I started violin at 55 in 2018 and when someone starts saying that I am too old to play I answer: “don’t worry, I’ll never play for you” I want to play violin for my own pleasure. I am interested in your books. Thank you!
To all who think it may be to late to learn: I started learning at age 11 and quit at 12. I came back at 60 (after retirement) taking music lessons of 2 differs instruments once a week. I have been playing in 4 different orchestras (2 western and 2 Chinese). Not being the top player but all these are great for my soul (and my brain.) it’s not age that stops a person, but it does take time and commitment. For example, sometimes I play for an hour at midnight. Best to Alison and to the rest of you.
I love this! I'm 20 years old now and I've always had this dream of playing the violin, but since I wasn't one of those people who had an opportunity to play at a very young age, I thought playing the violin wasn't for me and I could never learn to play it and I accepted this "truth" for years (instead of believing it I could have taken action haha). This year I decided that I am going to learn it and I believe that in 10 years or so I'm gonna be pretty good. Thanks for this!
I am 43, I had never held a violin in by life. During March when quarantine started, I found one, fell in love with it and decided to teach myself. Thank God for your tutorials. It has taken me 6 months to learn to read notes, learn my violin and learn open notes and finger notes. I am very proud of myself. Now my kiddos ages 4,8,12 are learn into play piano with your tutorials also. Thank you!!
Alison, thank you for your encouragement. I am 63 years old and have recently bought a Stentor Conservatoire violin. I have been following your invaluable lessons and videos for nearly 1 month now. I am at lesson 8 but keep going back to earlier lessons to reinforce what I have learned. I really enjoy playing the violin and I have no unrealistic expectations. I have found the violin to be a great asset during lockdown, it sharpens the mind and prevents boredom. I look forward, in the near future, to downloading your full violin course. Again thank you
*I started a couple of years ago, I'm over 50. I've worked my way through and am currently on PIANO Book 3.* Your books are easy to follow and understand. With an hour practice a day, I reckon I'm getting pretty good. I've found it a great way to 're-programme' my brain, although not a quick learner, I'm getting there, keeping hand-eye co-ordination, new skills etc etc. Relaxing and enjoyable. Thoroughly recommend your books to anyone who wishes to take up Piano.
Agree with everything that you said, both here and in all of the lessons that I got from you. The first violin that I ever touched was the one my children gave me on my 51st birthday in 2018. I committed (to myself) to practice 30 minutes per day for a month to get through the first few lessons and to see if I was making progress. After seeing progress in that first month, I committed to 30 minutes a day for a year. Your Violin books 1, 2, & 3 and the associated lessons have been invaluable to me over the past two and a half years. I really appreciated your guidance on what to focus on as I progressed. To be honest I never actually practiced 30 minutes per day. In the early days I at least picked the violin up every day and ran the drill that I was working on at the time. Now my minimum is to play a prayer in the Morning and an Air in the evening, some days I play for a couple of hours. And, now my wife does not hate it :). Thanks for all of your lessons that have helped me and continue to guide my learning.
Thats amazing! Can you just tell me with courses that you purchased how does it show you to fix your finger position? Or correct your right hand bowing? Do you need to remind yourself about the technique or does the course remind you? Thank you!
Hi, whilst my course is interactive, it doesn't include personal or private lessons as it is an online course. Having said that, my lessons and teachings are very thorough so I do address things like finger position, bow hold, correct arm position etc. It would then be up to you to make sure you are doing these correctly to the best of your ability.
@@Ciaccona255 IIRC the first few lessons in Book 1 go over this in detail. After that I just made the time to do the drills that are outlined in the book. Early on I used a tuning app on my phone while playing scales, but weaned off of that because it was too much of a crutch. Now I (mostly) can tell when my fingers have gone wrong.
On October 30th 2019 at the age of 61 I picked up a violin for the first time. Never played any instrument before this. What a journey.The best thing I've done in years.You're right it's never to late to start.I'm not ready for caprice 24.But I'm getting twinkle twinkle down pat.😄. Love your videos sweetheart. Hello everyone from Newfoundland Canada.
I will never forget your teacher’s advice about practising violin: “If you put nothing in, you get nothing out. You only get out what you put in” Thank you for all your guidance in these beautiful violin world. BTW, you are absolutely beautiful.
My violin teacher is a maestro and he studied to be a luthier so he knows the violin inside and out. He was originally taught by the guy who started el sistema Venezuela. I really look up to him.
I’m 31 and I bought both your complete Piano and violin courses. I always wanted to try violin but I waited until I could afford a decent one and I’ve played piano on and off since high school. My dad passed away this year in June and he was a musician, he played everything from accordion to piano, harmonica, guitar etc. (he started at 5 in Cuba) and music helps me keep him close. So far I’m focusing on the violin and I’m still at the beginning but I have found your books to be the best for me personally to retain the information and get me playing and comfortable with the violin. The piano books I bought as a refresher course and I have even learned new things from them. Thank you for making these videos and courses accessible and affordable for us 😊
Never say, "I'm too old to learn!" We owe it to ourselves to pursue a passion, desire or dream to learn anything we want, regardless of our age! I have wanted to learn to play the violin for as long as I can remember. I am now in my mid 50's and giving it a go...finally! In June of this year, I purchased your Ultimate Violin Package (a bit ambitious, I know) but I am working my way through your Song Book 1. I try to practice for at least 1 hour every night. At first, I sounded wretched, but now I am hearing improvement in my playing and that keeps me going. I sincerely thank you for everything you have done to make this dream come true, especially during a pandemic.
I started playing flute when I was 10 because that's the only instrument my parents would let me play. Played halfheartedly for 8 years. I just got my first violin after wanting to play my entire life... I'm 27 now. I've been binging your videos and practicing open strings and I could cry tears of joy every time I get something right after thinking I wouldn't be able to pick up music again. I figured I would see what you thought about people learning when they're older since you've already helped my playing so much. Thank you for reminding us that age is just a number and we can do anything we put our minds to! These comments are also so inspiring. Thank you Alison and thank you to this community.
I'm over 40 and I started in August this year using your videos. I then went ahead and bought the full violin course from your shop. I looked at so many instructional videos before but the teaching and explaining style didn't work so i was super happy to find your channel as I love your way of teaching and explaining things.
I remember a few years ago on one of your older videos I saw a comment that really, truly inspired me to take the plunge into learning violin at age 28. It was a 70something year old woman thanking you and saying you inspired her to start learning. I had watched so many of your videos in more of a "longing/wishing I could do it" kind of attitude but seeing that comment made me actually start. Your videos are so helpful and informational, and I'm truly grateful for your channel.
I started learning violin at 34. Now I'm 36 and I am getting pretty decent. I did transfer some of the music knowledge and left hand dexterity from my 10 year classical guitar experience, but violin is quite a different beast to tackle. My bow hand is still just terrible :) I never regretted a decision to learn violin and I consider it one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I’ve been following you for years. I bought the stentor 2 based on your review. I self taught from your videos and have a good foundation. I just recently started going to a physical teacher because I am starting to struggle. I still watch your videos and use your sheets. Love the channel!!
Thank you! I'm 72 and my brother and wife just bought me a violin. They are professionals, and I plan on doing some brain-picking with them. I have just found your videos and I am really encouraged.
I started violin 2 years ago, and I will be 73 next month. Currently I am working on Gavotte from Mignon, Suzuki book 2. It's not easy, but the more I practice, the better I am becoming. Alyson is absolutely right. Age doesn't matter at all. If you have the will, you can do it.
Hi Alison, thank you for this video. I think I told you once in a comment that I bought myself a violin for my 73rd birthday. Well, I am still at it. I did take a few months off because of the stress of the virus and wild fires where I live (California, USA) I might add, my son's house burned to the ground. This year of 2020 has been the worst year I have ever experienced. I hope it leaves and never returns. I was so distressed that I quit practicing for a few months. I am happy to say I am at it again, full force. Your teaching methods are great! I was actually playing Country Garden and pretty good if I say so myself, when I stopped. I am now at it all again full force. I am now almost 74 and think your lessons are the greatest. With all of the modern technology today how could anyone not want to play a musical instrument? It is beyond me. In the past, all we had were records, not tv or the radio or cds or dvds or usb. I have purchased your piano lessons and your violin lessons. They are great! At 73 I don't expect to ever be a master at the violin, but then, I don't want to be. That isn't my goal. My goal is being able to play a song that makes me feel great because I played that song and it sounded like something. I watch tv, I use the computer, I come away with nothing. I play the violin, I play a song, I come away with a great feeling of self worth of accomplishment. I can thank you for that. Your lessons have spurred me on more than once. If there is something I don't understand the first time, I can replay it and maybe the second time around it makes sense. I just hope you never stop. Your lessons are great and your words are encouraging. No, I am not learning to play violin to be a master. I am learning to play because it makes me feel good. Facing old age is not something that is pleasant but I think when it is all over for me, I will go out with a fiddle in my hand.
