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Thank you for saying that. I am 20 and starting violin this month (I am a pianist, but never so much as held a violin) and a large part of the reason I want to play violin is to play in orchestra
Allison, I am with you on the violin vs piano sound. I played piano by ear as a very little girl and did the same all of my life and sang in choir throughout my school years. I just turned 70 and started the violin 11 months ago. I love love love it and have practiced about 8 hours a day since I began. Vibrato is finally coming easily. I love starting new pieces and the work that goes into learning it bar by bar. I will probably never play as well as you...but what I do play makes me very happy. I lost my husband 5 1/2 yrs ago and my youngest son 1 1/2 yr ago and the violin has saved my life...for real.
Hi Anette, I hope you're still playing the violin. I'm sorry about your husband and your son, music can really be a lifesaver. I play guitar and it has saved my life on more than one occasion, I just decided to take up the violin. Just watching videos now and looking at beginner violins. Dolores
I am 48 years old and I picked up a violin for the first time a few months ago partly encouraged by Ms. Sparrow. I am only practicing about 20 minutes a day but I can see improvements and I I am really enjoying the journey.
Pros: -Benefits such as increased test scores, creativity, patience, increased brain activity, etc. -Talent: You get to impress your family, friends, and others playing your instruments. -Fun: Playing an instrument is fun. Cons: -Cost: Playing an instrument is not cheap. You have to buy the instrument which is already pricey and lessons as well. -Time: Learning an instrument takes time to practice and master. -Progress: Learning to play is a life journey. Don't expect to be a prodigy in the beginning.
Laura Huynh dont forget to mention that in school, they'll ask you to accompany a song to be performed tomorrow and they will send you the melody today and have an accompaniment already arranged by tommorrow
So I’ve wanted to learn the violin since literally 1st grade. But I grew up poor and my school didn’t offer orchestral lessons (though it had band). But I’m 28 now and can buy it and pay for lessons and I’m gonna do it. Gonna try to get the basics down myself first though
How are you going? I'm 24 and I've just bought mine. It's on the way. I'm terrified of beginning but 2020 is the year I want to build myself as a musician. I'm ready for the challenge, and I love hearing people talk about their experience as an adult playing the violin for the first time.
Really cannot thank you enough for these wonderful & informative videos. A couple of additional cons I'd like to add: -it's costly (strings, upgrading parts/instruments, lessons) -it's painful on your fingertips, arms and other muscles you're not in the habit of using that way -finding a suitable place to practice day & night is not always easy.. you have to consider neighbours, people you live with, and the poor cat absolutely HATES it -tuning and replacing strings is SCARY when you're just starting out.. and breaking a string for the first time is mildly traumatizing :D Everything else about the violin is brilliant, though!
orth82 It must be the way I view things. I have played guitar for over45 years. all of them cost too much in the U.S. One of the most expensive violins that she demonstrates on her links is less expensive than my cheapest guitar. If I decide to learn, I will invest in the better version. I love instruments (stringed) that are solid wood and not laminate. The Ciallo 700 she shows on Amazon is about $600.00 U.S. with everything. A Martin acoustic, (solid rosewood and spruce top ) about $1400.00 U.S.
+Ted Rowland the cream of the crop for a Stradivarius violin is worth 10+ million. 1400 is a student instrument, a 600 dollar one is bare basic if you are lucky. A good violin from a good living maker you're looking at 50k starting out.
In my opinion, there are no cons in learning violin or anything as long as you like it and you have the motivation and drive, then just do it. JUST DO IT! #shia. Life is all about learning 👍🏼
Started at 48. Lots of physical discomfort at first here but I learned to listen to my body and to the sound I was producing. I learned to adjust my strings and bridge and chinrest to help my old body adjust to the instrument easier. Young people can adjust their body to the violin because they are still flexible but us old people need the instrument to meet us halfway. Things worked out over time.
My 10 year old is learning Violin in grade 5 in elementary school. To support him I do go to his lessons and listen. Turns out he needs help following the music so I stand there and guide him, from this I have learned how to read the sheet music. Literally in the Morning I am going to rent a violin so I can play with him at home and help him along. Never had a chance to learn, not about to pass this up, as well it seems to have sparked his interest in it more.
You are so right on about the pros and cons of playing the violin. I am a musician and learning the violin is my 3rd instrument now. It is definitely more challenging than the piano and the flute. However I have loved listening to the violin since I was a tiny child and I am almost 70 now. You also gave some very good advice that I have already been doing and that is to listen to the professionals on UA-cam. Not because I need some inspiration product listening to those who can really play helps to develop my ear for what sounds good. Not to mention, I just love to listen to the violin being played well. It is relaxing. And it is definitely encouraging because someday I will get there. Hard work? You better believe it! But I love even the hard work part of it. Thank you for all you share with us. Linda in Alaska
No triangle is generally harder. There’s SOME cases where violin rhythm get “advanced” compared to triangle but 99.9% of the time violin is a piece of cake to a triangle player
i started playing as a 5 year... every time when my teacher got angry he use to hit ma hand so my bow fall down i cried after every f...in lesson my stupid parents allways took his side.... i managed to survive 5 years and one day i just couldnt do it any longer so i burned my hand with boiling water to buy myself sometime and after about a 40 day break my parents let me decide... so i decided to stop playing. I am 31 now it`s been 20 years and i feel something inside i cant resist myself to just start doing it again but with my adult mind. I ordered a new violin i will get them about 3 days and when they come i will play every day and every day i will study a music theory and i will learn it all again but this time i will do it with love.
I've been playing trumpet for over 20 years. I am now beginning the violin. I'm so thankful for my prior music-reading knowledge and since I'm brand-new at the violin, the learning curve is interesting!
I fell in love with the sound of the violin!! I watched videos on UA-cam for hours and hours. I absolutely love the music! I just turned 34 and my husband got me my first violin for my birthday!!!! I have NO idea whats so ever how to play this beautiful instrument BUT I am determined to learn. Your videos are very informative and helpful!
I started playing the piano 🎹 when I was 15 teen , I'M 55 now ... I was told you can't do because I was born hard of hearing , today I play piano quite "beautiful" am I a accomplished pianist NO , however I can play at churches, weddings, funerals, :) was it hard ? yes at time's ... When my piano lessons teacher basically told me it was impossible and FIRED me . lol there was no such thing as UA-cam 1980s .. So help was hard to come by , however my little church out in the country made me their pianist, and I was GOD AWFUL, but the old people would encourage me to keep on playing ... All are gone now up there with Lord, surely they must be smiling down saying we knew he could do it !! And I did ... Now I'm going to learn the violin 🎻
I just saw this UA-cam vid and subscribed. About 3 yrs ago at age 69 with no musical training I decided to try to learn to play the fiddle. I love making the effort and have a wonderful teacher. From that experience I find every point you so concisely make in this video is exactly right. One point you might add for your students is to encourage them to work on learning the tunes they like and want to learn. Doing that will keep them interested and their practicing fun. Thanks for your helpful videos.
Congratulations on your effort to learn an instrument. I'm finally getting a viola next month to start learning that. Ive wanted to learn to play for many years but other things kept having to come first. Perhaps soon I'll be playing twinkle twinkle little star like a pro. :)
Remember it's nevar too late to learn ANY instrument...... And be sure to be positive about it... I learnt that for 6 years already and I find it pretty easy
We can see the hearts in your eyes when you speak about your hobby, you even made me in love with playing violin (and I can’t even play a note) I am planning on learning it.
At 61 years of age, I've just recently bought my first violin and have been playing (doing wounded moose impressions) for several weeks now. Regardless of how surprisingly awkward and uncomfortable I've found playing the violin to be, I seem to be improving a bit each time I practice--which is encouraging. As a beginner. I find your videos very helpful, as well as encouraging. Thankyou for making/sharing them.
