The channels Fiddler man and The Online Piano & Violin Tutor have done videos about what to look for and what to try and avoid when choosing a violin although I would love to hear Taylor Davis' take on the topic too.
I'm a 71yr retiree learning to play violin. I watched this video a couple weeks ago and said to myself "good stuff to know". Just finished practice for today and was about to watch a Hillary Hahn video to decompress and I saw this video. Decided to watch it again. Taylor this is good stuff to know. Many times I have wanted to slam my violin ($2k) against the wall in my music studio (aka laundry room). I already knew that it was going to take me a while to learn to play "decently" but the wisdom you shared in your video was on point. Patience is the key for sure. Its not like I have anywhere to go, I'm retired and wanted to use my free time to learn the violin. Wanted to learn as far back as 5th grade. I've retired twice since then (20yr Air Force career and 25yr career in private sector). My challenge is the "shakes". I am 100% left handed and I swear it is a challenge on long bows especially as well as ALL other bowing because my right hand doesn't have the muscle memory required to play the violin . My bow hand shakes like crazy and I'm praying for the moment when I learn "whatever" to make the shakes go away. But I am in this for the long haul Taylor and every time I get aggravated I will come back and rewatch this video. Thanks for the timely reminder.
Thank you for your service! I love your comment, it is really amazing to hear your story! I don't have a violin yet but my parents actually said I could soon! Congratulations on finding an instrument you like! I know it's hard to give good advice to someone nearly 6x my age, (I was born in 2011,) but I really want you to know that we're going to do this together! And I think it's so great you're learning the violin, it's never ever too late to learn an instrument! I hope you stick with it and give me an update sometime!
I’m 73 years old and have been at it for six months. I listen to a lot of these videos, and have a private instructor. I’m nowhere close to being satisfied with it, but I have noted some improvement. I’d practice more but these old muscles get sore pretty easily. Keep at it. I will if you will. Oh, and please don’t slam the violin. You’ll regret it.
"Even professionals have bad days and are insecure about themselves." Amazing advice for really just about any walk of life! I really appreciate the new video formats. I don't play any instruments, but my 5-year-old and I have have been watching your music video's and she wants to learn the violin so I'll be learning with her this winter and as our lives go.
A 're you doing suzuki even for older people. Every time you play the tune again it will be better. Try for tone pitch rhythm and ease but only one of these at a time.
She is 100 percent correct on what she says. I been practicing 9 years and started when i was 35. Now that i am 44 and sound decent so so happy i didn't quit. The first few years I'm suprised i didnt have to buy multiple violins from breaking then out of frustration. I call myself The violin Ladder Man i learned to play violin while balancing on a free standing ladder. I am telling you this because it was also part of my motivation to keep pushing on. As a person that also practice circus skills this combination of violin and ladder is crazy but cool. It took me to find a niche something different to keep me motivated that's just my little story starting out at an older age. So if your in your late teens or 20s you got time consistently is definitely key.
Wow 9yrs, i am 34 and just started, I bought it a year ago but I found it difficult. I think I am ready now, and i will be the that consistent. I am inspired, you didnt quit, well done. I am gonna do this. I will keep watching this lady shes straightforward and realistic.
40 yrs old, started playing for the first time 7 months ago. It's HARD but I am really enjoying it. Oh, and I love your Hylian shield prominently displayed on the wall!
I started at 22 (I am 78 now) purely by ear and with no lessons at all. I play Cape Breton and some Irish.. Intonation is key. Bow should always be at right angle to the strings and half way from the bridge to the finger board. Get used to using a full bow as much as you can. That leads to smoother, better bow control. I got a mandolin which was a huge help. Since it is fretted and the finger "spacing" is the same as violin, it makes it easier to "find" the notes in a piece you are learning. I do not read notation but do write out tabs as a memory aid if I have not played a tune in some time.
Played guitar since I was a kid (20 years on it), bought a violin this year having never played one before but being so intrigued. You’re right about everything here. I was surprised about how uncomfortable it is just to hold correctly. The collar bone and neck definitely need a rest after 20 mins.
This is so true for flutists as well, especially the first part. I'm still a beginner myself and it took me quite a while to make any sort of nice sound. Thankfully I didn't have to worry about the money side as my flute was a birthday gift from my parents back in secondary school. I played for a while in a woodwind band at school and that really helped with the confidence in the instrument. Being able to play with others and even do a couple of live performances in front of other students also helped in being able to play well. I really need to go back to practicing but for where I am it's really tricky to find a tutor...
I can relate.. i've been playing guitar for over 3 yrs now and started playing fingerstyle last year and i really used to sound crap.. now i can play pretty well and can play some intermediate stuff.. muscle memory is the key.. and playing the same thing over and over again... Practice is the key to mastering any instrument.. and of course having fun and dedication...
@@samkzz9148 That's amazing! I play flute and sing and it's some of the things i love doing the most! A nice day to you as well and keep up the good work! :)
I agree. I kinda wished I was told these things too with my violin teacher. Don't get me wrong, my violin teacher was great but I had a lot of insecurities too, still have them, but I honestly didn't know these things until now. I just thought I was a really slow learner and especially bad at violin but now that I know violin is a slow process I feel much better about it. I'd fallen off of violin a few years ago due to a busy work schedule but I'm ready to get back into it.
@@AudraT Violin is so worth the time to learn. But I definitely learned by playing songs I really like. I would recommend working on stuff you like if not it gets old. A lot of times my teachers would want me to learn something I had no interest in. I would encourage you to start up again! Even 10 mins a day will get you somewhere. :)
@@Jonathan-Violin I completely agree about playing what you like. I tried playing things that were uninteresting to me and it didn't take long before I realized I was learning better and enjoying more when I picked pieces I liked. I also found out just because I love listening to certain music (classical) doesn't mean I like playing it- go figure. P.S. yes, took me 3 months to respond. I turned off my notifications long ago because I got tired of being notified whenever a troll said something nasty :-S
Hello! I just turned 40 and decided THIS is the year I'm going to try something NEW...something I've always wanted to try...learn to play violin! I appreciate your video going over all of these things for beginners like me. My 12 yo son is also going to learn with me! I think we might need to learn from an actual professional at first and take classes for a while lol. We are a musical family (guitars, drums, keyboard and I used to play flute) but NO experience with violin. I'm not expecting to master this right away or even in the first year , but I'm committed! I would love more videos for beginners like me on 1) best violin brand (cecelio by mandelini?) If I'm going to spend the money I want to get the right/best violin. 2) all the other things that will help lol! I'm a massage therapist and appreciate the tip about muscle soreness and getting massage to help! LOVE your music! Thanks so much for making these videos! 👏😄
Amazing grace is my "icecream" song. I have a ton of other songs I have sheet music for. I practice about 30 minutes a day right now. I've only had mine for 6 days, and can make decent sound without scratching.