I am 60, started violin 1 month ago, with a teacher who specializes in teaching adult beginners. I played piano for a couple of years in high school. I am proud and happy to be a beginner and appreciate your encouragement. However far I get is a lot farther than I would have if I never started.
Thank you SO much. I am 71. I have played piano since I was 7 and flute as a young adult. I teach both and started many years ago. Two years ago I started violin, the instrument of my childhood dreams. I LOVE it and practice 3 hours a day. I have had the belief that I am too old to play well. My teacher tells me differently. I LOVE hearing it from you. Thank you! I AM progressing and loving it!!
Thank you so much for this video, I bought a violin 10 years ago, and never got a single lesson, so it’s just in a corner at my closet 😞, but I found your channel and this video it’s what I needed
I really needed this video. A brief history, I discovered Lindsey Stirling 7-8 years ago when she started on YT. I showed her videos to my eldest twin daughter who fell in love with her and was the springboard for wanting to learn violin. After a couple of years of taking her to lessons (with a long term underlying want to learn myself) I decided that since I was at her lesson anyway, why not give it go. So at 50 y/o I decided to pick up one of the- from what I understand - most difficult instruments to learn. After a few years in seeing some ‘ok’ progress in my daughter and myself, it seemed that we both should be a bit further along then we were. Of course it didn’t help that I’m fairly impatient in general, so I was REALLY hoping to be doing better than where I was at. I was even getting to the point where I really wasn’t enjoying it that much - mainly because I didn’t see/feel any progression. Well, as of last November, our instructor announced she was moving. My daughter and I both really liked her, but there was always something that felt like that she was just ‘phoning it in’ when it came to lessons. There was never any structure of a learning method ... cough ... I asked about Suzuki several times. She would just work with my daughter on a few random pieces and whatever she had for orchestra and with me, just random classical pieces and some folk stuff. I brought in some sheet music for things I was interested in, but most of that was short lived. So, in mid-December, our likely new instructor filled in for our current teacher and WOW... with-in one 30 min. lesson I walked out having learned 3 new things that vastly improved my playing. It wasn’t just playing through songs, but working on skills. My daughter concurred after her lesson. Over this year thus far, we’ve been working on technique, a lesson plan, and new pieces (some of his choosing, some of mine). The strides I’ve made in just 9 months have been pretty amazing. So I guess it goes to show along with practice and natural talent, that WHO is teaching you is vastly important - obviously. Hearing you say 5 years to intermediate makes me feel much better and realize that this really is a journey. So, my greatest ‘disappointment’ isn’t that I started so late, but that I feel I wasted 3 years not developing skills I should have. At this point, I’m learning many more scales, vibrato, and most importantly regained my love for learning of this beautiful instrument.
Thank you for this video. I had always wanted learn how to play as child but never did, so I wanted to learn this year and I received my first violin on my 35th birthday. The video was very encouraging for me. Thank you!!☺️
Started piano about 18 months ago. Online. I’m 68. I am glad I stuck with it but it isn’t always easy to be the student and teacher. I have to evaluate myself and figure out what I need to practice next. I sometimes get discouraged. But tonight you have given hope! I am to the point where I can play my favorite songs and that has been in my opinion, a great start if I look at it all in a 5 year timeline. Your words have helped me look at my journey in a different lens. Thankyou. I will check out your books and I plan on watching more of your videos. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by all there is to learn but I know that it has to be learned in small bites and that takes time. I may be an older beginner but I love music and I love being able to play all the songs I can and it brings lots of enjoyment even while I struggle with advancing. So much I want to do and so little time to do it but I have today! Thanks again for your encouraging video!
I know this video is a year old but just commenting to add my thanks... my 11yo son begged to learn violin, and since I've always wanted to learn to play, we're going through your course together! Just finished the first 10 lessons and we're loving it! I'm excited to order the rest of the course with the books, soon as I can! Thanks so much. I love how you have a video for my every question... Like "hey she's playing with her bow tilted... Am I supposed to be doing that? Oh, look, she made a video about it..." 😅 Love it. Every time I start to doubt myself, you're there with great encouragement and instruction!
I started learning violin 5 months ago with the help your violin lessons ,they are really the best at explaining the violin playing as simply as possible to a beginner
I discovered you nearly three years ago when I was looking for a simple student-grade violin because I was 45 years old and had wanted to learn to play all my life. The first video that I saw of you was unboxing and setting up the violin. It was attached to the page of the violin which I was buying on Amazon. I began going to your original videos from a few years ago and just went from there. I knew music and theory and have played other instruments in my life. I noticed that you were reviewing violins on some of your videos and you had a video reviewing the very violin I bought (Mendini MV300) and you'd given it such a glowing review I knew I found the right online resource. I downloaded your initial free lesson sheets and then bought your original lesson books the Learn To Play The Violin series AND songbooks...book one and two and then, just recently the third books and songbook. I'm a couple years in learning (will be 48 in January) and can get through the exercises and also play much of the songs in the first songbook; beginning to work in the second lesson book, now. In my adult life, I work in the field of communications and programming, but, also am learning the harp as well as violin, so, I haven't been completely devoted to violin, but, play and learn as much as I can in between everything else. I'm in Portland, Maine, USA and enjoy going to see the symphony orchestra here and I have taken to watching the violin section and taking note of their playing. I also belong to a group on Facebook specifically for adult learners and would like to share this video with my friends there. I do often recommend you to people who tell me they're thinking of learning.
Allison, I love your channel. I will be buying your course for violin when my finances allow. I am a disabled veteran. Cheers doll, have a great week 👍 😀 😘
I bought a Yamaha P125 digital piano earlier this year having being inspired by Dr. K's boogie woogie videos. I found you to be easily the best tutor on UA-cam and currently working my my way through lesson 9 in your piano book 1.
Am 24 now, and I've wanted to play the violin when I saw the Red Violin as a child (most of the movie, *S O M E* scenes were fast forwarded through by my father) and I always asked and they always told me no because it was 'too expensive' but NOW, there's nothing holding me back. I've got my violin I've named Eleanor and I'm about to get my first lesson. Been watching your videos for a while too by the way. I remember in my senior year of HS, sitting in McDonalds with friends waiting for after school vocal troupe to start, and we all watched your violin lesson videos. Or sitting in the McBreakroom downstairs before my McShift, McWatching your videos. Wanted to learn how to play for 17 years... part of me feels like those 17 years were wasted, but then I remember I'm a writer and the 17 years that wasn't spent learning the violin, they were spent writing stories and world building... or singing/playing the Uke or (waiting until my brother was at work or choir to snag his electric keyboard shhh) Edit: My DREAM was always finding an antique violin in our basement that I could have, but all we found down there was an old moldy winnie the pooh bear and a... bowling ball???????
Thank you for this video. I'm getting a violin this week and I'm so excited to learn from your videos! I'm 23 years and I decided to learn an instrument because I wanted to be more creative and it's good for the mind. Btw I love your hair, it's lovely!
I just retired and I'm starting now. I have no delusions. My playing sounds like alley cats fighting and the bow does the electric slide on the strings... LOL
Im 61yrs and started learning 3-4 months ago with your courses... Granted I'm not where i think I could be but I have other restrictions. That said I'm happy I made the choice to learn to play an instrument and it is a driving force for me. So thank you.