My great-grandfather was an entirely self-taught violinist and was amazing :) however, I never met him, but I am perusing a similar path as him, my granny still hat the 3/4 size violin that he was working on when he died. His aunt bought him the violin at a young age because he played with two sticks (I did, too!!!) and I am doing VERY well in orchestra. I learned "twinkle twinkle", "puff the magic dragon" and "a Claire de la lune" in 30 minutes after I got it. I am sure I will be doing well.
I have been wanting to play the violin for at least four years now but just never found the time for it. I have been playing piano for 12 years but I just feel a natural gravitation toward the violin. After watching this video I am DETERMINED to start this summer!! Thank you so much for all the advice:)
I would suggest that anyone who is learning to play the violin be sure that they are relaxed when they play it to avoid neck and jaw pain that can lead to terrible headaches. Getting massage therapy, myofascial release on the neck and throat areas, Craniosacral Therapy, and chiropractic will also help. Also, be sure you are breathing freely and naturally when you play, and not clenching your jaw (especially working on a difficult piece, or when you are stressed out). This is so important, even though it sounds obvious. The violin is a very difficult instrument, and the more relaxed and at ease you are, the better you will feel and sound!
in 2010, I took a few violin lessons but had to quit. Now, I'm nearly 42 years old and I'm picking it up again and watching your videos. It will take a long time to reach grade 5 but for now, I'll concentrate on trying to get up to grade 1. Also, I played clarinet in Middle school/high school. Intonation is difficult on the instrument (the reed, correct embouchure, breath support, etc). Basically, any musical instrument has it's difficulties but it's also very rewarding too :). I hope I'll get to play the violin in time..just keep practicing (I should be right now, but I'm at work..then do 40 hours practice per Two Set's instructions...LOL)
Rachel Dobbs oh Im in my 40’s too, I hope you’re sticking in and loving it. I play with my mute on and am not quite confident enough to play it loud and proud 😄 Im on reels and irish music and love it...not attempting vibrato atm. Wishing you lots of luck and enjoyment my friend x Alison is brilliant.
I played saxophone for 7 years, sadly all my life I wanted to play the violin. Because, of you I bought one and could not be more happier to watch your videos and practice everyday. May I asked you how much should I practice if I am willing to practice everyday? You might find this funny as I used to play saxophone for 7 years, but to be honest I never practiced at home as I didn't liked it. I think you are amazing in all your videos, would love to have you as my teacher!
I really love it when someone admits that it's difficult because it reminds me that we can't always get things right straight away and I also wholly agree that it is worth everything that we all have to go through in order to produce the sound we want! From time to time, I would get really upset & frustrated about not doing well enough, especially now that I'm very preoccupied with doing well academically in college due to the fact that I neither have the time nor the energy to practise the violin as much as before. Your video made me smile besides wanting to do better whenever I am ready to practise! =D Thank you!
I am awaiting the arrival of my first violin and chomping at the bit to get started! I've already watched most of your videos so I am as prepared as possible when I begin my journey. Thank you so much for the effort you have put into these tutorials! My only real concern is that I may be jumping in the deep end (I have no instrument experience whatsoever) and that I am starting too late (I am 30) but still, no harm in trying hey! :D
ashveriel Dont worry, you are not jumping in the deep end, in fact at your age you now have the benefit of hindsight and can at least understand concepts now you are an adult
Very late to this video, but I used to play as a teen and gave up as I never learnt to read music properly and hated being in the orchestra. But now in my 40s I’m keen to play around with it. I’m curious to see if I can remember anything and nervous, but I recently started learning guitar and found it so much easier than when I was younger. I think wanting to learn, instead of it being a chore, and feeling the music more is something that comes with age. Can’t wait.
When I think about it, the violin exemplifies my life. It's hard work with ups and downs but if you stick with it, it will lead to something amazing. It's a great way to express yourself. I'm still learning but I'm thankful I chose the violin.
Doesn't matter how old you are, you can start playing any instrument at any time,there is no rules that say otherwise! Just like a new language,age is not important.
dare i say that the violin is more beautiful than the piano ..... ofcourse its more beautiful , unfortunately i dont play the violin and it seems like im not going to be anytime soon , i play the guitar and a couple of songs on the piano but the violin is simply the most beautiful sounding instrument out there in my opinion
im just asking, do u prefer the higher register or the timbre of the violin itself?? im just like u although i like the cello's sound better and i wanna know why i like it like that
With my teacher I was playing grade two and a half from September till early June. I had NEVER picked up a violin before. That's just how amazing my teacher was.
Intonation on the flute and clarinet isn't trivial either. Flute the tuning depends on how much you roll in the instrument as well as air speed. Clarinet depends on how much of the reed you have in your mount. Recorder depends on blowing pressure. You can;t escape the need to work on your intonation on wind instruments. The ocarina is about the most difficult, the pitch can bend up or down by two to 3 whole semitones with breath preasure, doesn't help that most of what's on the market is also horribly tuned as well. (I'm a maker of Italian style ocarinas). The who;e 'easy to play' thing with wind instruments is misguided. Piano and keyboard are about the easiest to get started on, especially if you disable velocity on a keyboard at first.
The Oboe and Bassoon are not easy plus the reeds! To me, the giant orchestral harp would be difficult to keep in tune, then all those strings to keep in tune!
You also have to take into account the embouchure for various woodwinds. I play both the alto sax and the clarinet. When I first started the sax I had to learn to loosen my embouchure in order to play the lower register on the sax. For awhile I would play a lower note but it would go high without me even hitting the register key, because my lips were pulled too tight on the mouthpiece because I was so used to playing on a smaller mouthpiece and in a higher register all time.
I'm almost 53, have learned to play the flute, the guitar, the ukulele and know piano a little bit. I've never even so much as held a violin, but I've wanted to learn for at least 20 years. I just ordered my first one from a local music store and I can't wait until it comes!!
Very thought provoking. Much appreciated. Have been wanting to get back to piano, violin and composition after 24 years. Am now 62. Only took 1 year piano and violin lessons 24 years ago. Often still visualize in my mind playing violin while hearing the music. Looks like will take to age 67 at least to get to level 5. Not sure my shoulder will hold up. May have to stick to keyboard/piano. Any suggestions would be appreciated and thanks ahead of time.
Thank you Alison because I'm learning to play and sometimes it's not easy and I just put a video with you talking and it encourages me because it reminds me that nothing it's easy but that nothing that's worth it's easy Thank you
This video is 4 years old and still one of the top results when searching for info on learning the violin. You have really put it together in a way that feels like its a friend telling what they enjoy about the violin and it just further encourages me to pursue this. I have set my mind on the Cecillio cv300 as my first violin, but it may be Christmas or later before I'll be able to purchase. I'll be 29 years old, bad instrument experiences all my life, deaf in one ear, and hoping really just to play school child level songs
Also, I can think of another pro to learning the violin (or any musical instrument in general) that you didn't mention in your video. Learning a musical instrument stimulates certain areas of the brain, which may not be activated in other activities. There have been studies here in the USA on the effects of playing music on the brain, and by extension a person's creativity and overall intelligence. Just thought I would point this out. :)
Con: The potential of your neighbours tossing you and your violin out when you first start learning. 😂😂😂 I'll do my best not to destroy people's ears as I learn. 😆😂
I just got my first violin, I have been watching your videos. I am so thankful for how helpful your vidoes are. I never thought I would be playing actual songs in less than a week. Your a blessing friend Keep up the great work :)
So I've been wanting to learn the violin for a long time now, but my parents don't want to spend a load of money because they're afraid I'll think it's rubbish and I'll stop playing it. But I KNOW that I will love it! I'm currently playing the flute, I've been playing since 6th grade and I'm in 9th grade now and I love it, but I want to learn the violin for concert band. I want to go into orchestra as a career, I think it would be so lovely to learn the violin, but my parents don't want to spend a lot of money. I'm guessing a standard student-grade violin will be around $100? And then the lessons, the tutor, new strings, etc. Any ideas as to what I can do?
I can recommend either the Cecilio CVN300 or the Stentor II as a starter violin. Anything less than this, and you will be buying into a cheap of crap that will hinder your learning.
