The Best Violin Lessons

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Violin lessons are professionally taught courses and one-on-one instruction sessions that help individuals of varying ages learn how to play and understand the fundamentals of the instrument. While specific lesson plans can vary among instructors, beginning violin students typically learn how to hold the instrument correctly, bowing techniques, tuning, and how to play scales.




Violin students are also assigned etudes, or shorter musical compositions to help sharpen their skills and build confidence in performing. In addition to individual lessons and group instruction, violin lessons are also taught at community colleges, music camps, and performing arts schools.


How do you start learning to play the violin?

You can start learning to play the violin by taking lessons. Violin lessons are available for students at all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Lessons with a skilled instructor help students learn everything from the basics of holding the instrument and understanding scales to how to play advanced sonatas.

Is violin hard to learn?

The violin is considered a difficult instrument to learn. However, with continued practice, many students can become advanced players within four years. Learning violin may be easier for some students than others, depending on how comfortable they are with the instrument, along with their overall comprehension of the sheet music and violin techniques.


How do you learn violin notes?

To learn violin notes, a student must first learn about the staff and clef, or the lines on sheet music pages, then they must learn the names of each note, which are A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Students who can pick up notes by listening, or "play by ear," may be able to learn violin notes without sheet music.


Can you learn to play the violin by yourself?

It is possible to learn to play the violin by yourself if you can read music and follow violin instruction either through books or online tutorials. Additionally, certain people have the ability to recognize violin notes in songs and repeat them on the instrument.


How long does it take to learn the violin?

Certain violin songs can be learned within two to three months, however this can vary based on a student's overall comprehension of the instrument. With continual practice, many students can become skilled violinists within three to five years.


Is playing the violin harder than playing the guitar?

While players' specific experiences can vary, in general, it's believed that playing the violin is harder than playing the guitar. This is due to factors such as playing postures, instrument size, and the fact that guitars are designed with fretboards that aid in creating notes, while violins don't have fretboards.


Can I learn violin online?

Adults and children can learn violin online through various video chat platforms. These platforms allow instructors and students to communicate in real time, similar to in-person lessons. Courses available online range from beginner basics to advanced techniques.


What age to start violin lessons?

In general, the best age for children to start violin lessons is between five and six years old, but children as young as age three can start lessons with modified instruments. However, there's no set age requirement to start violin lessons, so adults can also begin learning violin at any age.


Am I too old to learn violin?

No one is ever too old to learn the violin or any musical instrument. While it can take up to eight years of continuous training to become proficient, a positive mindset and an eagerness to learn combined with continued practice make it possible for students of all ages to learn the violin.


How much are violin lessons?

Violin lessons for children and adults can cost between $15 and $100. Half-hour lessons generally start at $15, while hour-long sessions can start at $40. An instructor may charge more or less depending on their specific qualifications, and lessons provided by  community colleges and music schools are generally covered by the cost of tuition.


How much do violin lessons cost for adults?

On average, violin lessons for adults range between $15 and $35 per half hour and $40 to $100 per hour. Specific prices may be higher depending on the experience and qualifications of the instructor and the skill level of the student, which is rated on a scale of one through seven.

Why is the violin called the devil\'s instrument?

The violin is sometimes referred to as "the devil's instrument" based on a story that the 19th century violin virtuoso Niccolo Paganini sold his soul to the devil in order to play so well. Additionally, some early Christians associated music, dancing, and parties with the devil.

What is an old violin called?

An old violin is called a fiddle. The term started in Europe, and it's considered an informal name for the violin in the United States. When Americans refer to the fiddle, they most often are speaking of Scottish and French traditional violin styles, as well as American bluegrass and Cajun fiddling.


Is a violin a fiddle?

Violins and fiddles are essentially the same instrument, however, fiddles have steel core while violins generally have synthetic core strings. The main difference between a violin and a fiddle is the way the instrument is played. Violins are considered classical instruments and fiddle players can be more diverse in their song selections.


How much would a Stradivarius violin cost?

While exact prices vary, Stradivarius violins are valued at approximately $2 million or more. There are only 650 original Stradivarius violins in existence today, and they're considered the most expensive violins in the world. Copies of Stradivarius violins range in price from $50 to $50,000.

How old is a Stradivarius violin?

The first Stradivarius violins date back to 1666. The violins were crafted by various members of the Stradivari family, with Antonio Stradivari being the most well-known designer and builder. The family also built violas and cellos, along with various other stringed instruments.


How can you tell if you have a Stradivarius violin?

A common way to determine if your violin is a Stradivarius is to check if it has “Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis Faciebat Anno [date]” printed on its label. However, it can be difficult to determine whether the inscription is real. Stradivarius violins are also more stiffened in the middle section and have a tightened radius in the upper corner.