I have to say I am glad to hear all that Alison talked about in this video. I have been watching a lot of the videos since I had an interest in picking up the violin at 47. I went through a fair number of reviews for different violins and was contemplating getting the Cecilio CVN-700. Then I watched the Fiddlerman reviews and comparisons. I was sold on the Fiddlerman Master. Something about the tone just spoke to me. It sounded right to my ear. I ordered it and, surprisingly, it really did arrive in a day once shipped. One thing that help decide on getting an instrument from Fiddlershop was the steps they go through before even shipping the unit. They do quite a bit of work on it and then once it is good it gets shipped. I got my violin kit and was even more impressed at the quality and feel. I also made sure to pick up Alison's Ultimate tutorial package. A small price to pay for all the resources that come in it from a teacher whos style speaks to me. I went through checking out a fair number of other tutorials to see what they were like and there was just no rapport. Today was the first day doing anything with my new violin. Started with tuning. Rosining the bow (which I think I might have over rosined it but I'll learn), and starting with just open string bowing and technique to learn the angle my arm needs to be at as well as bow hold and getting used to holding the violin itself. I had to stop after about 1/2 hour since my bow arm was getting tired so I will just start again tomorrow. The nice thing is that I am still looking forward to continuing even with some pretty bad intonation going on. Thank you Alison for not only putting the course together but also providing so much fantastic information in videos over the years.
I (re)started playing violin at 50! I’m now 51. I played violin and cello in middle school and high school but it’s amazing how much muscle memory you retain! 🥰 Your beginner violin series helped me greatly when I started playing again. Thank you!
I just ordered the Cecilio CVN-200. Once it arrives I will be getting the course. This is a childhood dream coming true at 32. Always wanted too but was always told no for some reason as a child. Thank you for putting this course together for us.🥰
Oh my God 😭😍 Alison you are such an encouraging person. Your charisma makes me feel like 10 years is literally nothing thanks for all your help. i am 20 and a week old violin player( it's nothing but )your lessons are so incredible i can feel the development in each and every practice continue 🙏 encouraging people and sharing the art of the violin which should never die. Let's pass it on.i am determined that I'll really improve thanks to your lovely course. I'll practice Everytime i find the opportunity and one day be as good as u or close cause you are an amazing tutor. Am pretty sure your students are lucky to have you physically 😊 where they have the chance of asking questions when stuck. And to anyone wondering if it's too late it's never. If you are being intimidated by the violinists who started at a young age just ignore them ok. Cause it's not really your dream if You keep looking at time. So just ignore any other external discouraging factors and shoot for it love you all. Alison you are an amazing woman keep up the good work and we'll support you 💯 Love you 😘♥️❤️
I started at 65, am picking it up ok, your teaching method works for me. I have two dislocated thumbs so its a bit awkward but I''ll manage to overcome that. I bought a baroque because it looks cool and sounds mellow. Hopefully I make it to lesson 10 sooner than later at which point I will be moving into your paid lessons. I was told I was too old to start when I was 10.
heya,I always wanted to learn violin and finally due to this pandemic I got time from my professional life to start playing violin and I have been practicing from your online lessons 1-10. I m on lesson 8 within like 4 weeks may be, because I give 3-4 hours a day practicing and believe me your lectures are amazing and those little struggles you leave in your notes sheet to let the learner find himself and the entire methodology is amazing. I surfed through so many online videos but your way of explaining is easy to follow and very precise. I don't really plan to be a professional but a decent enough player to play with my friends and do jams and I m sure with your these wonderful lessons ill be able to play at least 3 pieces by December if I practice as I have been doing. so kudos for your wonderful videos
Great video, very clear explanations, and Billybob is gorgeous, so relaxed! I agree, it's never too late, I believe in lifelong learning, and I'm starting piano lessons this week. I have heard it said about learning languages, too, that children learn 'better,' ie the same that is said about learning an instrument. My attitude towards learning is much better than when I was young, and in school - as an adult, I WANT to study and learn, whereas I had no motivation in school.
I watched the full video, so I'm leaving a comment :D I'm 29 and just started with Alisons violin course. I'm a total beginner and I'm currently at lesson 7, practising 1-3h a day. I can already read the first notes quite quickly and because at the previous lessons the focus was at the technique of bowing and hitting strings nice and clean it already sounds quite nice with just the first few notes. I've got comments of people which where impressed of my progress in just 3 weeks with this course. I absolutely love it. Thank you Alison!
I am obsessed with your videos and you have made me really have the courage to do this. I love challenges. And I have been thinking about this for a while. I still haven’t bought my violin but I have been learning from your videos. I’m looking forward to buy your course soon.
Thank you. That put a smile on my face. I've always wanted to learn how to play the violin, but I could never do that. My family was very poor and I only found out about Classical Music by the age of 13. I migrated to my family's country and bought a beginner's violin, a Yamaha V3. I went to a school and because of my age - I am 30 - the teacher said I could never become a professional. I was then 28. I decided two weeks ago that I would practice it every day. I was happy when a violinist told me I was very talented. I am using Suzuki books, but they're just "songs" and will rarely explain things that are satisfactory to someone learning on his own, which is why I intend to buy your books soon, when I can. I can play at the moment most of the Volume II from Suzuki. I can hear everything I am doing wrong, but I don't know how to correct it or why but I thought "if I start now, that I am 30, I may become a professional when I am 40. If I don't start now, if I never start learning it, I will never become not even a beginner" hence why I decided to try it. I love Classical Music.
In my late 40's I started violin, 8 years ago and I think that's about the time you started youtube, and you had some handwritten exercises and a hand drawn violin with the notes on them :) I still have them. I started with those and I'm still with the violin today. Progress has been slow for me though, but much progress has been made. Love it more than when I first started.
I'm 31 and just got my first violin ever. I simply couldn't effort it before and the one I got now is second hand. It's a childhood dream and I can't wait to start (I need to restring it first). It's such a beautiful instrument. I did start playing keyboard at age 4 and had proper classes and all (piano was too expensive so yeah). In the end it's all a matter of a) you enjoy it and b) you practise regularly. Haven't played my keyboard in years because I lost interest so despite almost 10 years of classes I can barely play the easiest stuff anymore.
I do not believe age, itself, is an obstacle as much as it is an excuse for laziness and resistance to learning. Dedication and Discipline to extremely high levels can overcome laziness and a sedentary lifestyle at older ages. I learned basic drums at 48 and now piano this year at 50 (guitar at age 23). I’m teaching myself to read extremely simple sheet music (chords left hand, melodies right hand) and, most importantly, I’m actually playing (EXTREMELY simplified) Classical arrangements by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc... Imagine that, at 50 years old, I’m playing some of the most beautiful “movements” on piano I’ve ever heard in my life and I never believed I could do it but determination, dedication, and discipline is overcoming my inherent laziness and resistance to learning as it will for anybody. Thank you for your wonderful video, you have inspired me to work hard each day and never stop raising that bar to greater heights as we age. 😊
Thank you so much for this. I played the clarinet to grade 4 as a kid, but after watching 2 cellos live performances and the lord of the rings symphony on UA-cam (like all the time), I realised that my passion was always strings which fuelled my love for violin. I’m 30 now, told myself I’m too late - now I have hope. You are so inspiring and your videos amazing. I WILL play in an orchestra when I’m 40 :D
I'm 40 yrs. old. with a very pathetic music background. I purchased your piano book one and completed it within 6 mo. along with my daughter. I never imagined I would be able to play at this age! I'm in book two now and moving right along. I would say that the most difficult problem to learning at this age is finding the time to practice. When you are a child your parents make sure you are given time to practice, but as an adult there are so many time robbers. I found myself practicing before the family was up and after they were in bed. Thank you Alison for all you do!
I'm 32 ,33 in December. I started using your videos a little over a month ago to teach myself how to play the violin. I learned piano and guitar 20 or so years ago. I'm a welder fabricator and mechanic by trade, and specialize in heavy diesel/machinery. Because of what I do for a living, the violin is especially difficult since I'm not used to being gentle. However, with your videos,I am learning,and I believe I'm doing well, bow control was the worst for me," gentle/light", but I'm getting there, I'm already doing your 4th finger exercises, and try to practice at least an hour every night.
We'll put this to the test, in 5 years time I'll be 21. Today is the beginning of my desire to pick up my mother's violin and learn the beauty of measure. [For the sage old view who see this then, please do us the favor of reminding the writer of his quote.]
I started a year ago, I'm 20 yrs old. As long as you're motivated and passionate about something I think you're never to old to learn. To me, noticing improvement after lots of practice is the best feeling in the world.