I'm a multi-instrumentalist and started to play the violin this year in May. And I must say, I never struggled so much with any other instrument! My main problem is probably the multi-tasking thing, since I've never been a good multi-tasker. Looks like it will take much longer to learn to control that instrument than I thought. All my other instruments I learned very fast. I started improvising on the first day and after a week people were like, "Hey, you're not bad!" After 3 months they're impressed and call me a pro. Not so with the violin - I'm still struggling after 3 months. Too often I hit more than the one string I wanted to, or the bow goes astray and makes ugly noises. But I won't give up. I'll come later, but I'm sure it will. ;)
Galante Welt yeah practise is the truth , awesome for the performance ! any good tips to begin violin ? should i get some lessons or self taught , or online lessons , i know its a bad question because it depends of the person
CestosChannelByElite I had trombone lessons in the 70s, also piano, then taught myself other instruments, like trumpet. Violin is especially tough, but I'm sure anyone can make it if practicing daily. You need lots of patience for violin. If you're a newbie in playing music, a teacher might be advisable. But there are lots of unexperienced who successfully taught themselves. Personally, I started as experienced jazz musician who performed a lot since the 80s and that helped a lot. I think, a selftaught person should know exactly what kind of music he wants to play. Folk or jazz is good for self-teaching, if you're a classical music freak it 's different, because classical music is nitpicking with very narrow rules. Most selftaught players who try to play classical music never are respected by other players of classical music.
I'm a professional ballet dancer and still LOVE it but I've always wanted to try the violin. I thought now being 30 would be too late for me, but looking throughout UA-cam and today coming across your tutorials, you make it at least possible, glad that you're honest and say that it's gonna be rough, but I also love that I see your passion for it, makes me think I can learn anything. lol! Thanks! I've had some music background with piano, guitar, bass guitar, and sight-reading music, and even my ballet training ("staying in awkward positions for a while" lol) so I'm hoping that might help in any way. I guess I shall see.
I`m 80 and just started learning a few months ago. I have also learned a lot from studying whats here on you tube. Thank you so much for your work on making these lessons available. I solved the problem of accidentally touching two strings by watching the bow instead of my fingers Lol.. I don`t hear a lot said about pressure of the bow on the strings. Should it be just the weight of the bow laying there, or from your grip would you press more firmly? The sound seems almost alike both ways.
You need a little pressure to keep it from skipping off the strings. Also for tremolo playing. And you can control volume and dynamics by altering the amount of pressure. I'm sure the video will clear it up for you.
I'm 29. I've been playing guitar, self taught, for 13 years. I went to a elementary school that offered orchestral instrument instruction but my parents couldn't afford to buy my instrument or didn't think it was worth it. I've decided, after an amazing show I saw last night, that I'm buying a violin tomorrow and I am finally going to do it. Thank you for providing such a priceless service for free. Ill probably be using your videos because you have a great attitude, clearly have the knowledge, and to be honest and I love your accent and you're very easy on the eyes. Lol. Take care ❤
I am an adult beginner. Been playing violin for 4 months. I was struggling with intonation a lot. Then I started Playing finger notes, daily exercises by Hofmann, scales for 40 minutes daily and I found my intonation struggles reducing by 90% within 5 days. Most important thing is practicing. But even more important is when you realise you played the wrong note.. immediately correct it and start playing again!
Watching this because in second grade I was aloud to play a few notes of a violin and the feeling of absolute wonder and amazement that it awakened in me made me fall in love. My dad didn't want me to play and made me do clarinet instead, I stopped and now I'm 15 and finally able to play violin in school in a few weeks. All I have is that feeling I got in second grade and I am over the moon. Wish me luck
Honestly after looking at lots of online comments about how hard the violin is, THIS VIDEO has reinspired me after years and years of longing to play. THANK YOU
Thank you for your guidance, I’ve been playing for 15 months now and even though, I don’t sound ‘nice’ the way I want to: I absolutely love 💕 it and I do realize my improvements over the course of time. Please continue as I’ve subscribed for continued inspiration and guidance 🙏
I’m 37 and am just starting to play the violin. I’ve played piano for years and years (grade 10 RCM), alto sax and trumpet as well but the violin is always something I’ve wanted to learn to play. I feel that I’ve always been able to pick up a new instrument quickly but this is definitely a challenge and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Looking forward to the day I can play a quarter as good as the great violinists out there - beautiful instrument and sound. Thanks for the great videos and all the help! My instructor prob thanks you as well!
This all makes good sense. I'm 65 years old, have been to classical concerts all my life and never played a musical instrument. I was brought to tears (and still am) listening in my case to Hilary Hahn on UA-cam. Has Alison mentioned Hilary yet ? Not to worry anyway the inspiration I receive from Hilary led me to start playing the violin about 7 months ago. Yes it is hard and difficult, however I can't possibly not progress because unbeknown to her, Hilary is pushing me along every day. I hope to meet her and thank her one day. I'm self taught up to now with the help of the internet, however need a good teacher. I don't need an 'inspirer' as I have decades of that.'
I am 13 years old and I really want to learn Violin. But my mum will not let me because she thinks it sounds horrible unless it is played properly. How can I convince my mum to let me play?
I have a friend who plays the piano for 60 years, and the violin for 35 years. I started to teach myself piano two years ago. I have learned a lot of theory from UA-cam. I play pieces, my friend is freaked out of. She wanted me to accompany her with her playing the violin. I am sorry to say, she plays terrible, I can't even hear how I can accompany her anymore. She wants to teach me the violin, but she is very stressed and cramped up. Should I take this opportunity, although my feeling says, she brings me down?
This is a great video for someone thinking of taking up the violin- after my first lesson as an adult, my teacher asked me if I was sure I didn't want to consider the piano instead- I was taken aback a little (since she didn't teach piano), but now I see- if you are looking for instant gratification in an instrument, the violin may dissappoint. I stuck with the violin, but will say it takes a great deal of patience and a big time commitment in practice to succeed, but its well worth the effort.
Happily, I am now at an age when I listen to these points and can say, "Challenge accepted." I've waited decades to reach this time in my life, when the "cons" feel like a joyful challenge rather than an excuse to avoid trying. Thanks for the nudge.
I just bought my first Violin! I think another "pro" for violin is that it is small, portable and the sound nice enough that you can play it anywhere. I have a friend who is an excellent violinist. I was a member of her band until she moved up to NYC where she and her friends played concerts at Carnegie Hall. I play many instruments, some of them very well. I come from a Low Brass background (Trombone, Baritone, Tuba) but over the past 10 years have learned Trumpet, Clarinet, and Saxophone. I am learning Guitar, Piano/keyboards/marimba, Percussion, Flute and Violin, Viola, Upright Bass and Bass guitar. Thanks for your videos!
I finally convinced my mom to let me get a violin! I just think it's so beautiful! My band teacher agreed to teach me and I've been watching your videos because I want to make sure I take good care of it. I play a flute and piano, too, but I just love the sound of the violin. I was debating on whether I wanted to get a viola or a violin, but I went with the violin and I'm not regretting it. I just hope I don't get too frustrated because when I get frustrated I tend to just give, and I really hope I get really good a lot.
This video has come in the right time for me! I can't thank you enough, you've cheered me up just now, I was feeling down cuz I can't get one piece right, but then you say you go through hard times too... so I just have to keep at it! I will not give up! Gracias!!!
I love this video, I started playing the violin one month ago and I'm currently at that stage where you get a bit frustrated because it doesn't sound very nice, but I feel more motivated to continue after hearing your words, thank you for the help! And I do listen to Garrett and Pearlman on youtube after my daily practice like you said, it´s great for motivation, they are the best...
Allison i cant say thank you enough for the inspiration you have been to me. I want to thank you for what you have taught me. You are an awesome teacher. I have always had a desire to play violin and you have helped me begin the journey. Thanks soo much.