I bought a “cheap” for $260 violin and thought it was the best thing ever until my husbands family gave me a great uncle’s violin from 1800s and the sound was so amazing. Now I never touch the “cheap” one 😂
@@thealmightyone8678 Try to either get one used that is decent.. or some places sell like 200$ starter violins that are acceptable. Get them from a shop not amazon. If you can afford it. I had a 100$ violin and it worked so badly, and I could not produce any decent sound. I upgraded to just a 250$ violin and it sounds much better. Some places offer cheaper violins and upgrade the strings and bow and good rosin. Makes a huge difference.
Honestly, a cheap violin is good for people who aren’t sure if they will stick with it or not. That way you aren’t hundreds or thousands of dollars out for something you won’t commit to.
I bought a violin, bow, case, rosin and shoulder rest for 100 dollars and it's not the best quality but because I didn't know whether I was gonna stick with it or not and I didn't want to blow lots of money on it. For many people in the same situation, it doesn't make sense to spend hundreds of dollars right away
Thank you for sharing. As a beginner violinist, I have found this useful. The points you have made most impact on me are 1) practice consistently. While this should be a no brainer, but I fail to do this. Thank you for the simple, but yet necessary teaching. 2) The reinforcement that the violin is a tough instrument to take on is very helpful for me, as well. Thank you for sharing this video
I’ve amazed myself when I was able to recognize when a pitch was off in a violin scale. I learned to play the piano growing up, and this tuned in with the pitches on the piano transferred to the violin.
Playing on violin is realy hard than on any other instrument! I know that on my own experience. When I learned to play the guitar and sing, in just a couple of months I achieved a result that can be shown. And I have been playing the violin for 3 years and I'm still don't have confidence in my skill. But i love how this instrument can sing! No matter how difficult it is. This is part of my life which makes me happy and stronger.
listening to you who played led me to start a year ago. it was one of the best choices I've ever made. playing, even badly, gives me enormous satisfaction. thank you so much.
Fantastic little video. As an adult learner (7 years playing), I can verify ALL of these are valid. I got a few of your sheet books! Still my favorite celebrity.
Hi - I read many interesting comments - the highs and the lows - I am 71 years - retired etc - one of the 71 year old gentlemen said that his bowing arm shakes and another said that he does not have sufficient muscle memory - I have been learning the Violin for about a year and many times I cannot practice because I go off to Europe for about 2 months & then there is no practice etc - But surprisingly I can plug right back into playing ( Eta Cohen Book 1 lessons ) - I attend a Violin class with 90% students aged under 16 but we all are at different levels - I Video record my instructor playing the songs and practice the songs by playing along with him while playing back the Video when I am home. Its marvelous because I can get the tempo - sound etc - And when I dont have a recording - I view the song on UA-cam - mercifully I don't have problems of Shake and muscle memory - Perhaps since I play golf - muscle memory remains strong - And Most of all - its your videos and the videos of others which are so encouraging and dynamic that it keeps me going - I must also mention that my son ( who plays the Piano Great ) is thoroughly impressed both with my playing and being able to read music ( at my level ) - And I also learnt Spanish and Italian ( Basic level - A1.1 )- which I continue to learn because you forget very fast. I must mention that your conversational style of presenting is excellent as it unfreeze's me or simply relaxes the student - Thanks a million.
I am so happy that you are doing these new videos! I started playing 11 months ago, and now I am in an advanced high school orchestra, and am competing in a state competition! You are actually the one who influenced me to start playing the violin. I do have a request for your uploads, could you have a detailed video on how to do vibrato? I have been trying since August, and I have a very hard time with it because I currently have a teacher. Thank you so much for the videos! You’re great at what you do, and inspire so many people.
Really need those last words about not getting down on yourself. Just played for the 1st time today and was feeling really down about how bad I sucked. Thank you for the honesty and sharing your experience about bad days too!
I haven’t played in years. I just now picked it back up. No one knew I played. I know it’s going to take me awhile to get used to it again. But I want to thank you for the tips. It brings back memories.
👏👍 Hi Taylor: As one who plays multiple instruments - I agree, "the violin is legitimately one of the hardest instruments (if not the hardest to learn). But once you learn it, you won’t want to put it down. For me, one consolation is that the violin plays in the treble (G) clef. Being that I also play the Bb clarinet, alto saxophone, concert flute and Bb trumpet (among other clef instruments) I already knew the treble clef. So I didn't have to learn another clef, such as the alto clef for the viola or the bass clef for the cello. I usually get in about two hours (with five-minute breaks) of practice per day three days a week. I look forward to each practice session. I enjoy playing the violin so much that even a two-hour session feels just like 20 minutes! In other words, there's no problem for me to stay motivated. At times, I get carried away and go for three hours a day - with its many genres of "exciting and fun pieces." My rule of thumb is that if the tune sounds great on my concertina and harmonica, it'll sound great on my violin too. 😊 BTW: I play the violin only in the first position (first two octaves) by design. But since I only play lyrical tunes and hymns, all I need to know are notes (including sharps and flats) in the first two octaves. And since I play with little vibrato, I play the violin more like a fiddle than as a violin. But like you said, “the main thing is to have a good time with it...” 😉 🎼 🎻 ♫
Thank you Taylor. I have been on those picking and soreness situations. But i didnt give up playing. I had great musical memories playing with my violin friends including my teacher, mostly in nursing homes.
My youngest just picked up the violin and we watch your vids together all the time, he loves your cover performances. He and his fifth grade class just had their first "concert" (all plucking of course LOL). So just wanted to say thank you and let you know you inspired a him and thanks for the tips on this one!
Thanks for a great and honest bit of wisdom. I’m a 71 year-old guy who had violin lessons as a kid, but wasn’t pushed and didn’t have it in me to go for it of my own volition. Seems a pity as both of my parents were briefly concert violinists in their younger days.
