As a beginner violinist, here are a few tips that can help you maximize your time and progress faster.
At least 10 minutes should be set aside each day for practicing, to help build discipline and track your growth. This will also serve to measure progress.
1. Get the Right Size
Size matters when it comes to beginner violins playing – this is particularly true if you are just beginning.
Measure yourself or your child carefully when taking measurements, such as arm length, finger length and height. Due to these being difficult to gauge accurately, multiple attempts may be required in order to get an accurate reading.
If you’re uncertain which size would suit you best, seek advice from someone experienced at sizing instruments. They should be able to recommend one based on your measurements and body type.
2. Get a Tuner
Tuners are electronic devices designed to assist violinists in tuning their instrument. A tuner allows you to monitor its pitch, and develop your intonation skills as you tune your instrument.
Tuners are usually digital and feature a text display and tuning dial, with metronome functionality installed for accurate vibration tracking from instruments.
Tuners provide an effective means of sharpening or flattening strings by turning each peg either clockwise or anticlockwise depending on how the pitch needs to change.
Some violins feature fine tuners on each string; others only on the E string. These fine tuners resemble small screws on the tailpiece where strings end near chin piece.
3. Get the Right Hair
Finding the appropriate hair for your violin bow is an integral part of learning how to play this instrument. A poor bow may cause scratchy sounds or squeaky noises while an excellent one will allow you to create warm and rich tones.
Finding your ideal bow hair requires learning how to adjust it each time you practice or perform. Many teachers recommend using a pencil as a gauge of exactly how much tension is necessary on every stroke of your bow.
Your violin bow hair strands should touch the stick lightly but not so closely that pulling back hurts you when pulling back the bow. A pencil can be an invaluable aid until you master this tricky skill.
4. Practice Without Your Instrument
If you want to start learning the violin but don’t yet own an instrument, there are various ways that can help get you started. Books and online forums provide excellent resources to learn without instructors present.
This program is a fantastic way to develop your physical skills and gain confidence when playing the violin, as well as overcome any fears related to learning this majestic instrument.
Practice without an instrument can be invaluable for beginners trying to master bowing techniques or determine their violin’s pitch. Unlike guitars which use fretted fingerboards for string control, violin is a fretless instrument which requires you to be focused on learning its characteristics without worrying about fretted instruments like guitar.
For optimal violin bowing and pitch determination, it is crucial that you listen carefully to yourself. This includes checking that your bow is in its proper place and that your fingers are pressing down properly on each string.
5. Get a Good Bow
A bow is an essential accessory for your violin, offering an effective means of both improving your playing technique and learning the fundamentals of bowing.
Due to the wide selection of bows available today, it’s essential that you select one that meets both your and violin’s individual needs. There are various factors to keep in mind when selecting an ideal bow, including material weight and balance point.
An ideal bow should be both comfortable and easy to use, durable, long-term playability if used regularly and comfortable for you as the user.