I got my first violin today and am starting to follow your lessons. Been playing guitar for many years but I'm ready for a different challenge and some variety. Thank you for the inspiration and for your amazing educational content, Alison!
what you do is amazing! I really want to learn the violin and have spent the past few weeks properly looking into it. Your videos provide insightful advise and it's wonderful that you take the time to help those who cannot for whatever reason have a tutor.
No one should fret if they play the violin:) I'm 44 and have been playing since only 4 months ago. It is something I've always wanted to try and I find Alison's instruction very helpful in managing expectations and it is so true that you can have a terrible day of practice but a day or two later something settles in your brain and suddenly you hands and mind are coordinated so that even a tune as simple as Happy Birthday sounds beautiful. It is a totally fun experience.
I did, I'll admit it, have some difficulty with the intonation with learning the violin but as it was my second instrument I had a 'reasonable' ear so to speak and could immediately know that I'd hit the note 'wrong' and which way to go (sharper of flatter) to find the right note. Slowing down and religiously playing my scales helped so much that I can't over emphasise both of those. I'll go to my violin before my classical guitar and I can't give a reason other than I just love it. I mean really love it. I play everyday and after four decades still look forward to it so very much. It is a lovely, wonderful instrument that I know I'd really have to have therapy were I not physically able to continue playing. It is just the 'ants pants' so to speak. Violins rule !!
Nice video! I just wanted to add something about tuning: From a technical standpoint, the tuning pegs of a guitar are actually more intricate than those of a violin. The thing is that guitars have complex tuning mechanisms made from metal, which use gears, axles and other technical stuff. This makes tuning easier, since the mechanism does most of the work for you and enables easier and more precise fine tuning. This is also why guitars usually don't have or need fine tuners - there are some electrical guitars that have finer tuners, but the reason for them is not that the normal tuners aren't precise enough, explaining why them have them would be too much here, though ;) Now, a violin tuning peg is technically just a wooden stick going through a hole in the head of the violin. Of course, it's more complex than that, but thats basically it. Since it is made from wood, it's usually prone to moisture, heat etc transforming the wood (which might make it harder or too easy to move the peg, might make it stuck etc), it doesn't have any gears that translate your movement to a finer gear, which is why you have to move the peg in a more precise manner etc. Technically, tuning mechanisms like on a guitar can also be put onto a violion and have nothing to do with the instrument. Some makers actually do that. But they don't look like the traditional tuning pegs at all. Most violin player value the traditional look very highly, which is probably why violins still use the old-fashioned tuners and use fine tuners instead (which aren't so obviously visible).
Very nicely said. There are geared tuning pegs available for the violin, viola, ect that have gears in them and have a 4:1 ratio, some have a higher ratio. They look like traditional pegs and most people will not notice any difference but offer much finer tuning capability for all skill levels. Moisture/humidity content have affected wood instruments for a long time. There are a few manufacturers that offer violins, violas, cells & bass in carbon fiber. That eliminates the stresses on the instrument from heat, humidity and cold PLUS they are usually lighter than their wooden counterparts.
Haha Alison I love your comments on the tuning for flute and clarinet. As a flautist, clarinetist, trumpetist etc. you are correct. It is easier to tune the flute and saxophone etc. lol It is harder to tune the violin because you have so many strings where as with flute you only have one tuning thing, the mouthpiece, so yes lol no offense taken but you were right. And also, Thank you so much for helping me learn. You have made me SO much better and i haven't even seen all your videos yet, but i will! Coming from just a wind family, it was very difficult to learn to play the violin, because it is a completely different genre of instruments. I can play piano, but still, it was very difficult! So just thank you and i hope you continue to make these wonderful videos as i will continue to keep watching them!
When I was in elementary school I wanted to play the violin but actually wasn't allowed to because I was too old. So I played the trumpet. I've been playing guitar for two years now and am good enough to the point I think I have room for another instrument. I love all types of music and I think the violin would just make me feel a little more complete.At my church alot of the older crowd have instruments they never even touched. I'm the only musical kid within' 80 miles so they all just beg me to take them and learn them.! I surely want to start by next year.
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hi i am from India
i loved your learning style
i am fallowing your tutorials
tanks to you
if any douts can i ask
*Pros and cons of learning the violin*
Pros: Getting to play the violin
Cons: Learning
Pros: Great hobby, you get to play music yourself, you learn with mind and body.
Con: The way you sound while you are learning something new.
Pp
I’m sorry 😣 but
I know someone who started violin at around 76 years. She plays in a local orchestra now!
+P Heart damn , and here is punny me at 19 years old scared of learning because I dont think I will be able to accomplish it
+David Bessette she does have a weekly lesson at home,when she isnt walking in the Lake District! She's in her 80s now but still practices daily.
+P Heart I'm 59 and just learning
+FiddleStick's I answered you.
Thank you for saying that. I am 20 and starting violin this month (I am a pianist, but never so much as held a violin) and a large part of the reason I want to play violin is to play in orchestra
i got my first violin today...im 29..and i am a guitar teacher here in india..its never too late to pursue dreams.. :)
4 months has passed, how is it going so far with your violin? do you teach your self?
7 months has passed, how is it going so far with your violin? do you teach your self?
Anika I am not practising at all. Unable to devote time due to my teaching work. Being a teacher for maths seldom leaves me with time for myself :(
Sounds like my story. I'm a guitar teacher as well and a self-taught violinist. It's been a week since I firstly touched violin and I love it!
Sagar Naik I'm considering buying a violin to start learning..I'm 29 as well
Allison, I am with you on the violin vs piano sound. I played piano by ear as a very little girl and did the same all of my life and sang in choir throughout my school years. I just turned 70 and started the violin 11 months ago. I love love love it and have practiced about 8 hours a day since I began. Vibrato is finally coming easily. I love starting new pieces and the work that goes into learning it bar by bar. I will probably never play as well as you...but what I do play makes me very happy. I lost my husband 5 1/2 yrs ago and my youngest son 1 1/2 yr ago and the violin has saved my life...for real.
Hi Anette, I hope you're still playing the violin. I'm sorry about your husband and your son, music can really be a lifesaver. I play guitar and it has saved my life on more than one occasion, I just decided to take up the violin. Just watching videos now and looking at beginner violins.
Dolores
i have been playing for 27 years and still learning!. Its never too late.....
How is the progress?
I am 48 years old and I picked up a violin for the first time a few months ago partly encouraged by Ms. Sparrow. I am only practicing about 20 minutes a day but I can see improvements and I I am really enjoying the journey.
Pros:
-Benefits such as increased test scores, creativity, patience, increased brain activity, etc.
-Talent: You get to impress your family, friends, and others playing your instruments.
-Fun: Playing an instrument is fun.
Cons:
-Cost: Playing an instrument is not cheap. You have to buy the instrument which is already pricey and lessons as well.
-Time: Learning an instrument takes time to practice and master.
-Progress: Learning to play is a life journey. Don't expect to be a prodigy in the beginning.
Laura Huynh dont forget to mention that in school, they'll ask you to accompany a song to be performed tomorrow and they will send you the melody today and have an accompaniment already arranged by tommorrow
also arthritis
A prodigy is somebody who is good in the beginning, wtf
Say that to mike Boyd he learned violin very quickly
You can learn free online
So I’ve wanted to learn the violin since literally 1st grade. But I grew up poor and my school didn’t offer orchestral lessons (though it had band). But I’m 28 now and can buy it and pay for lessons and I’m gonna do it. Gonna try to get the basics down myself first though
How's it going? Did you end up starting? I'm 26 and thinking about it too :)
A. Neufeld I’m 26 and just ordered my first violin ☺️ good luck!
How are you going? I'm 24 and I've just bought mine. It's on the way. I'm terrified of beginning but 2020 is the year I want to build myself as a musician. I'm ready for the challenge, and I love hearing people talk about their experience as an adult playing the violin for the first time.
If you can afford a teacher, take lessons from the beginning. It's a mess if you trained yourself a wrong posture etc and have to relearn it later on.
Really cannot thank you enough for these wonderful & informative videos.