Whew I needed to see this. I've been learning for around 6 months and it is SO much to remember at once! I played clarinet, mellophone, and oboe and while the oboe is finicky, it's at least a wind instrument.
Thanks! You're not alone, I still don't feel totally comfortable when I play. I've tried almost every shoulder rest out there and have even made my own makeshift shoulder rests to try out and still I'm not 100% happy with my setup. It's tough!!
I found it really helped me to change my chin rest to a center mounted chin rest. I don't use a shoulder rest (decided with my prof. in college that it wasn't for me). It's ok to change one thing at a time about your setup and try it for a while! If you talk to your music store and they know you're trying to adjust things on your instrument, they're very knowledgeable and might be able to help you find a better solution as well!
You are the one who inspired me to give violin a try... a couple years ago I was youtubing the Journey soundtrack and came across your cover and i loved it and wanted to try to do it myself. I barely even knew what a violin was when I started. But now I really love learning to play it.
I started playing 6 months ago with a 12 year history with piano. Violin is legit the hardest thing I have done, but I am having so much fun at the same time!
Wow, yours is the first video of dozens I have watched as a beginner at the violin that made me want to say thank you for the honesty and reassurance. So, thank you!
My local university has a program where a nonprofit supplies instruments to the conservatory and sells them at the end of the year to pay for new ones for the next year. They sell for half retail, so check with your nearest university to see if they also sell their conservatory instruments regularly.
Right off the bat, excellent point. Like everyone told me that it would sound squeaky and im thinking, ok thats on me. And after your first tip, I finally understood what they meant. So thank you. I'll keep that in mind as i continue
I bought a 2nd hand violin at a violin shop years ago & the sound quality is still very good. I use a digital tuner & my piano to tune the violin. I love playing violin songs. Would be great to see a video on how to play the vibrato on the violin for beginners. Thanks! 😊
To go a little more on that first tip, the age and quality of the violin (and rosin) also has a lot to do with your sound! My very first violin was a $100 from Amazon, came with a whole kit and everything! 4-5 years later my baby is broken in and sounds incredible. Now working on breaking in another violin that was decently more expensive! Lol
In the Philippine where "a few hundred dollars" is already expensive, (and there are no rentals here) the "affordable" option is to take it to a Luthier or a luthier's apprentice to tweak and do a proper set up. Thanks for this video. A former student is asking what to know before learning the violin. This is helpful.
i had never touched a violin before, only played the guitar, but i felt like buying it one day, and now im just in love with the instrument, I've never been so excited with guitar for example, i believe it's really important to try different instrument before knowing which one is right. im luckt enough to have nothing else to do but play violin all day during quarantine sooo yeah im going to be a pain to my parents and neighbors!
I just discovered your channel today when I was looking for The Gael played on violin. I just got my 11y/o son connected to play violin. About 4 months into weekly lessons. I need mentorship training information for him! Thank you and I hope your little dude is enjoying life with his parents!
I taught myself how to play panflute! You were such an inspiration to follow my dreams because your beauty and kindness has pushed me to smile through it all.
Yes, please a video on buying violin and equipment! I've been playing my rented one for a year now and would love to buy myself a brand new quality violin once I've hit the 1 1/2 years mark.
Violin is my favorite sound I can feel it in my heart to be honest, just beautiful! my grandfather played and I used to sneak and try to play it and it sounded just like this 1:08 . love you Taylor! I think this is a great idea!
“It could probably take you awhile just for you to make a decent sound” Never have I been so offended at something i 100% agree with Thanks for the tips tho It’s been 2 years since I’ve been playing and I still sound like crap
Taylor, you are awesome. I've been watching your videos for quite a while. They help motivate me to keep trying. So glad to hear you have sheet music collections for sale. Count me in.
Compared to ballet, this is easy haha. But for reals... I'm on my second day picking it up and I've wanted to learn this instrument for 20+ years and I'm so excited!!! It doesn't sound awful... as I already know music theory I'm really concentrating on sound production so I can keep it as clean as I can within my beginner exercise and sheets. Thank you for these tips on what to look for.
Thank you for making this I'm 14 yes old I started playing when I was 10 or 11 and I stopped and lost all of the information I learned. I got back into it at 13 and a year later am still struggling becuse I binge practice . It is a beautiful instrument and does indeed take practice to get it to sound that way, but for anyone struggling with this instrument. You've got this and you will get better
I stared playing the Vilion in 2010 but I gave up beacuse I was terrible at it, but I started again after I saw your video He's A Pirate. You inspired me to get back to it.
I’m almost 60 and have decided I want to be a violinist. I was looking at buying an $80 violin online until I saw a few YT tutorials about violins needing to be “set up” to make them “playable”. So I just bought a violin from a German luthier. Violin still made in China BUT this luthier “set up” violin (removed all the added parts and customed them to make violin sound beautiful) he also put decent strings on violin (violino) and gave me an hr tutorial in how to tune and care for all parts of the instrument. Spent $695 instead.... but violin is such a darling to play.... 😃
14 months in as an adult beginner and EVERYTHING you said on this video is CORRECT !!!! - Left hand in tune is difficult but it is the right hand that makes the left hand out-of-tune notes sound SOOOOO bad !!!! - My break-through was learning how the right wrist has to change angle with the forearm to keep the bow straight, once I understood that, the sound dramatically improved immediately - then keeping the pressure correct through the bow length improved it further - now I just gotta get in tune :) - THANKS for the video
Thank you for what I need to know. I did not know about these things!😊 I have been playing the violin for 7 months now and I am getting better than when I first started. This video helped me a lot.😊
Thank you so much for these tips, ive always seen the violin as a very proffesional instrument and you made this so down to earth. I used to play when I was like 7, was okay could understands basic sheet music. Haven't played since. Now 20 and just bought a violin since I play guitar and ukulele. Trying to relearn everything and get back into it cos it's such a beautiful instrument. I'm committing, but I learn better by ear. I sound awful but I'm getting the keys right. My bow work is terrible so thank you for the encouragement. It's okay to sound bad sometimes, as long as you're having fun 😅😁
I have been studies for 2 years and i stop for 2 years because my buzy activity and after I saw this video, i want to play my violin seriously. I don't know sense of violin take me back to learn and practice again.😊🎻
This list is very helpful guys. I know that because I'm a violinist as well and every thing Taylor says in the video is 100% true and accurate. Thank you Taylor for posting this video.
