beginner bow, I had bought a used franz Hoffmann for my daughter but the bow doesn't seem to be in good condition. It's been sitting for a few years un played so I dont know if it needs some fresh rosin or if I should just get her a new bow altogether
I dont or ever recommend bows. They are far too individual as they are based solely on weight and comfortability and this differs entirely from person to person.
What i might think feels too light for a bow, you might think its too heavy and so on.
Also heavily depends on your violin and your playing style/technique.
The same bow played on my violin by me will sound totally different on your violin played by you.
I just recommend you try a bunch and go from there.
I have a few bow videos where I talk about what to look for and how to choose a bow.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thankyou, I will just have to take her to go try some bows :) she loves all your videos! You've helped her tremendously so far!
Yes. That really is the only way to do it.
Could you do a tutorial for violin on "Our God" by Chris Tomlin?
Hi Alison. I need a second opinion about a violin I might buy. It's the student 4/4 violin by Gear4music. I've looked at it and watched the videos on how it sounds and it doesn't sound to bad. It looks quite nice too. Do u think you could check it out and tell me what you think?
If the company will send me one to review, I will review it. I need to play it in order to say whether its good or not. You cant just read a description of a violin and hope for the best as you will have no way of knowing whether its any good or not.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor Yes I agree. On second thoughts I am thinking of buying the forenza prima. Your review was very helpfull but it has gone up to £93.98. Do you still think it's worth the money?
Why dont you get the Stentor II - its a better violin all round and worth the money for what it is. Minimal scratch and decently set up. You 'could' (but not a necessity) replace the factory strings with Pirastro Tonicas for a smoother, brighter and fuller tone.
I just got mine for 132 £ and it is awesome.
Shop name is Normans musical instruments.if you go to fb and find them you can see the code for 5% off
Is there a way to tell which one I have? I bought a “student quality” violin while living abroad in Korea. Unfortunately, it was a dumb decision as the pegs don’t stay put and I can’t get the strings to tune properly.
You could see if there are any markings inside the violin through the ‘f’ holes.
I just bought a cheap violin. I've never played before. What do I need to do to get it setup, tuned and able to start playing... Do you have a simple video for real beginners
‘1-30 Violin Course’ free videos: bit.ly/2jjeCfX
‘1-30 Violin Course books: bit.ly/2V3MPle
so according to you which one is good for a beginner like me cecilio cvn 300 or medini mv 500??
I gave the answer to this in the video and in the links under the video.
Could you please please please Alison, make a tutorial for " Jonghyun-End of a day "or "Lee Hi-Breathe" pleaseeeeeee!!!with a sheet music cause i really need them pleaseee thank you for your videos they are really helpful!!❤❤
I can't find any of them anywhere so I'm sure it'll help alot of people too,Thanks!
how good and accurate is a phone app tuner?
Not very I wouldn't have thought since it cant detect the vibrations from your violin.
Just get a proper one like the one I mention in this video. Tuning the violin is super important, so you dont want to be learning with an out of tune violin as that will be very detrimental to your learning!
Hey Alison , can you tell me your username on instagram . I'm trying to search you since the last 8 months .
alisonviolinist