A couple of additional cons I'd like to add:
-it's costly (strings, upgrading parts/instruments, lessons)
-it's painful on your fingertips, arms and other muscles you're not in the habit of using that way
-finding a suitable place to practice day & night is not always easy.. you have to consider neighbours, people you live with, and the poor cat absolutely HATES it
-tuning and replacing strings is SCARY when you're just starting out.. and breaking a string for the first time is mildly traumatizing :D
Everything else about the violin is brilliant, though!
orth82 I agree with the first and last one (especially the last one) completely!
Well, those go for any stringed instrument.
orth82 My poor cat hates it, you are absolutly right!
orth82 It must be the way I view things. I have played guitar for over45 years. all of them cost too much in the U.S. One of the most expensive violins that she demonstrates on her links is less expensive than my cheapest guitar. If I decide to learn, I will invest in the better version. I love instruments (stringed) that are solid wood and not laminate. The Ciallo 700 she shows on Amazon is about $600.00 U.S. with everything. A Martin acoustic, (solid rosewood and spruce top ) about $1400.00 U.S.
+Ted Rowland the cream of the crop for a Stradivarius violin is worth 10+ million. 1400 is a student instrument, a 600 dollar one is bare basic if you are lucky. A good violin from a good living maker you're looking at 50k starting out.
In my opinion, there are no cons in learning violin or anything as long as you like it and you have the motivation and drive, then just do it. JUST DO IT! #shia. Life is all about learning 👍🏼
+Muhammed Abdul-Ghaffar MAKE..YOUR DREAMS...HAPPEN!!!
Cocaine use okay thnxk mate .. I like coke now u inspired me to learn to make it and keep selling it thank u :p
CpKz Have u learned it?
That's exactly what i was thinging😁😁
Ian ML Ooffff I like that!! ❤️
Started at 48. Lots of physical discomfort at first here but I learned to listen to my body and to the sound I was producing. I learned to adjust my strings and bridge and chinrest to help my old body adjust to the instrument easier. Young people can adjust their body to the violin because they are still flexible but us old people need the instrument to meet us halfway. Things worked out over time.
I started 10 weeks ago . Im 52. I love it. But I'm better suited to a 3/4 violin than a 4/4 because of my height. I am 5ft 4.
When in the world is 48 old for God's sake? 'Old people'? Speak for yourself!
23, and i got my new violon last week , i am feeling sooooo happy tis is the first thing that i did it because i love to do it..thanks from tunisia
6:47
“If you can play slow, then you can play fast!”-Sacrilegious Bois
Ling ling can play faster than light
Come on guys, geniuses are born not created so don’t bother yourselves, duh !
Intresting..😆😆😆
AmAzInG
@@violonistanur2600 ha.. I know that reference. That news lady surely gets all music institutions frown upon her..
My 10 year old is learning Violin in grade 5 in elementary school. To support him I do go to his lessons and listen. Turns out he needs help following the music so I stand there and guide him, from this I have learned how to read the sheet music. Literally in the Morning I am going to rent a violin so I can play with him at home and help him along. Never had a chance to learn, not about to pass this up, as well it seems to have sparked his interest in it more.
Hello
You are so right on about the pros and cons of playing the violin. I am a musician and learning the violin is my 3rd instrument now. It is definitely more challenging than the piano and the flute. However I have loved listening to the violin since I was a tiny child and I am almost 70 now. You also gave some very good advice that I have already been doing and that is to listen to the professionals on UA-cam. Not because I need some inspiration product listening to those who can really play helps to develop my ear for what sounds good. Not to mention, I just love to listen to the violin being played well. It is relaxing. And it is definitely encouraging because someday I will get there. Hard work? You better believe it! But I love even the hard work part of it. Thank you for all you share with us. Linda in Alaska
i play the triangle like a god is the violin THAT much harder?
David yes
Well the one hand holding the instrument other hand holding the thing that touches the instrument to make noise concept will translate.
Liberal Conservatism r/wooosh
That's hot
No triangle is generally harder. There’s SOME cases where violin rhythm get “advanced” compared to triangle but 99.9% of the time violin is a piece of cake to a triangle player
i started playing as a 5 year... every time when my teacher got angry he use to hit ma hand so my bow fall down i cried after every f...in lesson my stupid parents allways took his side.... i managed to survive 5 years and one day i just couldnt do it any longer so i burned my hand with boiling water to buy myself sometime and after about a 40 day break my parents let me decide... so i decided to stop playing. I am 31 now it`s been 20 years and i feel something inside i cant resist myself to just start doing it again but with my adult mind. I ordered a new violin i will get them about 3 days and when they come i will play every day and every day i will study a music theory and i will learn it all again but this time i will do it with love.
Good luck✨
“Intonation is super hard” *cries and laughs in cello*
I use a fret guide and my intonation can still be bad.
At this point im starting to blame my ugly cello bow lol
I've been playing trumpet for over 20 years. I am now beginning the violin. I'm so thankful for my prior music-reading knowledge and since I'm brand-new at the violin, the learning curve is interesting!
I fell in love with the sound of the violin!! I watched videos on UA-cam for hours and hours. I absolutely love the music! I just turned 34 and my husband got me my first violin for my birthday!!!! I have NO idea whats so ever how to play this beautiful instrument BUT I am determined to learn. Your videos are very informative and helpful!
I started playing the piano 🎹 when I was 15 teen , I'M 55 now ... I was told you can't do because I was born hard of hearing , today I play piano quite "beautiful" am I a accomplished pianist NO , however I can play at churches, weddings, funerals, :) was it hard ? yes at time's ... When my piano lessons teacher basically told me it was impossible and FIRED me . lol there was no such thing as UA-cam 1980s .. So help was hard to come by , however my little church out in the country made me their pianist, and I was GOD AWFUL, but the old people would encourage me to keep on playing ... All are gone now up there with Lord, surely they must be smiling down saying we knew he could do it !! And I did ... Now I'm going to learn the violin 🎻
This is a very heart-worming story
I just saw this UA-cam vid and subscribed. About 3 yrs ago at age 69 with no musical training I decided to try to learn to play the fiddle. I love making the effort and have a wonderful teacher. From that experience I find every point you so concisely make in this video is exactly right. One point you might add for your students is to encourage them to work on learning the tunes they like and want to learn. Doing that will keep them interested and their practicing fun. Thanks for your helpful videos.
Congratulations on your effort to learn an instrument. I'm finally getting a viola next month to start learning that. Ive wanted to learn to play for many years but other things kept having to come first. Perhaps soon I'll be playing twinkle twinkle little star like a pro. :)
Remember it's nevar too late to learn ANY instrument...... And be sure to be positive about it... I learnt that for 6 years already and I find it pretty easy
69 nice
We can see the hearts in your eyes when you speak about your hobby, you even made me in love with playing violin (and I can’t even play a note) I am planning on learning it.
At 61 years of age, I've just recently bought my first violin and have been playing (doing wounded moose impressions) for several weeks now. Regardless of how surprisingly awkward and uncomfortable I've found playing the violin to be, I seem to be improving a bit each time I practice--which is encouraging. As a beginner. I find your videos very helpful, as well as encouraging. Thankyou for making/sharing them.
16. I started yesterday. l hope I can learn it.
Courtney Lopez HEY SAME
Courtney Lopez Except I got me a few days ago
Hey.. Any update??. Bruh??.
16 too :3 I have my dad's old violin somewhere in the house and I'm determined to put it to use!
Updates
My great-grandfather was an entirely self-taught violinist and was amazing :) however, I never met him, but I am perusing a similar path as him, my granny still hat the 3/4 size violin that he was working on when he died. His aunt bought him the violin at a young age because he played with two sticks (I did, too!!!) and I am doing VERY well in orchestra. I learned "twinkle twinkle", "puff the magic dragon" and "a Claire de la lune" in 30 minutes after I got it. I am sure I will be doing well.
And congrats to you
It's crazy right! Why do our great grandfather's, and even grandfather's have so much more musical talent than us
Matt Konny well i once Heard in a family reunion that My Great great Grandfather was a Hitman.. -_-..