I recently picked it back up after several years of not playing. 😂 the cat screeching is back. But I DID remember how to play and somewhat read music!!!
I spent about $500 on mine. IT's a Yamaha. I'm starting to practice regularly. I've improved but the sound still isn't the best. Kind of screechy. I'm glad that's normal and to know it could take a while. This was a great video. You have a new subscriber.
I started playing violin in high school. It was my third instrument after piano and clarinet. I always wanted to play violin but my high school only did brass, woodwinds and percussion. Anyways my violin teacher was super mean he would make me cry almost every week. Which was unfortunate especially because he was distantly related to me. So I gave up on violin. When I was in university I was really missing music since music was basically my entire world in high school. I decided to try lessons again but my teacher told me to quite and that I’d never be able to play violin. And all this rambling is to say that now at 29 you inspire me to try again. Here’s hoping I still have at least some muscle memory still.
Hello, in reading your comment, I just have to say this: Anyone who says you cannot do something instead of encouraging you to push forward is unkind, don't allow anyone to ever break you or destroy your dreams. You are an achiever, you are a success in anything you do! Think positive without a doubt and rise up ...... you can do and do it well!
I really like your five comments for new players. I took Suzuki from 4-6 years old. Have decided to learn now at a much older age …in my 50’s. Excited but, you’re right, it sounds a bit rough! 🤪😂
Great tips!! I absolutely agree with all of them. Especially about not sounding good at the beginning, lol. I have been playing for almost 6 years (adult learner), and I still struggle all the time. It's especially difficult when I work with orchestra students who are better than me! But I keep plugging away, and working hard. Practice with intention!
I love this video. I have been teaching myself to play for about 6 years after playing piano for over a decade and I found all your tips to resonate with my own struggles and experiences. It feels great to know that it has not only been me going through the strangeness that is this instrument.
I can really good relate to all of this. I got the old violin from my great grand mother after I had brought it so it could be repaired a little bit after 60 years hanging on the wall. Now I try learning how to play it an some people who heard me play said I know which song you try to play but you have to get faster or the song happy birthday will sound very sadly 😂 but I think with more practice I will get faster at time.
Started 3 days ago. I guess it's almost been 12 hours of practice just to get the vibrato going. Now i can get a few phrases of nice sound out of it. Never in my life would i expect to go on stage playing it. But I'm a music producer and engineer so i don't have to perform 😄
Awesome video, I look forward to more violin tips. I’m a self taught violinist so I really appreciate these types of videos! Also I love your music I listened to both your original albums at work today :)
It’s frustrating at times. The D string is the hardest. Squeak city! I play guitar but this instrument is on another level. You are right it is physically awkward and challenging but we move on. Thanks for the video!
had my lesson way back 2006.. but was easily discouraged back then since I was really distracted with a lot of things going on with my life back then, plus my mom's brutal about how I sound back then lol.. really looking to get back again.. I think I can still acquire a decent skill level at the age of 33
Informative video. Thank you for taking the time to do it. I heard someone on UA-cam say that the violin was the easiest instrument to learn, so I got one for Christmas. Not having an easy time and now I'm thinking at the age of 61 I may actually be too old to learn. Blessings
I am a violinist and I started when I was 8 years old. It is difficult but with practice you can do it. I thought that getting uncomfortable was not normal, but you said that normally, the violin is not a comfortable instrument. So I'll just have massages. My right shoulder hurts a lot when i play a lot so Thanks a lot for the tips 🙂😁
If you do go cheap make sure to get the violin with the fine tuning knobs because the cheaper ones are harder to tune with the tuning keys its ultra sensitive and just takes a tiny sliver of a turn to change the note entirely, also cheaper violins have weaker holes for the tuning pegs they tend to slip more easily and so its hard to maintain tune if your new as I am...
I would absolutely love a video about how to pick a violin.
step 1 : extend your arm over the violin
step 2 : grabe the violin with your hand
step 3 : pick the violin
No need to thanks me >.>
I'm sure picking a violin string for a note would be a task in and of itself.
@Jesse Segreti well go to a luthier, repeat the same step and don't forget to pay !
You're welcome, I love to help people !
The violin chooses the violinist.
The channels Fiddler man and The Online Piano & Violin Tutor
have done videos about what to look for and what to try and avoid when choosing
a violin although I would love to hear Taylor Davis' take on the topic too.
I'm a 71yr retiree learning to play violin. I watched this video a couple weeks ago and said to myself "good stuff to know". Just finished practice for today and was about to watch a Hillary Hahn video to decompress and I saw this video. Decided to watch it again. Taylor this is good stuff to know. Many times I have wanted to slam my violin ($2k) against the wall in my music studio (aka laundry room). I already knew that it was going to take me a while to learn to play "decently" but the wisdom you shared in your video was on point. Patience is the key for sure. Its not like I have anywhere to go, I'm retired and wanted to use my free time to learn the violin. Wanted to learn as far back as 5th grade. I've retired twice since then (20yr Air Force career and 25yr career in private sector). My challenge is the "shakes". I am 100% left handed and I swear it is a challenge on long bows especially as well as ALL other bowing because my right hand doesn't have the muscle memory required to play the violin . My bow hand shakes like crazy and I'm praying for the moment when I learn "whatever" to make the shakes go away. But I am in this for the long haul Taylor and every time I get aggravated I will come back and rewatch this video. Thanks for the timely reminder.
Thank you for your service! I love your comment, it is really amazing to hear your story! I don't have a violin yet but my parents actually said I could soon! Congratulations on finding an instrument you like! I know it's hard to give good advice to someone nearly 6x my age, (I was born in 2011,) but I really want you to know that we're going to do this together! And I think it's so great you're learning the violin, it's never ever too late to learn an instrument! I hope you stick with it and give me an update sometime!
I’m 73 years old and have been at it for six months. I listen to a lot of these videos, and have a private instructor. I’m nowhere close to being satisfied with it, but I have noted some improvement. I’d practice more but these old muscles get sore pretty easily.
Keep at it. I will if you will.
Oh, and please don’t slam the violin. You’ll regret it.
"Even professionals have bad days and are insecure about themselves." Amazing advice for really just about any walk of life! I really appreciate the new video formats. I don't play any instruments, but my 5-year-old and I have have been watching your music video's and she wants to learn the violin so I'll be learning with her this winter and as our lives go.
