Violin Tips

The cello is really just a big violin, right? Yes, but also no. The two do look very similar and they are played in a similar fashion, but they are actually quite different. They size and weight obviously differs, but so does the way the sound, the way you hold them while playing, the cost, the demand for professionals who play them, and the level of competition you … [Read more...] about Violin Vs Cello: Which Is Better For You?

Isn't it obvious? The best violin brands are the traditional makers who have been fashioning quality instruments for years. Well....that's not entirely true anymore. Sure, those brands produce some of the best instruments on the market. But they are also prohibitively expensive. These days, there are a lot of newer brands, many located in Asia, that also produce … [Read more...] about Best Violin Brands (Which Manufacturers Do Violinists Prefer?)

Have you tried using a violin shoulder rest, but it just didn't work for you? You've been told you're supposed to use one to improve your comfort and posture and thus, your playing. But it actually has the opposite effect! You're not alone. Shoulder rests are not a cure all. They work great for some people, but do nothing for others. And some even find that using a … [Read more...] about Playing Violin Without A Shoulder Rest: Everything You Need To Know

So you want to learn the violin. But there's a problem. You're old! Whether you're in your 50s, 40s, 30s or even your 20s, the image most of us have when thinking of a violin student is that of a child. Children learn to play the violin. Adults already know how to play it, because they learned it as a child. But what if you didn't learn it as a child, but want to … [Read more...] about Learning The Violin Later In Life: Everything You Need To Know

As violinists, there are times when we don't want to practice. And there are other times when we feel the sudden urge to improve our playing skills and want to practice no matter what. Often, those times come in the dead of the night or at other times when our practicing would be most unwelcome. And it's not just sudden bursts of creative energy. There are instances … [Read more...] about How To Put On A Violin Mute (Step-By-Step Instructions For All Types Of Mutes)