I learned can can the first day I got my violin!
Matt Konny “
I have been wanting to play the violin for at least four years now but just never found the time for it. I have been playing piano for 12 years but I just feel a natural gravitation toward the violin. After watching this video I am DETERMINED to start this summer!! Thank you so much for all the advice:)
the main pro about learning violin is we get to take lessons from you!
I would suggest that anyone who is learning to play the violin be sure that they are relaxed when they play it to avoid neck and jaw pain that can lead to terrible headaches. Getting massage therapy, myofascial release on the neck and throat areas, Craniosacral Therapy, and chiropractic will also help. Also, be sure you are breathing freely and naturally when you play, and not clenching your jaw (especially working on a difficult piece, or when you are stressed out). This is so important, even though it sounds obvious. The violin is a very difficult instrument, and the more relaxed and at ease you are, the better you will feel and sound!
in 2010, I took a few violin lessons but had to quit. Now, I'm nearly 42 years old and I'm picking it up again and watching your videos. It will take a long time to reach grade 5 but for now, I'll concentrate on trying to get up to grade 1. Also, I played clarinet in Middle school/high school. Intonation is difficult on the instrument (the reed, correct embouchure, breath support, etc). Basically, any musical instrument has it's difficulties but it's also very rewarding too :). I hope I'll get to play the violin in time..just keep practicing (I should be right now, but I'm at work..then do 40 hours practice per Two Set's instructions...LOL)
Rachel Dobbs oh Im in my 40’s too, I hope you’re sticking in and loving it. I play with my mute on and am not quite confident enough to play it loud and proud 😄 Im on reels and irish music and love it...not attempting vibrato atm. Wishing you lots of luck and enjoyment my friend x Alison is brilliant.
I played saxophone for 7 years, sadly all my life I wanted to play the violin.
Because, of you I bought one and could not be more happier to watch your videos and practice everyday.
May I asked you how much should I practice if I am willing to practice everyday? You might find this funny as I used to play saxophone for 7 years, but to be honest I never practiced at home as I didn't liked it.
I think you are amazing in all your videos, would love to have you as my teacher!
Vytautas Aleksandras Rudys as a beginner 30 mins to an hour per day in an ideal world.
Thank you!
YES! this is how I feel! I am very happy that you manage to change the instrument. :) Hope you still practising and it all is going well!
Vytautas Aleksandras Rudys Well, that comment was 2 years ago. Did anything good happen? What kind of progress did you make?
Why did u reply to ur own comment
I like to think of the "negatives" as "challenges to overcome". After that the question is, are you up to the challenge?
I'm watching this thinking, "I love her wall clock".
I played violin for 10 years I miss it so much. Purchasing one soon and getting back into it!
I really love it when someone admits that it's difficult because it reminds me that we can't always get things right straight away and I also wholly agree that it is worth everything that we all have to go through in order to produce the sound we want! From time to time, I would get really upset & frustrated about not doing well enough, especially now that I'm very preoccupied with doing well academically in college due to the fact that I neither have the time nor the energy to practise the violin as much as before.
Your video made me smile besides wanting to do better whenever I am ready to practise! =D
Thank you!
I am learning violin. Yes, violin does give a very good sound especially when playing some sad pieces e.g schindler list...
The main theme is literally the reason I just ordered a violin lol.
I am awaiting the arrival of my first violin and chomping at the bit to get started! I've already watched most of your videos so I am as prepared as possible when I begin my journey. Thank you so much for the effort you have put into these tutorials!
My only real concern is that I may be jumping in the deep end (I have no instrument experience whatsoever) and that I am starting too late (I am 30) but still, no harm in trying hey! :D
ashveriel Dont worry, you are not jumping in the deep end, in fact at your age you now have the benefit of hindsight and can at least understand concepts now you are an adult
Very late to this video, but I used to play as a teen and gave up as I never learnt to read music properly and hated being in the orchestra. But now in my 40s I’m keen to play around with it. I’m curious to see if I can remember anything and nervous, but I recently started learning guitar and found it so much easier than when I was younger. I think wanting to learn, instead of it being a chore, and feeling the music more is something that comes with age. Can’t wait.
When I think about it, the violin exemplifies my life. It's hard work with ups and downs but if you stick with it, it will lead to something amazing. It's a great way to express yourself. I'm still learning but I'm thankful I chose the violin.
Doesn't matter how old you are, you can start playing any instrument at any time,there is no rules that say otherwise! Just like a new language,age is not important.
dare i say that the violin is more beautiful than the piano ..... ofcourse its more beautiful , unfortunately i dont play the violin and it seems like im not going to be anytime soon , i play the guitar and a couple of songs on the piano but the violin is simply the most beautiful sounding instrument out there in my opinion
hisham borgol It definitely is!!!
im just asking, do u prefer the higher register or the timbre of the violin itself??
im just like u although i like the cello's sound better and i wanna know why i like it like that
Just beginning my violin journey with a wonderful lady teaching me. So happy that I found your channel to help me. I’m 57 and I really want this!!
With my teacher I was playing grade two and a half from September till early June. I had NEVER picked up a violin before. That's just how amazing my teacher was.
Intonation on the flute and clarinet isn't trivial either. Flute the tuning depends on how much you roll in the instrument as well as air speed. Clarinet depends on how much of the reed you have in your mount. Recorder depends on blowing pressure. You can;t escape the need to work on your intonation on wind instruments.
The ocarina is about the most difficult, the pitch can bend up or down by two to 3 whole semitones with breath preasure, doesn't help that most of what's on the market is also horribly tuned as well. (I'm a maker of Italian style ocarinas). The who;e 'easy to play' thing with wind instruments is misguided. Piano and keyboard are about the easiest to get started on, especially if you disable velocity on a keyboard at first.
robehickmann my daughter's first strings concert was much more pleasurable on the ears than my beginning band concert. I can say that with confidence!
The Oboe and Bassoon are not easy plus the reeds! To me, the giant orchestral harp would be difficult to keep in tune, then all those strings to keep in tune!
You also have to take into account the embouchure for various woodwinds. I play both the alto sax and the clarinet. When I first started the sax I had to learn to loosen my embouchure in order to play the lower register on the sax. For awhile I would play a lower note but it would go high without me even hitting the register key, because my lips were pulled too tight on the mouthpiece because I was so used to playing on a smaller mouthpiece and in a higher register all time.
i like your teaching style
I'm almost 53, have learned to play the flute, the guitar, the ukulele and know piano a little bit. I've never even so much as held a violin, but I've wanted to learn for at least 20 years. I just ordered my first one from a local music store and I can't wait until it comes!!
I'm 12 years old and I am at an intermediate level of violin. This video made me love the violin even more than I already do. Thanks
Very thought provoking. Much appreciated. Have been wanting to get back to piano, violin and composition after 24 years. Am now 62. Only took 1 year piano and violin lessons 24 years ago. Often still visualize in my mind playing violin while hearing the music. Looks like will take to age 67 at least to get to level 5. Not sure my shoulder will hold up. May have to stick to keyboard/piano. Any suggestions would be appreciated and thanks ahead of time.
Any genre you can think of, the violin can do. Especially with an electric violin and some pedals....world is oyster!! :)
Thank you Alison because I'm learning to play and sometimes it's not easy and I just put a video with you talking and it encourages me because it reminds me that nothing it's easy but that nothing that's worth it's easy
Thank you
This video is 4 years old and still one of the top results when searching for info on learning the violin. You have really put it together in a way that feels like its a friend telling what they enjoy about the violin and it just further encourages me to pursue this. I have set my mind on the Cecillio cv300 as my first violin, but it may be Christmas or later before I'll be able to purchase. I'll be 29 years old, bad instrument experiences all my life, deaf in one ear, and hoping really just to play school child level songs
Also, I can think of another pro to learning the violin (or any musical instrument in general) that you didn't mention in your video. Learning a musical instrument stimulates certain areas of the brain, which may not be activated in other activities. There have been studies here in the USA on the effects of playing music on the brain, and by extension a person's creativity and overall intelligence. Just thought I would point this out. :)
Con: The potential of your neighbours tossing you and your violin out when you first start learning. 😂😂😂
I'll do my best not to destroy people's ears as I learn. 😆😂
I just got my first violin, I have been watching your videos. I am so thankful for how helpful your vidoes are. I never thought I would be playing actual songs in less than a week. Your a blessing friend Keep up the great work :)
From an adult beginner, who has always loved classical violin, thank you for a very informative and clear presentation.