Thank you for this!! I discovered you a while again and decided to learn again! I started learning violin when I was 18 but then went away to college and didn’t have time to learn or the money to pay someone. Anyway I pulled out my violin out of the closet only to find the string on the bow had broken, perhaps from being stored all those years. Well I need to fix it and get on it! 🤗
I did want to learn to play the violin at the age of 6 but my parents wouldn't let me. When I was old enough to afford instrument and lessons I was already 25 and thought that would be too old, so I left it. Whilst I would not want a career in music (as I love my job too much) I would like to fulfill my childhood dream (and learn to play for myself at a decent level) This video gave me the reassurance that even at 48 it won't be silly to do that. THANK YOU!!
I first got the idea of learning to play the violin when I was 11 years old, but my parents could not afford it and I gave up all hope, until I decided, at the age of 44, to give it a try. I still remember how happy I felt when I bought my first violin! Fulfilling a childhood dream is one of the greatest accomplishments one can get!
I'm 48 and just starting. I have always loved the violin, but I had parents like the ones mentioned. Now that I am financially independent, I am going to do whatever I want, so there.
I’m starting out at 51, have ZERO background in music, don’t even know how to read music at this point, don’t particularly care if I’m never going to be a professional violinist, I’m learning at this point for pure enjoyment. I just care to be able to a few tunes while sitting around the house.
I just wanted to say thank you for spending your time teaching the violin here on youtube and I had an interest in playing the violin last week so I've ordered one and it'll arrive this Wednesday and your videos are so good like you explain very well I just can't wait to start playing the violin and practice by watching your videos 😊💕🎻
I just picked up your Violin Program just a few weeks ago and so far so good. I am 6'4", 40 yrs old, big and tall guy but always wanted to learn to play. Just progressed to 1st finger notes. Currently feel like a bull in a China shop with my fat fingers but making progress lol.
I just wanted to say thank you for posting this video. I will be 42 on Saturday and I am just now starting to learn the violin. I have been watching your videos for years, but I am just now able to find time to learn (almost finished with my MBA and just didn't have the time before with two kids and a full time job). People really do tell me I am too old to learn, but that has not discouraged me. I just received my new Fiddlerman Apprentice violin today (after watching your review on it 😊) and it sounds beautiful! I agree with you that no one is ever too old to learn anything! It is about how much passion you have and how much time and effort you are willing to put into something! One day I hope to be half as good as you are as a violinist! I did purchase both your violin package and piano package several years ago and will buy the new material soon, and I could not be happier! Thank you for all that you do for the music community and all of us aspiring violists and pianists!😊 You are great!!
As a beginner ...now lesson 7...I found that this video gives me the landscape to see what to expect. Was helpful. Interesting: in addition to being a professional musician you have also become very good at making videos and using the computer for teaching....not something that every musician can do...so its one more credit to you.
I started piano when i was 5ish. Played till i was 11 and then gave up sadly. I am now 36 and I treated myself to a beautiful piano which i am now enjoying. Same happened with Violin. Love both instruments and i can tell i am improving. Its all coming back to me.
9:20 "You are absolutely never too late to learn [to play the violin]." I can attest to that. I was three score when I first started to learn to play the violin - and loving it. Although, I must admit, I only play the violin in the first position, and within the first two and a half octaves. 😉 🎻♫
@@qltygrl3187 Thanks Qlty Grl. I've always said every lyrical tune and hymn ever composed can be played in the first position. 😊 BTW: I started my instrumental adventure at the age of 9 with the Bb trumpet (which I still play). 😄 If playing in the first two octaves is good enough for my Bb trumpet...it's good enough for my violin. I’ve always enjoyed the eclectic blend of brass and strings. 😉 🎼 🎺 🎻 🎶🎵
Hi Mam, how to manage time while being so busy during my PhD studies? Would like to be just a guy who simply knows how to play, not to reach any professional level.
Hi, I think you saved me from spending $300 on Amazon for a new violin. After watching some of your introductory videos I realized learning would require way more time than I was willing to prioritize. Like when you said it takes 6 months to get good at (I'm not sure what you call it) where you quickly rock your finger back and forth to create that peculiar string vibration. I never doubted there was no age limit to learning the violin similar to learning a language, but as you get older your time becomes more limited. Cheers.
Wow love the hair style. I am 51 and just started to self learn, I have 3 goals, bach minuet 3, phantom of the opera and speagle in speegle or how ever its spelld. my husband bought me an electric violin so our neighbours dont get too miffed.
Yeah, I am 29 years old and been wishing to learn the violin for 15 years but from the beginning also told myself that it was too late to even bother when the instrument is that hard and I would never keep up with people my age who started at 4 years old... so I never started and never told anybody I wanted to for 15 years... Just thinking about how good I could have become in those 15 years makes me wanna hit myself in the head so many times... But I just bought my first violin 2 months ago and happy that I am learning an instrument now..
I was actually putting myself down for not playing the violin earlier, I'm 13 and 7 year olds play better than me. That made me stop the process of learning. Thank you, I'll do better
Hi Alison- loved the video- and your four legged friend Billybob think I have his name right! You are so absolutely right - never too old- think I have said before I was 4 when I showed interest in the piano so I had lessons on and off till I was 14 then stopped - took it up again when I retired and I saw your channel- I downloaded your 1st piano for beginners, although I can play a bit I needed to start again - it was fab- wish I had you as my teacher - I hated the theory of music and my teachers didn't push it- they were old " fuddy duddies" But I now want to learn the theory along with the playing- your book is so easy to understand so thank you- I see now how very important theory is- because of not knowing much theory I can't play something I haven't heard- so hopefully I will endeavour to read the theory- I certainly have time here in Northumberland with these new restrictions we have been handed!!! So please Alison keep these videos coming along with Billybob!! From Patricia Smith
I picked up the the violin at age 40. It’s a bit of a slow go for me. I have set it down a few times but picked it back up after adjusting my expectations. I wanna be great now but know that it will take time and practice! I’ve also recently started learning the harp which I also love! That one is going just a bit easier! 🤪😄
Well said. I re-started to learn piano 6 years ago at age 36. I am working for my grade 5 ABRSM now. I had learned to play piano in high school for a short year and I was told that it was too old to learn by that time. This time I don’t listen to those negative comment anymore.
Thank you so much miss Alison for the confendice. I am a first time violin player.would like to buy lesson 1 book how much is it. Again thank you very much,
So lessons 1-10 are completely free. Follow the link below. You can click on the 'START HERE' pdf which will tell you what you need and for which lesson, if you're unsure: www.onlineviolintutor.com/lessons-1-10-resources Once you have finished lesson 10, you will need to move onto Song Book 1. All the links to all the books needed and when are in that PDF shee above which is your lesson plan for the entire 30 lessons. Just click on the link above 👆
My friend picked up her first violin class during her 17 years old and finished her ABRSM Grade 8 Violin exam at her 19 years old. And teaching freelancely starting at her 20 years old. Welcome to adult learner gang =)
I started violin at 55 in 2018 and when someone starts saying that I am too old to play I answer: “don’t worry, I’ll never play for you”
I want to play violin for my own pleasure.
I am interested in your books.
Thank you!
I'm 68 and just started piano lessons a month ago, and I'm having a blast ! Thanks Alison for the encouraging words.
To all who think it may be to late to learn:
I started learning at age 11 and quit at 12. I came back at 60 (after retirement) taking music lessons of 2 differs instruments once a week. I have been playing in 4 different orchestras (2 western and 2 Chinese). Not being the top player but all these are great for my soul (and my brain.) it’s not age that stops a person, but it does take time and commitment. For example, sometimes I play for an hour at midnight. Best to Alison and to the rest of you.
Thank you so much for your story! I’m 39 and I’m mortified of taking up the violin. This may just motivate me to purchase a violin and get to work!
Wonderful and encouraging story. Thanks for sharing.
@@adityanemlekar I hope you take the step to start learning.
I started at 23. My first steps was watching your videos
Omg. Saaaameee😭😭
I'm going to start learning tomorrow, I'm 22, can't wait!
I love this! I'm 20 years old now and I've always had this dream of playing the violin, but since I wasn't one of those people who had an opportunity to play at a very young age, I thought playing the violin wasn't for me and I could never learn to play it and I accepted this "truth" for years (instead of believing it I could have taken action haha). This year I decided that I am going to learn it and I believe that in 10 years or so I'm gonna be pretty good. Thanks for this!
I'm starting at 37. You are almost a fetus!