My violin abilities start and stop at playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 😁 Great advice!
Same here🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A
're you doing suzuki even for older people. Every time you play the tune again it will be better. Try for tone pitch rhythm and ease but only one of these at a time.
She is 100 percent correct on what she says. I been practicing 9 years and started when i was 35. Now that i am 44 and sound decent so so happy i didn't quit. The first few years I'm suprised i didnt have to buy multiple violins from breaking then out of frustration. I call myself The violin Ladder Man i learned to play violin while balancing on a free standing ladder. I am telling you this because it was also part of my motivation to keep pushing on. As a person that also practice circus skills this combination of violin and ladder is crazy but cool. It took me to find a niche something different to keep me motivated that's just my little story starting out at an older age. So if your in your late teens or 20s you got time consistently is definitely key.
This is how an older video but thought you might like to see it.
ua-cam.com/video/Wgbb1N2_HUQ/v-deo.html
Wow 9yrs, i am 34 and just started, I bought it a year ago but I found it difficult. I think I am ready now, and i will be the that consistent. I am inspired, you didnt quit, well done. I am gonna do this. I will keep watching this lady shes straightforward and realistic.
2:51 this already been answer from another violin channel : 40 hours/day
William Siauw
Ling ling practices 40 hours a DaY!!
"If you can play it slow, you can play it fast!!"
Flight of the bumblebee....
SACRILEGIOUS !!!!
Ling Ling wannabeeee
40 yrs old, started playing for the first time 7 months ago. It's HARD but I am really enjoying it. Oh, and I love your Hylian shield prominently displayed on the wall!
I started at 35 and still loving it.
That's awesome, and the fact that you're enjoying it means you're doing it the right way! 😊
I just started yesterday and I'm 35. Love to see these comments from us older musicians :D
Mary Miller I just started and I’m 42.
U r inspiration to us 😊 thank u so much 👍
I started at 22 (I am 78 now) purely by ear and with no lessons at all. I play Cape Breton and some Irish.. Intonation is key. Bow should always be at right angle to the strings and half way from the bridge to the finger board. Get used to using a full bow as much as you can. That leads to smoother, better bow control. I got a mandolin which was a huge help. Since it is fretted and the finger "spacing" is the same as violin, it makes it easier to "find" the notes in a piece you are learning. I do not read notation but do write out tabs as a memory aid if I have not played a tune in some time.
“We payed for a year and we’re gonna get the full year out of it” 😂 I like your mom attitude
haha yes me too, thank goodness for my mom!
Taylor Davis I actually bought an electric violin but need chin and shoulder rest plus new strings.
Any tips on how to tune an electric violin?
Played guitar since I was a kid (20 years on it), bought a violin this year having never played one before but being so intrigued. You’re right about everything here. I was surprised about how uncomfortable it is just to hold correctly. The collar bone and neck definitely need a rest after 20 mins.
This is so true for flutists as well, especially the first part. I'm still a beginner myself and it took me quite a while to make any sort of nice sound. Thankfully I didn't have to worry about the money side as my flute was a birthday gift from my parents back in secondary school. I played for a while in a woodwind band at school and that really helped with the confidence in the instrument. Being able to play with others and even do a couple of live performances in front of other students also helped in being able to play well. I really need to go back to practicing but for where I am it's really tricky to find a tutor...
I am stuck in quarantine. I just got a violin and I’m teaching myself to play the violin. This has been the most helpful video yet. Thank you
How's the progress going?
How is it going?!
Still playing?
I can relate.. i've been playing guitar for over 3 yrs now and started playing fingerstyle last year and i really used to sound crap.. now i can play pretty well and can play some intermediate stuff.. muscle memory is the key.. and playing the same thing over and over again... Practice is the key to mastering any instrument.. and of course having fun and dedication...
Couldn't have said it better! Hope you will enjoy playing the guitar for many more years to go :)
@@annaariza1575 thank you anna.. yes i love playing guitar and love music in general... Bdw what instrument do you play... Have a nice day☺️
@@samkzz9148 That's amazing! I play flute and sing and it's some of the things i love doing the most! A nice day to you as well and keep up the good work! :)
@@annaariza1575 oh wow... That's amazing.. flute players are definitely rare.. keep playing ☺️
I wish someone would have told me these things when I started. I'm so glad you are giving advice to beginners! :). 3:48. 😂
I agree. I kinda wished I was told these things too with my violin teacher. Don't get me wrong, my violin teacher was great but I had a lot of insecurities too, still have them, but I honestly didn't know these things until now. I just thought I was a really slow learner and especially bad at violin but now that I know violin is a slow process I feel much better about it. I'd fallen off of violin a few years ago due to a busy work schedule but I'm ready to get back into it.
@@AudraT Violin is so worth the time to learn. But I definitely learned by playing songs I really like. I would recommend working on stuff you like if not it gets old. A lot of times my teachers would want me to learn something I had no interest in. I would encourage you to start up again! Even 10 mins a day will get you somewhere. :)
@@Jonathan-Violin I completely agree about playing what you like. I tried playing things that were uninteresting to me and it didn't take long before I realized I was learning better and enjoying more when I picked pieces I liked. I also found out just because I love listening to certain music (classical) doesn't mean I like playing it- go figure. P.S. yes, took me 3 months to respond. I turned off my notifications long ago because I got tired of being notified whenever a troll said something nasty :-S
Hello! I just turned 40 and decided THIS is the year I'm going to try something NEW...something I've always wanted to try...learn to play violin! I appreciate your video going over all of these things for beginners like me. My 12 yo son is also going to learn with me! I think we might need to learn from an actual professional at first and take classes for a while lol. We are a musical family (guitars, drums, keyboard and I used to play flute) but NO experience with violin. I'm not expecting to master this right away or even in the first year , but I'm committed! I would love more videos for beginners like me on 1) best violin brand (cecelio by mandelini?) If I'm going to spend the money I want to get the right/best violin.
2) all the other things that will help lol!
I'm a massage therapist and appreciate the tip about muscle soreness and getting massage to help!
LOVE your music! Thanks so much for making these videos! 👏😄
This is so true, I started learning to play the violin a few months ago. And your music is really inspiring and motivating me, thank you so much !
