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 … [Read more...] about Playing Violin Without A Shoulder Rest (Everything You Need To Know)
Violin Tips
Tips on playing the violin, caring for your violin and much more.
Learn Violin As An Adult (It’s Possible: What You Need To Know)
So you want to learn the violin. But there's a problem. You're old! 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 now? Is it too late? No! It's never too … [Read more...] about Learn Violin As An Adult (It’s Possible: What You Need To Know)
How To Use A Violin Mute (Step-By-Step Guide For All Types Of Mutes)
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 Use A Violin Mute (Step-By-Step Guide For All Types Of Mutes)
Easy Violin Songs For Beginners (That Sound Impressive)
Learning any instrument is a long hard journey. And the violin is tougher than most. When motivation starts waning and you feel like your skills just aren't progressing, easy violin songs for beginners are just what you need. These songs are all fairly easy to play, but they sound impressive. They are a great way to show off when you are just starting out on the … [Read more...] about Easy Violin Songs For Beginners (That Sound Impressive)
How To Rosin A Violin Bow (Easy Step-By-Step Guide)
It can be a bit scary, especially the first time. Even if you know how to rosin your violin bow strings, if you've never done it, there is a lot to worry about. What is the right amount of rosin? How often to you need to apply rosin? Which type of rosin is best? We'll answer these questions and more below, along with step by step instructions for rosining your … [Read more...] about How To Rosin A Violin Bow (Easy Step-By-Step Guide)
Violin Strings Guide (And How To Choose The Right Ones)
Choosing a set of violin strings can be tricky. What type do I buy? How much do I want to spend? What’s the difference between a ‘ball end’ and a ‘knotted end’? We'll cover all those questions and more. There's even a FAQ section at the end of this article. But the goal is to put everything you need to know to choose the right violin strings into this one … [Read more...] about Violin Strings Guide (And How To Choose The Right Ones)
What Is The Suzuki Method And Is It Effective For Learning The Violin?
Some love it. Some hate it. The Suzuki method is controversial, no doubt. But does it work? Well, it is used all over the world, as a music curriculum and a teaching philosophy. Many teachers and students swear by it. Many others swear about it. It works great for some. It leaves others hating the violin for life. Learning the violin is hard and it takes a lot … [Read more...] about What Is The Suzuki Method And Is It Effective For Learning The Violin?
Violin Sizes Explained (And How To Choose The Right One)
Who knew there were so many violin sizes?! So, you’ve decided that you or your child want violin lessons and you need to get a violin. The first thing you'll notice is all the different sizes. Which one do you need? Don't worry, it's actually not that difficult to pick the appropriate violin size. Whether you are buying a beginner violin or a more advanced … [Read more...] about Violin Sizes Explained (And How To Choose The Right One)
How To Fix A Broken Violin String In 6 Easy Steps (With Video)
All violinists, have been there. Breaking a string is incredibly frustrating. Maybe you’ve broken one mid-practice. Or one of your tuning pegs has become loose in your case and caused your string to snap. No matter how it broke, it always makes us want to shout “WHY?!” Once we’ve calmed down, our first thought may be to head to our local instrument shop and have our … [Read more...] about How To Fix A Broken Violin String In 6 Easy Steps (With Video)
Parts Of A Violin (And How To Fix Them)
Are you a first time learner looking to find out more about the parts of your new violin? Or simply curious? Either way, you’re in the right place. Mastering a violin’s design goes hand in hand with mastering how to play it. I also realize that your violin may need repairing every now and then, and I want to make sure you’re prepared for this. Throughout this … [Read more...] about Parts Of A Violin (And How To Fix Them)