I am 43, I had never held a violin in by life. During March when quarantine started, I found one, fell in love with it and decided to teach myself. Thank God for your tutorials. It has taken me 6 months to learn to read notes, learn my violin and learn open notes and finger notes. I am very proud of myself. Now my kiddos ages 4,8,12 are learn into play piano with your tutorials also. Thank you!!
That is awesome and inspirational! Congrats!
I didn't start when I was four. But, I can outperform most four year olds finally! 😄
😄
I love this comment.
Here here!
The only thing that stops people from learning is themselves !!
So right tho
Perhaps one's family may get in the way.
Alison, thank you for your encouragement. I am 63 years old and have recently bought a Stentor Conservatoire violin. I have been following your invaluable lessons and videos for nearly 1 month now. I am at lesson 8 but keep going back to earlier lessons to reinforce what I have learned. I really enjoy playing the violin and I have no unrealistic expectations. I have found the violin to be a great asset during lockdown, it sharpens the mind and prevents boredom. I look forward, in the near future, to downloading your full violin course. Again thank you
*I started a couple of years ago, I'm over 50. I've worked my way through and am currently on PIANO Book 3.*
Your books are easy to follow and understand.
With an hour practice a day, I reckon I'm getting pretty good. I've found it a great way to 're-programme' my brain, although not a quick learner, I'm getting there, keeping hand-eye co-ordination, new skills etc etc. Relaxing and enjoyable.
Thoroughly recommend your books to anyone who wishes to take up Piano.
Agree with everything that you said, both here and in all of the lessons that I got from you. The first violin that I ever touched was the one my children gave me on my 51st birthday in 2018. I committed (to myself) to practice 30 minutes per day for a month to get through the first few lessons and to see if I was making progress. After seeing progress in that first month, I committed to 30 minutes a day for a year. Your Violin books 1, 2, & 3 and the associated lessons have been invaluable to me over the past two and a half years. I really appreciated your guidance on what to focus on as I progressed. To be honest I never actually practiced 30 minutes per day. In the early days I at least picked the violin up every day and ran the drill that I was working on at the time. Now my minimum is to play a prayer in the Morning and an Air in the evening, some days I play for a couple of hours. And, now my wife does not hate it :). Thanks for all of your lessons that have helped me and continue to guide my learning.
Thats amazing! Can you just tell me with courses that you purchased how does it show you to fix your finger position? Or correct your right hand bowing? Do you need to remind yourself about the technique or does the course remind you? Thank you!
Hi, whilst my course is interactive, it doesn't include personal or private lessons as it is an online course. Having said that, my lessons and teachings are very thorough so I do address things like finger position, bow hold, correct arm position etc. It would then be up to you to make sure you are doing these correctly to the best of your ability.
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thank you!
@@Ciaccona255 IIRC the first few lessons in Book 1 go over this in detail. After that I just made the time to do the drills that are outlined in the book. Early on I used a tuning app on my phone while playing scales, but weaned off of that because it was too much of a crutch. Now I (mostly) can tell when my fingers have gone wrong.
@@thetimcannon thanks Tim!
Thank you. I’m 52 and feel like I’m running out of time, especially struggling with chronic pain and health issues, but so want to learn piano well.
I’m in my late seventies now, I’m going to give it a try..🙏👍
On October 30th 2019 at the age of 61 I picked up a violin for the first time. Never played any instrument before this. What a journey.The best thing I've done in years.You're right it's never to late to start.I'm not ready for caprice 24.But I'm getting twinkle twinkle down pat.😄. Love your videos sweetheart. Hello everyone from Newfoundland Canada.
I will never forget your teacher’s advice about practising violin:
“If you put nothing in, you get nothing out.
You only get out what you put in”
Thank you for all your guidance in these beautiful violin world.
BTW, you are absolutely beautiful.
Tomorrow is my day one at 35... Im so excited to receive my violin tomorrow and finally start my 40 hours a day practice...
My violin teacher is a maestro and he studied to be a luthier so he knows the violin inside and out. He was originally taught by the guy who started el sistema Venezuela. I really look up to him.
I’m 31 and I bought both your complete Piano and violin courses. I always wanted to try violin but I waited until I could afford a decent one and I’ve played piano on and off since high school. My dad passed away this year in June and he was a musician, he played everything from accordion to piano, harmonica, guitar etc. (he started at 5 in Cuba) and music helps me keep him close. So far I’m focusing on the violin and I’m still at the beginning but I have found your books to be the best for me personally to retain the information and get me playing and comfortable with the violin. The piano books I bought as a refresher course and I have even learned new things from them. Thank you for making these videos and courses accessible and affordable for us 😊
Never say, "I'm too old to learn!" We owe it to ourselves to pursue a passion, desire or dream to learn anything we want, regardless of our age! I have wanted to learn to play the violin for as long as I can remember. I am now in my mid 50's and giving it a go...finally! In June of this year, I purchased your Ultimate Violin Package (a bit ambitious, I know) but I am working my way through your Song Book 1. I try to practice for at least 1 hour every night. At first, I sounded wretched, but now I am hearing improvement in my playing and that keeps me going. I sincerely thank you for everything you have done to make this dream come true, especially during a pandemic.
I started playing flute when I was 10 because that's the only instrument my parents would let me play. Played halfheartedly for 8 years. I just got my first violin after wanting to play my entire life... I'm 27 now. I've been binging your videos and practicing open strings and I could cry tears of joy every time I get something right after thinking I wouldn't be able to pick up music again. I figured I would see what you thought about people learning when they're older since you've already helped my playing so much. Thank you for reminding us that age is just a number and we can do anything we put our minds to! These comments are also so inspiring. Thank you Alison and thank you to this community.
I'm over 40 and I started in August this year using your videos. I then went ahead and bought the full violin course from your shop. I looked at so many instructional videos before but the teaching and explaining style didn't work so i was super happy to find your channel as I love your way of teaching and explaining things.
I remember a few years ago on one of your older videos I saw a comment that really, truly inspired me to take the plunge into learning violin at age 28. It was a 70something year old woman thanking you and saying you inspired her to start learning. I had watched so many of your videos in more of a "longing/wishing I could do it" kind of attitude but seeing that comment made me actually start. Your videos are so helpful and informational, and I'm truly grateful for your channel.
I started learning violin at 34. Now I'm 36 and I am getting pretty decent. I did transfer some of the music knowledge and left hand dexterity from my 10 year classical guitar experience, but violin is quite a different beast to tackle. My bow hand is still just terrible :) I never regretted a decision to learn violin and I consider it one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Hi thank you I live next to Fiddler shop and I’m 53 now I started playing at 52. And love the Violín I’m playing Thais thank you for your help.
I’ve been following you for years. I bought the stentor 2 based on your review. I self taught from your videos and have a good foundation. I just recently started going to a physical teacher because I am starting to struggle. I still watch your videos and use your sheets. Love the channel!!
Thank you! I'm 72 and my brother and wife just bought me a violin. They are professionals, and I plan on doing some brain-picking with them. I have just found your videos and I am really encouraged.
I started violin 2 years ago, and I will be 73 next month. Currently I am working on Gavotte from Mignon, Suzuki book 2. It's not easy, but the more I practice, the better I am becoming. Alyson is absolutely right. Age doesn't matter at all. If you have the will, you can do it.
Hi Alison, thank you for this video. I think I told you once in a comment that I bought myself a violin for my 73rd birthday. Well, I am still at it. I did take a few months off because of the stress of the virus and wild fires where I live (California, USA) I might add, my son's house burned to the ground. This year of 2020 has been the worst year I have ever experienced. I hope it leaves and never returns. I was so distressed that I quit practicing for a few months. I am happy to say I am at it again, full force. Your teaching methods are great! I was actually playing Country Garden and pretty good if I say so myself, when I stopped. I am now at it all again full force. I am now almost 74 and think your lessons are the greatest. With all of the modern technology today how could anyone not want to play a musical instrument? It is beyond me. In the past, all we had were records, not tv or the radio or cds or dvds or usb. I have purchased your piano lessons and your violin lessons. They are great! At 73 I don't expect to ever be a master at the violin, but then, I don't want to be. That isn't my goal. My goal is being able to play a song that makes me feel great because I played that song and it sounded like something. I watch tv, I use the computer, I come away with nothing. I play the violin, I play a song, I come away with a great feeling of self worth of accomplishment. I can thank you for that. Your lessons have spurred me on more than once. If there is something I don't understand the first time, I can replay it and maybe the second time around it makes sense. I just hope you never stop. Your lessons are great and your words are encouraging. No, I am not learning to play violin to be a master. I am learning to play because it makes me feel good. Facing old age is not something that is pleasant but I think when it is all over for me, I will go out with a fiddle in my hand.