So I've been wanting to learn the violin for a long time now, but my parents don't want to spend a load of money because they're afraid I'll think it's rubbish and I'll stop playing it. But I KNOW that I will love it! I'm currently playing the flute, I've been playing since 6th grade and I'm in 9th grade now and I love it, but I want to learn the violin for concert band. I want to go into orchestra as a career, I think it would be so lovely to learn the violin, but my parents don't want to spend a lot of money. I'm guessing a standard student-grade violin will be around $100? And then the lessons, the tutor, new strings, etc. Any ideas as to what I can do?
I can recommend either the Cecilio CVN300 or the Stentor II as a starter violin. Anything less than this, and you will be buying into a cheap of crap that will hinder your learning.
Thanks much, Alison!
Nicole Fritz I AM IN YOUR EXACT POSITION! I WANNA PLAY THE VIOLIN BUT HERE I AM STUCK PLAYING THE FLUTE
YES. Don't get me wrong, I love the flute, but I'm dying to learn the violin!
Nicole Fritz haha i actually hate the flute, don't know what I was thinking when I chose it.
I'm a multi-instrumentalist and started to play the violin this year in May. And I must say, I never struggled so much with any other instrument! My main problem is probably the multi-tasking thing, since I've never been a good multi-tasker. Looks like it will take much longer to learn to control that instrument than I thought. All my other instruments I learned very fast. I started improvising on the first day and after a week people were like, "Hey, you're not bad!" After 3 months they're impressed and call me a pro. Not so with the violin - I'm still struggling after 3 months. Too often I hit more than the one string I wanted to, or the bow goes astray and makes ugly noises. But I won't give up. I'll come later, but I'm sure it will. ;)
So did you get good with violin ? How is it going ? :)
CestosChannelByElite You always get better if you practice consistently. I had a performance last Saturday and it wasn't my first one.
Galante Welt yeah practise is the truth , awesome for the performance ! any good tips to begin violin ? should i get some lessons or self taught , or online lessons , i know its a bad question because it depends of the person
CestosChannelByElite I had trombone lessons in the 70s, also piano, then taught myself other instruments, like trumpet. Violin is especially tough, but I'm sure anyone can make it if practicing daily. You need lots of patience for violin. If you're a newbie in playing music, a teacher might be advisable. But there are lots of unexperienced who successfully taught themselves. Personally, I started as experienced jazz musician who performed a lot since the 80s and that helped a lot. I think, a selftaught person should know exactly what kind of music he wants to play. Folk or jazz is good for self-teaching, if you're a classical music freak it 's different, because classical music is nitpicking with very narrow rules. Most selftaught players who try to play classical music never are respected by other players of classical music.
Thanks alot for your advice , it helps alot :) ! and yeah i dont want to reach a very good level , just want to enjoy the music :)
I'm a professional ballet dancer and still LOVE it but I've always wanted to try the violin. I thought now being 30 would be too late for me, but looking throughout UA-cam and today coming across your tutorials, you make it at least possible, glad that you're honest and say that it's gonna be rough, but I also love that I see your passion for it, makes me think I can learn anything. lol! Thanks!
I've had some music background with piano, guitar, bass guitar, and sight-reading music, and even my ballet training ("staying in awkward positions for a while" lol) so I'm hoping that might help in any way. I guess I shall see.
I nailed a note on the first time I touched a violin with the bow. Been dreaming about playing it since that day.
Thank you for this video gorgeous! I've just picked up the violin and I am quite intrigued! I blame it on Lindsey Stirling haha
I`m 80 and just started learning a few months ago. I have also learned a lot from studying whats here on you tube. Thank you so much for your work on making these lessons available. I solved the problem of accidentally touching two strings by watching the bow instead of my fingers Lol.. I don`t hear a lot said about pressure of the bow on the strings. Should it be just the weight of the bow laying there, or from your grip would you press more firmly? The sound seems almost alike both ways.
Try this video: ua-cam.com/video/IEtarPCXHoA/v-deo.html
You need a little pressure to keep it from skipping off the strings. Also for tremolo playing. And you can control volume and dynamics by altering the amount of pressure. I'm sure the video will clear it up for you.
Thanks
Thank you, was given a new violin after over 20 years of none. Having these videos got me back in the game in a few minutes.
I'm 29. I've been playing guitar, self taught, for 13 years. I went to a elementary school that offered orchestral instrument instruction but my parents couldn't afford to buy my instrument or didn't think it was worth it. I've decided, after an amazing show I saw last night, that I'm buying a violin tomorrow and I am finally going to do it. Thank you for providing such a priceless service for free. Ill probably be using your videos because you have a great attitude, clearly have the knowledge, and to be honest and I love your accent and you're very easy on the eyes. Lol. Take care ❤
clean and clear
The pain of playing is only half the fun :)
I am an adult beginner. Been playing violin for 4 months. I was struggling with intonation a lot. Then I started Playing finger notes, daily exercises by Hofmann, scales for 40 minutes daily and I found my intonation struggles reducing by 90% within 5 days. Most important thing is practicing. But even more important is when you realise you played the wrong note.. immediately correct it and start playing again!
Watching this because in second grade I was aloud to play a few notes of a violin and the feeling of absolute wonder and amazement that it awakened in me made me fall in love.
My dad didn't want me to play and made me do clarinet instead, I stopped and now I'm 15 and finally able to play violin in school in a few weeks.
All I have is that feeling I got in second grade and I am over the moon.
Wish me luck
haha - i do play both to the same level so it was hard for me to say haha! I do not take it back though...! lol
When do you know its time to upgrade from a student violin to a intermediate or advanced violin?
As soon as your good enough to play something your violin cannot.
Honestly after looking at lots of online comments about how hard the violin is, THIS VIDEO has reinspired me after years and years of longing to play. THANK YOU
Thank you for your guidance, I’ve been playing for 15 months now and even though, I don’t sound ‘nice’ the way I want to: I absolutely love 💕 it and I do realize my improvements over the course of time. Please continue as I’ve subscribed for continued inspiration and guidance 🙏
46, and just starting....
I started at 9
If the violin had frets it would really suck.
+Mavil If it had frets it'd be a Mandolin.
It would be interesting to see a violin with frets though.
how come?
+Louise Bell violin have the benefit of doing vibrato, with frets that would not be possible.
I am a life long violinist and guitar is my second instrument. I do vibrato quite well on my guitar.
I’m 37 and am just starting to play the violin. I’ve played piano for years and years (grade 10 RCM), alto sax and trumpet as well but the violin is always something I’ve wanted to learn to play. I feel that I’ve always been able to pick up a new instrument quickly but this is definitely a challenge and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Looking forward to the day I can play a quarter as good as the great violinists out there - beautiful instrument and sound. Thanks for the great videos and all the help! My instructor prob thanks you as well!
This all makes good sense. I'm 65 years old, have been to classical concerts all my life and never played a musical instrument. I was brought to tears (and still am) listening in my case to Hilary Hahn on UA-cam. Has Alison mentioned Hilary yet ? Not to worry anyway the inspiration I receive from Hilary led me to start playing the violin about 7 months ago. Yes it is hard and difficult, however I can't possibly not progress because unbeknown to her, Hilary is pushing me along every day. I hope to meet her and thank her one day. I'm self taught up to now with the help of the internet, however need a good teacher. I don't need an 'inspirer' as I have decades of that.'