Amazing grace is my "icecream" song. I have a ton of other songs I have sheet music for. I practice about 30 minutes a day right now. I've only had mine for 6 days, and can make decent sound without scratching.
I bought a “cheap” for $260 violin and thought it was the best thing ever until my husbands family gave me a great uncle’s violin from 1800s and the sound was so amazing. Now I never touch the “cheap” one 😂
Mine is 50 dollars 😟
@@thealmightyone8678 you should get a violin for at least $100 or more, it's a lot easier to play, tune, and it sounds a lot better than the $50 one
@@thealmightyone8678 Try to either get one used that is decent.. or some places sell like 200$ starter violins that are acceptable. Get them from a shop not amazon. If you can afford it. I had a 100$ violin and it worked so badly, and I could not produce any decent sound. I upgraded to just a 250$ violin and it sounds much better. Some places offer cheaper violins and upgrade the strings and bow and good rosin. Makes a huge difference.
Honestly, a cheap violin is good for people who aren’t sure if they will stick with it or not. That way you aren’t hundreds or thousands of dollars out for something you won’t commit to.
I bought a violin, bow, case, rosin and shoulder rest for 100 dollars and it's not the best quality but because I didn't know whether I was gonna stick with it or not and I didn't want to blow lots of money on it. For many people in the same situation, it doesn't make sense to spend hundreds of dollars right away
4:14
The best part.
THIS WAS SO CUTE!
It’s not at all discouraging! The difficulty inspires me!
Thank you for sharing. As a beginner violinist, I have found this useful. The points you have made most impact on me are 1) practice consistently. While this should be a no brainer, but I fail to do this. Thank you for the simple, but yet necessary teaching. 2) The reinforcement that the violin is a tough instrument to take on is very helpful for me, as well. Thank you for sharing this video
I’ve amazed myself when I was able to recognize when a pitch was off in a violin scale. I learned to play the piano growing up, and this tuned in with the pitches on the piano transferred to the violin.
Playing on violin is realy hard than on any other instrument! I know that on my own experience.
When I learned to play the guitar and sing, in just a couple of months I achieved a result that can be shown. And I have been playing the violin for 3 years and I'm still don't have confidence in my skill.
But i love how this instrument can sing! No matter how difficult it is. This is part of my life which makes me happy and stronger.
listening to you who played led me to start a year ago. it was one of the best choices I've ever made. playing, even badly, gives me enormous satisfaction. thank you so much.
I'm 45
You’re being honest and saying you won’t get a great sound in ten minutes , that’s nice to hear , and it ‘s accurate in my experience
Fantastic little video. As an adult learner (7 years playing), I can verify ALL of these are valid. I got a few of your sheet books! Still my favorite celebrity.
Hi - I read many interesting comments - the highs and the lows - I am 71 years - retired etc - one of the 71 year old gentlemen said that his bowing arm shakes and another said that he does not have sufficient muscle memory - I have been learning the Violin for about a year and many times I cannot practice because I go off to Europe for about 2 months & then there is no practice etc - But surprisingly I can plug right back into playing ( Eta Cohen Book 1 lessons ) - I attend a Violin class with 90% students aged under 16 but we all are at different levels - I Video record my instructor playing the songs and practice the songs by playing along with him while playing back the Video when I am home. Its marvelous because I can get the tempo - sound etc - And when I dont have a recording - I view the song on UA-cam - mercifully I don't have problems of Shake and muscle memory - Perhaps since I play golf - muscle memory remains strong - And Most of all - its your videos and the videos of others which are so encouraging and dynamic that it keeps me going - I must also mention that my son ( who plays the Piano Great ) is thoroughly impressed both with my playing and being able to read music ( at my level ) - And I also learnt Spanish and Italian ( Basic level - A1.1 )- which I continue to learn because you forget very fast. I must mention that your conversational style of presenting is excellent as it unfreeze's me or simply relaxes the student - Thanks a million.
I am so happy that you are doing these new videos! I started playing 11 months ago, and now I am in an advanced high school orchestra, and am competing in a state competition! You are actually the one who influenced me to start playing the violin. I do have a request for your uploads, could you have a detailed video on how to do vibrato? I have been trying since August, and I have a very hard time with it because I currently have a teacher. Thank you so much for the videos! You’re great at what you do, and inspire so many people.
Thanks a lot for that video 💚
"Keep motivated" & "practice consistently" is what I really needed to hear 🎻
Really need those last words about not getting down on yourself. Just played for the 1st time today and was feeling really down about how bad I sucked. Thank you for the honesty and sharing your experience about bad days too!
I haven’t played in years. I just now picked it back up. No one knew I played. I know it’s going to take me awhile to get used to it again. But I want to thank you for the tips. It brings back memories.
i have just gotten a violin. And I am 12,, thanks for doing this video...i also have never played the violin but getting lessons
👏👍 Hi Taylor: As one who plays multiple instruments - I agree, "the violin is legitimately one of the hardest instruments (if not the hardest to learn). But once you learn it, you won’t want to put it down. For me, one consolation is that the violin plays in the treble (G) clef. Being that I also play the Bb clarinet, alto saxophone, concert flute and Bb trumpet (among other clef instruments) I already knew the treble clef. So I didn't have to learn another clef, such as the alto clef for the viola or the bass clef for the cello.
I usually get in about two hours (with five-minute breaks) of practice per day three days a week. I look forward to each practice session. I enjoy playing the violin so much that even a two-hour session feels just like 20 minutes! In other words, there's no problem for me to stay motivated. At times, I get carried away and go for three hours a day - with its many genres of "exciting and fun pieces." My rule of thumb is that if the tune sounds great on my concertina and harmonica, it'll sound great on my violin too. 😊
BTW: I play the violin only in the first position (first two octaves) by design. But since I only play lyrical tunes and hymns, all I need to know are notes (including sharps and flats) in the first two octaves. And since I play with little vibrato, I play the violin more like a fiddle than as a violin. But like you said, “the main thing is to have a good time with it...” 😉 🎼 🎻 ♫
Thank you Taylor. I have been on those picking and soreness situations. But i didnt give up playing. I had great musical memories playing with my violin friends including my teacher, mostly in nursing homes.
My youngest just picked up the violin and we watch your vids together all the time, he loves your cover performances. He and his fifth grade class just had their first "concert" (all plucking of course LOL). So just wanted to say thank you and let you know you inspired a him and thanks for the tips on this one!