Im 58...got her 30 lesson set, and i can currently play and read music. I need much more practice, but im getting there!
U r the reason I started learning violin, u taught me violin, thankyou Alison, if u ever visit India pls lemme know, I owe u big time
I am 60, started violin 1 month ago, with a teacher who specializes in teaching adult beginners. I played piano for a couple of years in high school. I am proud and happy to be a beginner and appreciate your encouragement. However far I get is a lot farther than I would have if I never started.
Thank you SO much. I am 71. I have played piano since I was 7 and flute as a young adult. I teach both and started many years ago. Two years ago I started violin, the instrument of my childhood dreams. I LOVE it and practice 3 hours a day. I have had the belief that I am too old to play well. My teacher tells me differently. I LOVE hearing it from you. Thank you! I AM progressing and loving it!!
Thank you so much for this video, I bought a violin 10 years ago, and never got a single lesson, so it’s just in a corner at my closet 😞, but I found your channel and this video it’s what I needed
I really needed this video.
A brief history, I discovered Lindsey Stirling 7-8 years ago when she started on YT. I showed her videos to my eldest twin daughter who fell in love with her and was the springboard for wanting to learn violin. After a couple of years of taking her to lessons (with a long term underlying want to learn myself) I decided that since I was at her lesson anyway, why not give it go. So at 50 y/o I decided to pick up one of the- from what I understand - most difficult instruments to learn.
After a few years in seeing some ‘ok’ progress in my daughter and myself, it seemed that we both should be a bit further along then we were. Of course it didn’t help that I’m fairly impatient in general, so I was REALLY hoping to be doing better than where I was at. I was even getting to the point where I really wasn’t enjoying it that much - mainly because I didn’t see/feel any progression. Well, as of last November, our instructor announced she was moving. My daughter and I both really liked her, but there was always something that felt like that she was just ‘phoning it in’ when it came to lessons. There was never any structure of a learning method ... cough ... I asked about Suzuki several times. She would just work with my daughter on a few random pieces and whatever she had for orchestra and with me, just random classical pieces and some folk stuff. I brought in some sheet music for things I was interested in, but most of that was short lived. So, in mid-December, our likely new instructor filled in for our current teacher and WOW... with-in one 30 min. lesson I walked out having learned 3 new things that vastly improved my playing. It wasn’t just playing through songs, but working on skills. My daughter concurred after her lesson. Over this year thus far, we’ve been working on technique, a lesson plan, and new pieces (some of his choosing, some of mine). The strides I’ve made in just 9 months have been pretty amazing.
So I guess it goes to show along with practice and natural talent, that WHO is teaching you is vastly important - obviously.
Hearing you say 5 years to intermediate makes me feel much better and realize that this really is a journey. So, my greatest ‘disappointment’ isn’t that I started so late, but that I feel I wasted 3 years not developing skills I should have. At this point, I’m learning many more scales, vibrato, and most importantly regained my love for learning of this beautiful instrument.
Oh and I bought your Mini-Concerto Series last year. Love it overall and will be checking out more of your offerings.
Thank you for this video. I had always wanted learn how to play as child but never did, so I wanted to learn this year and I received my first violin on my 35th birthday. The video was very encouraging for me. Thank you!!☺️
This is really great seeing how involved and active you are wihh helping us learn our craft through the gift of online teaching. Thank you!
Just bought the series 1-3...I'll happily give updates. Thank you also for putting in the effort to help us all out!
Started piano about 18 months ago. Online. I’m 68. I am glad I stuck with it but it isn’t always easy to be the student and teacher. I have to evaluate myself and figure out what I need to practice next. I sometimes get discouraged. But tonight you have given hope! I am to the point where I can play my favorite songs and that has been in my opinion, a great start if I look at it all in a 5 year timeline. Your words have helped me look at my journey in a different lens. Thankyou. I will check out your books and I plan on watching more of your videos. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by all there is to learn but I know that it has to be learned in small bites and that takes time. I may be an older beginner but I love music and I love being able to play all the songs I can and it brings lots of enjoyment even while I struggle with advancing. So much I want to do and so little time to do it but I have today! Thanks again for your encouraging video!
I know this video is a year old but just commenting to add my thanks... my 11yo son begged to learn violin, and since I've always wanted to learn to play, we're going through your course together! Just finished the first 10 lessons and we're loving it! I'm excited to order the rest of the course with the books, soon as I can! Thanks so much. I love how you have a video for my every question... Like "hey she's playing with her bow tilted... Am I supposed to be doing that? Oh, look, she made a video about it..." 😅 Love it. Every time I start to doubt myself, you're there with great encouragement and instruction!
I started learning violin 5 months ago with the help your violin lessons ,they are really the best at explaining the violin playing as simply as possible to a beginner
Thoroughly enjoyed this video, thank you. Your candor is both comforting and encouraging.
I discovered you nearly three years ago when I was looking for a simple student-grade violin because I was 45 years old and had wanted to learn to play all my life. The first video that I saw of you was unboxing and setting up the violin. It was attached to the page of the violin which I was buying on Amazon. I began going to your original videos from a few years ago and just went from there. I knew music and theory and have played other instruments in my life. I noticed that you were reviewing violins on some of your videos and you had a video reviewing the very violin I bought (Mendini MV300) and you'd given it such a glowing review I knew I found the right online resource. I downloaded your initial free lesson sheets and then bought your original lesson books the Learn To Play The Violin series AND songbooks...book one and two and then, just recently the third books and songbook. I'm a couple years in learning (will be 48 in January) and can get through the exercises and also play much of the songs in the first songbook; beginning to work in the second lesson book, now. In my adult life, I work in the field of communications and programming, but, also am learning the harp as well as violin, so, I haven't been completely devoted to violin, but, play and learn as much as I can in between everything else. I'm in Portland, Maine, USA and enjoy going to see the symphony orchestra here and I have taken to watching the violin section and taking note of their playing. I also belong to a group on Facebook specifically for adult learners and would like to share this video with my friends there. I do often recommend you to people who tell me they're thinking of learning.
Allison, I love your channel. I will be buying your course for violin when my finances allow. I am a disabled veteran. Cheers doll, have a great week 👍 😀 😘
I startet one and a half week ago and I am 32 years old. It is never too late and always exciting if you are into something ^^
Thank you!
I bought a Yamaha P125 digital piano earlier this year having being inspired by Dr. K's boogie woogie videos. I found you to be easily the best tutor on UA-cam and currently working my my way through lesson 9 in your piano book 1.
Am 24 now, and I've wanted to play the violin when I saw the Red Violin as a child (most of the movie, *S O M E* scenes were fast forwarded through by my father) and I always asked and they always told me no because it was 'too expensive' but NOW, there's nothing holding me back. I've got my violin I've named Eleanor and I'm about to get my first lesson. Been watching your videos for a while too by the way. I remember in my senior year of HS, sitting in McDonalds with friends waiting for after school vocal troupe to start, and we all watched your violin lesson videos. Or sitting in the McBreakroom downstairs before my McShift, McWatching your videos.
Wanted to learn how to play for 17 years... part of me feels like those 17 years were wasted, but then I remember I'm a writer and the 17 years that wasn't spent learning the violin, they were spent writing stories and world building... or singing/playing the Uke or (waiting until my brother was at work or choir to snag his electric keyboard shhh)
Edit: My DREAM was always finding an antique violin in our basement that I could have, but all we found down there was an old moldy winnie the pooh bear and a... bowling ball???????
Thank you for this video. I'm getting a violin this week and I'm so excited to learn from your videos! I'm 23 years and I decided to learn an instrument because I wanted to be more creative and it's good for the mind. Btw I love your hair, it's lovely!
I just retired and I'm starting now. I have no delusions. My playing sounds like alley cats fighting and the bow does the electric slide on the strings... LOL
Im 61yrs and started learning 3-4 months ago with your courses... Granted I'm not where i think I could be but I have other restrictions. That said I'm happy I made the choice to learn to play an instrument and it is a driving force for me. So thank you.