I am 13 years old and I really want to learn Violin. But my mum will not let me because she thinks it sounds horrible unless it is played properly. How can I convince my mum to let me play?
As with any instrument it will take a while to get good, but we all have to start somewhere.
zoe mc say you will practice outside
I have a friend who plays the piano for 60 years, and the violin for 35 years. I started to teach myself piano two years ago. I have learned a lot of theory from UA-cam. I play pieces, my friend is freaked out of. She wanted me to accompany her with her playing the violin. I am sorry to say, she plays terrible, I can't even hear how I can accompany her anymore. She wants to teach me the violin, but she is very stressed and cramped up. Should I take this opportunity, although my feeling says, she brings me down?
+Sandra Snel I think you have answered your own question...
This is a great video for someone thinking of taking up the violin- after my first lesson as an adult, my teacher asked me if I was sure I didn't want to consider the piano instead- I was taken aback a little (since she didn't teach piano), but now I see- if you are looking for instant gratification in an instrument, the violin may dissappoint. I stuck with the violin, but will say it takes a great deal of patience and a big time commitment in practice to succeed, but its well worth the effort.
Happily, I am now at an age when I listen to these points and can say, "Challenge accepted." I've waited decades to reach this time in my life, when the "cons" feel like a joyful challenge rather than an excuse to avoid trying. Thanks for the nudge.
At least you don't feel guilty when breath while playing the violin, ask a flautist how to feel guilt even for breathing + we have intonation too 😢
There are NO cons of learning the violin!!!!!
I just bought my first Violin!
I think another "pro" for violin is that it is small, portable and the sound nice enough that you can play it anywhere.
I have a friend who is an excellent violinist. I was a member of her band until she moved up to NYC where she and her friends played concerts at Carnegie Hall.
I play many instruments, some of them very well. I come from a Low Brass background (Trombone, Baritone, Tuba) but over the past 10 years have learned Trumpet, Clarinet, and Saxophone. I am learning Guitar, Piano/keyboards/marimba, Percussion, Flute and Violin, Viola, Upright Bass and Bass guitar.
Thanks for your videos!
I love how you say "Any old how." We say "Any old way" over here across the pond. Love your videos!
Online violin "cheater"! :-) Are you somehow related to capten Jack Sparrow?
+sargijapunk Or, as the title of my channel suggests: 'tutor'?!!
I listened 3 times, it comes out as "cheater" :-) Must be my bad english or speakers ...
sargijapunk youre talking to a world class teacher, show some respect
I finally convinced my mom to let me get a violin! I just think it's so beautiful! My band teacher agreed to teach me and I've been watching your videos because I want to make sure I take good care of it. I play a flute and piano, too, but I just love the sound of the violin. I was debating on whether I wanted to get a viola or a violin, but I went with the violin and I'm not regretting it. I just hope I don't get too frustrated because when I get frustrated I tend to just give, and I really hope I get really good a lot.
This video has come in the right time for me! I can't thank you enough, you've cheered me up just now, I was feeling down cuz I can't get one piece right, but then you say you go through hard times too... so I just have to keep at it! I will not give up! Gracias!!!
I love this video, I started playing the violin one month ago and I'm currently at that stage where you get a bit frustrated because it doesn't sound very nice, but I feel more motivated to continue after hearing your words, thank you for the help!
And I do listen to Garrett and Pearlman on youtube after my daily practice like you said, it´s great for motivation, they are the best...
Allison i cant say thank you enough for the inspiration you have been to me. I want to thank you for what you have taught me. You are an awesome teacher. I have always had a desire to play violin and you have helped me begin the journey. Thanks soo much.
michelle king welcome
I got my first violin today and am starting to follow your lessons. Been playing guitar for many years but I'm ready for a different challenge and some variety. Thank you for the inspiration and for your amazing educational content, Alison!
what you do is amazing! I really want to learn the violin and have spent the past few weeks properly looking into it. Your videos provide insightful advise and it's wonderful that you take the time to help those who cannot for whatever reason have a tutor.
Great video. My daughter is learning violen from your videos and its working out great so i just wana thank you .You really are amazing teacher
I started taking violin lessons last month at age 27. It’s one of the hardest and frustrating things but so rewarding!
15:25...totally. These moments are rewarding and nourish prospective development.
No one should fret if they play the violin:) I'm 44 and have been playing since only 4 months ago. It is something I've always wanted to try and I find Alison's instruction very helpful in managing expectations and it is so true that you can have a terrible day of practice but a day or two later something settles in your brain and suddenly you hands and mind are coordinated so that even a tune as simple as Happy Birthday sounds beautiful. It is a totally fun experience.
I did, I'll admit it, have some difficulty with the intonation with learning the violin but as it was my second instrument I had a 'reasonable' ear so to speak and could immediately know that I'd hit the note 'wrong' and which way to go (sharper of flatter) to find the right note. Slowing down and religiously playing my scales helped so much that I can't over emphasise both of those. I'll go to my violin before my classical guitar and I can't give a reason other than I just love it. I mean really love it. I play everyday and after four decades still look forward to it so very much. It is a lovely, wonderful instrument that I know I'd really have to have therapy were I not physically able to continue playing. It is just the 'ants pants' so to speak. Violins rule !!
Nice video! I just wanted to add something about tuning:
From a technical standpoint, the tuning pegs of a guitar are actually more intricate than those of a violin. The thing is that guitars have complex tuning mechanisms made from metal, which use gears, axles and other technical stuff. This makes tuning easier, since the mechanism does most of the work for you and enables easier and more precise fine tuning. This is also why guitars usually don't have or need fine tuners - there are some electrical guitars that have finer tuners, but the reason for them is not that the normal tuners aren't precise enough, explaining why them have them would be too much here, though ;)
Now, a violin tuning peg is technically just a wooden stick going through a hole in the head of the violin. Of course, it's more complex than that, but thats basically it. Since it is made from wood, it's usually prone to moisture, heat etc transforming the wood (which might make it harder or too easy to move the peg, might make it stuck etc), it doesn't have any gears that translate your movement to a finer gear, which is why you have to move the peg in a more precise manner etc.
Technically, tuning mechanisms like on a guitar can also be put onto a violion and have nothing to do with the instrument. Some makers actually do that. But they don't look like the traditional tuning pegs at all. Most violin player value the traditional look very highly, which is probably why violins still use the old-fashioned tuners and use fine tuners instead (which aren't so obviously visible).
Very nicely said. There are geared tuning pegs available for the violin, viola, ect that have gears in them and have a 4:1 ratio, some have a higher ratio. They look like traditional pegs and most people will not notice any difference but offer much finer tuning capability for all skill levels.
Moisture/humidity content have affected wood instruments for a long time. There are a few manufacturers that offer violins, violas, cells & bass in carbon fiber. That eliminates the stresses on the instrument from heat, humidity and cold PLUS they are usually lighter than their wooden counterparts.
Haha Alison I love your comments on the tuning for flute and clarinet. As a flautist, clarinetist, trumpetist etc. you are correct. It is easier to tune the flute and saxophone etc. lol It is harder to tune the violin because you have so many strings where as with flute you only have one tuning thing, the mouthpiece, so yes lol no offense taken but you were right. And also, Thank you so much for helping me learn. You have made me SO much better and i haven't even seen all your videos yet, but i will! Coming from just a wind family, it was very difficult to learn to play the violin, because it is a completely different genre of instruments. I can play piano, but still, it was very difficult! So just thank you and i hope you continue to make these wonderful videos as i will continue to keep watching them!
you are so much happier than my teacher I really love your videos so please keep making them. Your friend form Colorado USA
When I was in elementary school I wanted to play the violin but actually wasn't allowed to because I was too old. So I played the trumpet. I've been playing guitar for two years now and am good enough to the point I think I have room for another instrument. I love all types of music and I think the violin would just make me feel a little more complete.At my church alot of the older crowd have instruments they never even touched. I'm the only musical kid within' 80 miles so they all just beg me to take them and learn them.! I surely want to start by next year.