Thanks for a great and honest bit of wisdom. I’m a 71 year-old guy who had violin lessons as a kid, but wasn’t pushed and didn’t have it in me to go for it of my own volition. Seems a pity as both of my parents were briefly concert violinists in their younger days.
I got my violin today and am adding rosin while listening:)
Which one did you get?
Whew I needed to see this. I've been learning for around 6 months and it is SO much to remember at once! I played clarinet, mellophone, and oboe and while the oboe is finicky, it's at least a wind instrument.
My daughter has just started playing this year in school. A video discussing do's and dont's and what to buy would be fantastic. Love your work !
Good tips Taylor, i find that the hardest part for me is holding my violin both comfortable and correctly to just play it. Thanks for the help.
Thanks! You're not alone, I still don't feel totally comfortable when I play. I've tried almost every shoulder rest out there and have even made my own makeshift shoulder rests to try out and still I'm not 100% happy with my setup. It's tough!!
I found it really helped me to change my chin rest to a center mounted chin rest. I don't use a shoulder rest (decided with my prof. in college that it wasn't for me). It's ok to change one thing at a time about your setup and try it for a while! If you talk to your music store and they know you're trying to adjust things on your instrument, they're very knowledgeable and might be able to help you find a better solution as well!
You are the one who inspired me to give violin a try... a couple years ago I was youtubing the Journey soundtrack and came across your cover and i loved it and wanted to try to do it myself. I barely even knew what a violin was when I started. But now I really love learning to play it.
I started playing 6 months ago with a 12 year history with piano. Violin is legit the hardest thing I have done, but I am having so much fun at the same time!
I started playing 4 yrs ago. I’m 66 now n still loving it. It’s amazing. ❤️❤️
Wow, yours is the first video of dozens I have watched as a beginner at the violin that made me want to say thank you for the honesty and reassurance. So, thank you!
My local university has a program where a nonprofit supplies instruments to the conservatory and sells them at the end of the year to pay for new ones for the next year. They sell for half retail, so check with your nearest university to see if they also sell their conservatory instruments regularly.
I love the way you're saying everyone sounds "disgusting" at first. It's giving me so much joy and comfort 😊
Right off the bat, excellent point. Like everyone told me that it would sound squeaky and im thinking, ok thats on me. And after your first tip, I finally understood what they meant. So thank you. I'll keep that in mind as i continue
I bought a 2nd hand violin at a violin shop years ago & the sound quality is still very good. I use a digital tuner & my piano to tune the violin. I love playing violin songs. Would be great to see a video on how to play the vibrato on the violin for beginners. Thanks! 😊
My great grandmothers violin came into my possession late last year and I have been learning with this.
To go a little more on that first tip, the age and quality of the violin (and rosin) also has a lot to do with your sound! My very first violin was a $100 from Amazon, came with a whole kit and everything! 4-5 years later my baby is broken in and sounds incredible. Now working on breaking in another violin that was decently more expensive! Lol
In the Philippine where "a few hundred dollars" is already expensive, (and there are no rentals here) the "affordable" option is to take it to a Luthier or a luthier's apprentice to tweak and do a proper set up.
Thanks for this video. A former student is asking what to know before learning the violin. This is helpful.
Early violin playing = killing cats. I have the same Luis and Clark violin! Miss your vids.
i had never touched a violin before, only played the guitar, but i felt like buying it one day, and now im just in love with the instrument, I've never been so excited with guitar for example, i believe it's really important to try different instrument before knowing which one is right. im luckt enough to have nothing else to do but play violin all day during quarantine sooo yeah im going to be a pain to my parents and neighbors!
I just discovered your channel today when I was looking for The Gael played on violin. I just got my 11y/o son connected to play violin. About 4 months into weekly lessons. I need mentorship training information for him! Thank you and I hope your little dude is enjoying life with his parents!
I taught myself how to play panflute! You were such an inspiration to follow my dreams because your beauty and kindness has pushed me to smile through it all.
Yes, please a video on buying violin and equipment! I've been playing my rented one for a year now and would love to buy myself a brand new quality violin once I've hit the 1 1/2 years mark.
Violin is my favorite sound I can feel it in my heart to be honest, just beautiful! my grandfather played and I used to sneak and try to play it and it sounded just like this 1:08 . love you Taylor! I think this is a great idea!
“It could probably take you awhile just for you to make a decent sound”
Never have I been so offended at something i 100% agree with
Thanks for the tips tho
It’s been 2 years since I’ve been playing and I still sound like crap
how often do you practise ?
That is true
Taylor : my point of saying this is not to incourage you
me : who didnt start yet but knocking the whole idea out of my mind
Taylor, you are awesome. I've been watching your videos for quite a while. They help motivate me to keep trying. So glad to hear you have sheet music collections for sale. Count me in.
Compared to ballet, this is easy haha.
But for reals... I'm on my second day picking it up and I've wanted to learn this instrument for 20+ years and I'm so excited!!! It doesn't sound awful... as I already know music theory I'm really concentrating on sound production so I can keep it as clean as I can within my beginner exercise and sheets. Thank you for these tips on what to look for.
Thank you for making this
I'm 14 yes old I started playing when I was 10 or 11 and I stopped and lost all of the information I learned. I got back into it at 13 and a year later am still struggling becuse I binge practice
.
It is a beautiful instrument and does indeed take practice to get it to sound that way, but for anyone struggling with this instrument. You've got this and you will get better
I started on the violin. I now play guitar and bass guitar. HER ADVICE IS SOLID!!!
I stared playing the Vilion in 2010 but I gave up beacuse I was terrible at it, but I started again after I saw your video He's A Pirate. You inspired me to get back to it.
This level of honesty is exactly what I needed to hear … 🙌🏾
I’m almost 60 and have decided I want to be a violinist. I was looking at buying an $80 violin online until I saw a few YT tutorials about violins needing to be “set up” to make them “playable”. So I just bought a violin from a German luthier. Violin still made in China BUT this luthier “set up” violin (removed all the added parts and customed them to make violin sound beautiful) he also put decent strings on violin (violino) and gave me an hr tutorial in how to tune and care for all parts of the instrument. Spent $695 instead.... but violin is such a darling to play.... 😃
Good plan
Let me know if you would like a few lessons for free. Not a Taylor level player, but I know how to play.