I have to say I am glad to hear all that Alison talked about in this video. I have been watching a lot of the videos since I had an interest in picking up the violin at 47. I went through a fair number of reviews for different violins and was contemplating getting the Cecilio CVN-700. Then I watched the Fiddlerman reviews and comparisons. I was sold on the Fiddlerman Master. Something about the tone just spoke to me. It sounded right to my ear. I ordered it and, surprisingly, it really did arrive in a day once shipped. One thing that help decide on getting an instrument from Fiddlershop was the steps they go through before even shipping the unit. They do quite a bit of work on it and then once it is good it gets shipped. I got my violin kit and was even more impressed at the quality and feel.
I also made sure to pick up Alison's Ultimate tutorial package. A small price to pay for all the resources that come in it from a teacher whos style speaks to me. I went through checking out a fair number of other tutorials to see what they were like and there was just no rapport.
Today was the first day doing anything with my new violin. Started with tuning. Rosining the bow (which I think I might have over rosined it but I'll learn), and starting with just open string bowing and technique to learn the angle my arm needs to be at as well as bow hold and getting used to holding the violin itself. I had to stop after about 1/2 hour since my bow arm was getting tired so I will just start again tomorrow. The nice thing is that I am still looking forward to continuing even with some pretty bad intonation going on.
Thank you Alison for not only putting the course together but also providing so much fantastic information in videos over the years.
I (re)started playing violin at 50! I’m now 51. I played violin and cello in middle school and high school but it’s amazing how much muscle memory you retain! 🥰 Your beginner violin series helped me greatly when I started playing again. Thank you!
I just ordered the Cecilio CVN-200. Once it arrives I will be getting the course. This is a childhood dream coming true at 32. Always wanted too but was always told no for some reason as a child. Thank you for putting this course together for us.🥰
Oh my God 😭😍 Alison you are such an encouraging person. Your charisma makes me feel like 10 years is literally nothing thanks for all your help. i am 20 and a week old violin player( it's nothing but )your lessons are so incredible i can feel the development in each and every practice continue 🙏 encouraging people and sharing the art of the violin which should never die. Let's pass it on.i am determined that I'll really improve thanks to your lovely course. I'll practice Everytime i find the opportunity and one day be as good as u or close cause you are an amazing tutor. Am pretty sure your students are lucky to have you physically 😊 where they have the chance of asking questions when stuck.
And to anyone wondering if it's too late it's never. If you are being intimidated by the violinists who started at a young age just ignore them ok. Cause it's not really your dream if You keep looking at time. So just ignore any other external discouraging factors and shoot for it love you all.
Alison you are an amazing woman keep up the good work and we'll support you 💯 Love you 😘♥️❤️
I started at 65, am picking it up ok, your teaching method works for me. I have two dislocated thumbs so its a bit awkward but I''ll manage to overcome that. I bought a baroque because it looks cool and sounds mellow. Hopefully I make it to lesson 10 sooner than later at which point I will be moving into your paid lessons. I was told I was too old to start when I was 10.
heya,I always wanted to learn violin and finally due to this pandemic I got time from my professional life to start playing violin and I have been practicing from your online lessons 1-10. I m on lesson 8 within like 4 weeks may be, because I give 3-4 hours a day practicing and believe me your lectures are amazing and those little struggles you leave in your notes sheet to let the learner find himself and the entire methodology is amazing. I surfed through so many online videos but your way of explaining is easy to follow and very precise. I don't really plan to be a professional but a decent enough player to play with my friends and do jams and I m sure with your these wonderful lessons ill be able to play at least 3 pieces by December if I practice as I have been doing. so kudos for your wonderful videos
Great video, very clear explanations, and Billybob is gorgeous, so relaxed! I agree, it's never too late, I believe in lifelong learning, and I'm starting piano lessons this week. I have heard it said about learning languages, too, that children learn 'better,' ie the same that is said about learning an instrument. My attitude towards learning is much better than when I was young, and in school - as an adult, I WANT to study and learn, whereas I had no motivation in school.
been watching your vids through lockdown.Have been inspired to buy my first violin and am looking for a teacher near me in Leeds....i am 52, Thank you
I watched the full video, so I'm leaving a comment :D
I'm 29 and just started with Alisons violin course. I'm a total beginner and I'm currently at lesson 7, practising 1-3h a day. I can already read the first notes quite quickly and because at the previous lessons the focus was at the technique of bowing and hitting strings nice and clean it already sounds quite nice with just the first few notes. I've got comments of people which where impressed of my progress in just 3 weeks with this course. I absolutely love it. Thank you Alison!
I am obsessed with your videos and you have made me really have the courage to do this. I love challenges. And I have been thinking about this for a while. I still haven’t bought my violin but I have been learning from your videos. I’m looking forward to buy your course soon.
Thank you. That put a smile on my face. I've always wanted to learn how to play the violin, but I could never do that. My family was very poor and I only found out about Classical Music by the age of 13. I migrated to my family's country and bought a beginner's violin, a Yamaha V3. I went to a school and because of my age - I am 30 - the teacher said I could never become a professional. I was then 28. I decided two weeks ago that I would practice it every day. I was happy when a violinist told me I was very talented. I am using Suzuki books, but they're just "songs" and will rarely explain things that are satisfactory to someone learning on his own, which is why I intend to buy your books soon, when I can. I can play at the moment most of the Volume II from Suzuki. I can hear everything I am doing wrong, but I don't know how to correct it or why but I thought "if I start now, that I am 30, I may become a professional when I am 40. If I don't start now, if I never start learning it, I will never become not even a beginner" hence why I decided to try it. I love Classical Music.
great video, I started learning cello at 45 , i find learning anything new these days much easier than I did when I was younger.
In my late 40's I started violin, 8 years ago and I think that's about the time you started youtube, and you had some handwritten exercises and a hand drawn violin with the notes on them :) I still have them. I started with those and I'm still with the violin today. Progress has been slow for me though, but much progress has been made. Love it more than when I first started.
I'm 31 and just got my first violin ever. I simply couldn't effort it before and the one I got now is second hand.
It's a childhood dream and I can't wait to start (I need to restring it first). It's such a beautiful instrument.
I did start playing keyboard at age 4 and had proper classes and all (piano was too expensive so yeah). In the end it's all a matter of a) you enjoy it and b) you practise regularly. Haven't played my keyboard in years because I lost interest so despite almost 10 years of classes I can barely play the easiest stuff anymore.
I do not believe age, itself, is an obstacle as much as it is an excuse for laziness and resistance to learning.
Dedication and Discipline to extremely high levels can overcome laziness and a sedentary lifestyle at older ages.
I learned basic drums at 48 and now piano this year at 50 (guitar at age 23). I’m teaching myself to read extremely simple sheet music (chords left hand, melodies right hand) and, most importantly, I’m actually playing (EXTREMELY simplified) Classical arrangements by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc...
Imagine that, at 50 years old, I’m playing some of the most beautiful “movements” on piano I’ve ever heard in my life and I never believed I could do it but determination, dedication, and discipline is overcoming my inherent laziness and resistance to learning as it will for anybody.
Thank you for your wonderful video, you have inspired me to work hard each day and never stop raising that bar to greater heights as we age. 😊
Thank you so much for this. I played the clarinet to grade 4 as a kid, but after watching 2 cellos live performances and the lord of the rings symphony on UA-cam (like all the time), I realised that my passion was always strings which fuelled my love for violin. I’m 30 now, told myself I’m too late - now I have hope. You are so inspiring and your videos amazing. I WILL play in an orchestra when I’m 40 :D
Always wanted to play violin, and guess, after few videos of your courses I already have my violin . Thanks for inspiration !!!
I'm 40 yrs. old. with a very pathetic music background. I purchased your piano book one and completed it within 6 mo. along with my daughter. I never imagined I would be able to play at this age! I'm in book two now and moving right along. I would say that the most difficult problem to learning at this age is finding the time to practice. When you are a child your parents make sure you are given time to practice, but as an adult there are so many time robbers. I found myself practicing before the family was up and after they were in bed. Thank you Alison for all you do!
Yes !! I'm started with 35... And i'm really happy with all the process..... Love all your videos !!!! 😍😍😍
I'm 32 ,33 in December. I started using your videos a little over a month ago to teach myself how to play the violin. I learned piano and guitar 20 or so years ago.
I'm a welder fabricator and mechanic by trade, and specialize in heavy diesel/machinery.
Because of what I do for a living, the violin is especially difficult since I'm not used to being gentle. However, with your videos,I am learning,and I believe I'm doing well, bow control was the worst for me," gentle/light", but I'm getting there, I'm already doing your 4th finger exercises, and try to practice at least an hour every night.
We'll put this to the test, in 5 years time I'll be 21. Today is the beginning of my desire to pick up my mother's violin and learn the beauty of measure.
[For the sage old view who see this then, please do us the favor of reminding the writer of his quote.]
I started a year ago, I'm 20 yrs old. As long as you're motivated and passionate about something I think you're never to old to learn. To me, noticing improvement after lots of practice is the best feeling in the world.
Thank you for this!! I discovered you a while again and decided to learn again! I started learning violin when I was 18 but then went away to college and didn’t have time to learn or the money to pay someone. Anyway I pulled out my violin out of the closet only to find the string on the bow had broken, perhaps from being stored all those years. Well I need to fix it and get on it! 🤗
I am 74 and just started learning 10 string harp and Ukulele. I don't feel too old to do it.
I love how you talk and stroke your dog at the same time. Very cute.
I did want to learn to play the violin at the age of 6 but my parents wouldn't let me. When I was old enough to afford instrument and lessons I was already 25 and thought that would be too old, so I left it.
Whilst I would not want a career in music (as I love my job too much) I would like to fulfill my childhood dream (and learn to play for myself at a decent level) This video gave me the reassurance that even at 48 it won't be silly to do that. THANK YOU!!
I first got the idea of learning to play the violin when I was 11 years old, but my parents could not afford it and I gave up all hope, until I decided, at the age of 44, to give it a try. I still remember how happy I felt when I bought my first violin! Fulfilling a childhood dream is one of the greatest accomplishments one can get!
I'm 48 and just starting. I have always loved the violin, but I had parents like the ones mentioned. Now that I am financially independent, I am going to do whatever I want, so there.
I’m starting out at 51, have ZERO background in music, don’t even know how to read music at this point, don’t particularly care if I’m never going to be a professional violinist, I’m learning at this point for pure enjoyment. I just care to be able to a few tunes while sitting around the house.
I just wanted to say thank you for spending your time teaching the violin here on youtube and I had an interest in playing the violin last week so I've ordered one and it'll arrive this Wednesday and your videos are so good like you explain very well I just can't wait to start playing the violin and practice by watching your videos 😊💕🎻
I just picked up your Violin Program just a few weeks ago and so far so good. I am 6'4", 40 yrs old, big and tall guy but always wanted to learn to play. Just progressed to 1st finger notes. Currently feel like a bull in a China shop with my fat fingers but making progress lol.
I just wanted to say thank you for posting this video. I will be 42 on Saturday and I am just now starting to learn the violin. I have been watching your videos for years, but I am just now able to find time to learn (almost finished with my MBA and just didn't have the time before with two kids and a full time job). People really do tell me I am too old to learn, but that has not discouraged me. I just received my new Fiddlerman Apprentice violin today (after watching your review on it 😊) and it sounds beautiful! I agree with you that no one is ever too old to learn anything! It is about how much passion you have and how much time and effort you are willing to put into something! One day I hope to be half as good as you are as a violinist! I did purchase both your violin package and piano package several years ago and will buy the new material soon, and I could not be happier! Thank you for all that you do for the music community and all of us aspiring violists and pianists!😊 You are great!!
Happy birthday for saturday :)
@@TheOnlineViolinTutor thank you so much!😊
Your videos inspired me to buy a violin. I started with a teacher then after 2 lessons the covid lockdown happened. I'm going to try again soon.
As a beginner ...now lesson 7...I found that this video gives me the landscape to see what to expect. Was helpful. Interesting: in addition to being a professional musician you have also become very good at making videos and using the computer for teaching....not something that every musician can do...so its one more credit to you.
I started piano when i was 5ish. Played till i was 11 and then gave up sadly. I am now 36 and I treated myself to a beautiful piano which i am now enjoying. Same happened with Violin. Love both instruments and i can tell i am improving. Its all coming back to me.
9:20 "You are absolutely never too late to learn [to play the violin]." I can attest to that. I was three score when I first started to learn to play the violin - and loving it. Although, I must admit, I only play the violin in the first position, and within the first two and a half octaves. 😉 🎻♫
Christopher Tsiliacos that still counts in my book!
@@qltygrl3187 Thanks Qlty Grl. I've always said every lyrical tune and hymn ever composed can be played in the first position. 😊
BTW: I started my instrumental adventure at the age of 9 with the Bb trumpet (which I still play). 😄
If playing in the first two octaves is good enough for my Bb trumpet...it's good enough for my violin. I’ve always enjoyed the eclectic blend of brass and strings. 😉 🎼 🎺 🎻 🎶🎵
I'm am 21 years old and I started playing violin few months ago only watching your videos.
I started piano when l was 7 years old...now im 16 years old and I've just started learning violin...
What a great video! Thank you so much!
Hi Mam, how to manage time while being so busy during my PhD studies? Would like to be just a guy who simply knows how to play, not to reach any professional level.
Hi, I think you saved me from spending $300 on Amazon for a new violin. After watching some of your introductory videos I realized learning would require way more time than I was willing to prioritize. Like when you said it takes 6 months to get good at (I'm not sure what you call it) where you quickly rock your finger back and forth to create that peculiar string vibration. I never doubted there was no age limit to learning the violin similar to learning a language, but as you get older your time becomes more limited. Cheers.
Wow love the hair style. I am 51 and just started to self learn, I have 3 goals, bach minuet 3, phantom of the opera and speagle in speegle or how ever its spelld. my husband bought me an electric violin so our neighbours dont get too miffed.
58. Started a year ago. Passed AMEB Preliminary recently. I love it. Beautiful instrument, not in my hands though!
Yeah, I am 29 years old and been wishing to learn the violin for 15 years but from the beginning also told myself that it was too late to even bother when the instrument is that hard and I would never keep up with people my age who started at 4 years old... so I never started and never told anybody I wanted to for 15 years... Just thinking about how good I could have become in those 15 years makes me wanna hit myself in the head so many times... But I just bought my first violin 2 months ago and happy that I am learning an instrument now..
I was actually putting myself down for not playing the violin earlier, I'm 13 and 7 year olds play better than me. That made me stop the process of learning. Thank you, I'll do better
Hi Alison- loved the video- and your four legged friend Billybob think I have his name right! You are so absolutely right - never too old- think I have said before I was 4 when I showed interest in the piano so I had lessons on and off till I was 14 then stopped - took it up again when I retired and I saw your channel- I downloaded your 1st piano for beginners, although I can play a bit I needed to start again - it was fab- wish I had you as my teacher - I hated the theory of music and my teachers didn't push it- they were old " fuddy duddies" But I now want to learn the theory along with the playing- your book is so easy to understand so thank you- I see now how very important theory is- because of not knowing much theory I can't play something I haven't heard- so hopefully I will endeavour to read the theory- I certainly have time here in Northumberland with these new restrictions we have been handed!!! So please Alison keep these videos coming along with Billybob!! From Patricia Smith
The dog is soooo cute
I picked up the the violin at age 40. It’s a bit of a slow go for me. I have set it down a few times but picked it back up after adjusting my expectations. I wanna be great now but know that it will take time and practice! I’ve also recently started learning the harp which I also love! That one is going just a bit easier! 🤪😄
Beginning to learn violin just now. I'm 26. I hope to continue learning it and get better.
Well said. I re-started to learn piano 6 years ago at age 36. I am working for my grade 5 ABRSM now. I had learned to play piano in high school for a short year and I was told that it was too old to learn by that time. This time I don’t listen to those negative comment anymore.
...and you never should! Do what YOU want to do! :)
Thank you so much miss Alison for the confendice. I am a first time violin player.would like to buy lesson 1 book how much is it. Again thank you very much,
So lessons 1-10 are completely free. Follow the link below.
You can click on the 'START HERE' pdf which will tell you what you need and for which lesson, if you're unsure: www.onlineviolintutor.com/lessons-1-10-resources
Once you have finished lesson 10, you will need to move onto Song Book 1. All the links to all the books needed and when are in that PDF shee above which is your lesson plan for the entire 30 lessons.
Just click on the link above 👆
My friend picked up her first violin class during her 17 years old and finished her ABRSM Grade 8 Violin exam at her 19 years old.
And teaching freelancely starting at her 20 years old.
Welcome to adult learner gang =)