I used to play in high school 13 years ago and I'm debating on picking it up again. I still remember the basics
14 months in as an adult beginner and EVERYTHING you said on this video is CORRECT !!!! - Left hand in tune is difficult but it is the right hand that makes the left hand out-of-tune notes sound SOOOOO bad !!!! - My break-through was learning how the right wrist has to change angle with the forearm to keep the bow straight, once I understood that, the sound dramatically improved immediately - then keeping the pressure correct through the bow length improved it further - now I just gotta get in tune :) - THANKS for the video
Thank you for what I need to know. I did not know about these things!😊 I have been playing the violin for 7 months now and I am getting better than when I first started. This video helped me a lot.😊
My great grandfather gifted me his beautiful violin and I really want to learn and your videos are so useful
Thank you so much for these tips, ive always seen the violin as a very proffesional instrument and you made this so down to earth. I used to play when I was like 7, was okay could understands basic sheet music. Haven't played since. Now 20 and just bought a violin since I play guitar and ukulele. Trying to relearn everything and get back into it cos it's such a beautiful instrument. I'm committing, but I learn better by ear. I sound awful but I'm getting the keys right. My bow work is terrible so thank you for the encouragement. It's okay to sound bad sometimes, as long as you're having fun 😅😁
I have been studies for 2 years and i stop for 2 years because my buzy activity and after I saw this video, i want to play my violin seriously. I don't know sense of violin take me back to learn and practice again.😊🎻
This list is very helpful guys. I know that because I'm a violinist as well and every thing Taylor says in the video is 100% true and accurate. Thank you Taylor for posting this video.
I recently picked it back up after several years of not playing. 😂 the cat screeching is back. But I DID remember how to play and somewhat read music!!!
I have had 6 lessons and have been playing for two months. So I guess I'm not doing too bad after seeing your video. Thanks !!
Good to see your video after 8 years. Am your big fan. Really loved braveheart cover. Listened to 100s times.
I spent about $500 on mine. IT's a Yamaha. I'm starting to practice regularly. I've improved but the sound still isn't the best. Kind of screechy. I'm glad that's normal and to know it could take a while. This was a great video. You have a new subscriber.
I started playing violin in high school. It was my third instrument after piano and clarinet. I always wanted to play violin but my high school only did brass, woodwinds and percussion. Anyways my violin teacher was super mean he would make me cry almost every week. Which was unfortunate especially because he was distantly related to me. So I gave up on violin. When I was in university I was really missing music since music was basically my entire world in high school. I decided to try lessons again but my teacher told me to quite and that I’d never be able to play violin. And all this rambling is to say that now at 29 you inspire me to try again. Here’s hoping I still have at least some muscle memory still.
Please do it again! You can do it! There's no age for learning! ❤️🙏
Hello, in reading your comment, I just have to say this: Anyone who says you cannot do something instead of encouraging you to push forward is unkind, don't allow anyone to ever break you or destroy your dreams. You are an achiever, you are a success in anything you do! Think positive without a doubt and rise up ...... you can do and do it well!
Finally someone who doesn't waffle T-T I've waited my whole life for this.
Hi Taylor nice to see you again!
I really like your five comments for new players. I took Suzuki from 4-6 years old. Have decided to learn now at a much older age …in my 50’s. Excited but, you’re right, it sounds a bit rough! 🤪😂
You saying violin is a hard instrument makes me motivated to practice even more.
Great tips!! I absolutely agree with all of them. Especially about not sounding good at the beginning, lol. I have been playing for almost 6 years (adult learner), and I still struggle all the time. It's especially difficult when I work with orchestra students who are better than me! But I keep plugging away, and working hard. Practice with intention!
I can learn many at here .Thank you so much Mrs Taylor Davis.
I love this video. I have been teaching myself to play for about 6 years after playing piano for over a decade and I found all your tips to resonate with my own struggles and experiences. It feels great to know that it has not only been me going through the strangeness that is this instrument.
I can really good relate to all of this. I got the old violin from my great grand mother after I had brought it so it could be repaired a little bit after 60 years hanging on the wall. Now I try learning how to play it an some people who heard me play said I know which song you try to play but you have to get faster or the song happy birthday will sound very sadly 😂 but I think with more practice I will get faster at time.
Started 3 days ago. I guess it's almost been 12 hours of practice just to get the vibrato going.
Now i can get a few phrases of nice sound out of it. Never in my life would i expect to go on stage playing it. But I'm a music producer and engineer so i don't have to perform 😄
Awesome video, I look forward to more violin tips. I’m a self taught violinist so I really appreciate these types of videos! Also I love your music I listened to both your original albums at work today :)
Really good video on setting realistic expectations for new violin players
Alexander Technique and a kreedle have helped me a ton with my violin related neck problems.
I would love a separate video on buying a violin please.
It’s frustrating at times. The D string is the hardest. Squeak city! I play guitar but this instrument is on another level. You are right it is physically awkward and challenging but we move on. Thanks for the video!
had my lesson way back 2006.. but was easily discouraged back then since I was really distracted with a lot of things going on with my life back then, plus my mom's brutal about how I sound back then lol.. really looking to get back again.. I think I can still acquire a decent skill level at the age of 33
Informative video. Thank you for taking the time to do it.
I heard someone on UA-cam say that the violin was the easiest instrument to learn, so I got one for Christmas. Not having an easy time and now I'm thinking at the age of 61 I may actually be too old to learn. Blessings
Don't give up
I am a violinist and I started when I was 8 years old.
It is difficult but with practice you can do it.
I thought that getting uncomfortable was not normal, but you said that normally, the violin is not a comfortable instrument. So I'll just have massages. My right shoulder hurts a lot when i play a lot so
Thanks a lot for the tips 🙂😁
Great do see you do these educational videos now. I would apreciate a video about how to practice properly.
I LOVE your violin and how it looks like fiber! So cool
Also I suggest a how to play a song series where you show us how to play a song.
Can you do a what’s in my violin case video?
I’ve always wanted to play violins they are the most beautiful instrument
If you do go cheap make sure to get the violin with the fine tuning knobs because the cheaper ones are harder to tune with the tuning keys its ultra sensitive and just takes a tiny sliver of a turn to change the note entirely, also cheaper violins have weaker holes for the tuning pegs they tend to slip more easily and so its hard to maintain tune if your new as I am...