Playing The Violin: Frequently Asked Questions

Ever dreamt to be a professional violinist? Is your family inclined to music that's why you want to learn playing an instrument as well? Or do you simply want to learn because you find playing it so fascinating? Whatever your reason is in trying to learn this craft, for sure you are bombarded with questions when you decided to start getting lessons on how to play it. And perhaps, those questions include the following:

Can anyone learn how to play the violin in just one sitting?

If you are thinking that you will be able to play the violin like a pro in just one sitting, well think again. There is no such thing as having an inborn skill of playing it, so you should not expect that anyone will be able to learn playing the violin in just an hour or so. However, what you can expect is that, during your first day, you will be able to play at least a few simple major scales and a couple of familiar songs often played by beginner violinists.

Now, if you already have a background in music, like you already know how to read the notes and land properly on the right finger positions, your progress will be a little bit quicker than those who do not have any background at all. Plus, if you follow the four fundamental habits of mind and work ethics such as careful listening, concentration, patience, and discipline, chances are you will advance really quick in playing the violin.

How much time should be allotted for practice everyday?

There are actually no required hours for you to practice everyday in order to be a really good violinist. It all depends on your desire to learn. Now, if you have a tutor, he or she will determine as to how long you should be practicing in a day depending on your skills. If you learn fast, then perhaps lesser time can be allotted, but if not, more time should be devoted to it. However, if you are learning on your own and you really want to be good at it, then you can practice as long as you want. Your desire, passion, and emotion will be your determining factors as to how long you will practice in a day.

How to make your practice more fun?

To make your practice more fun, you have to make sure that you master the whole business of reading music. If you are having a hard time reading and hitting the notes, then you'll find playing the violin more of a problem to you rather than a challenge. So, the best thing to do is to educate yourself further as far as reading music is concerned. How to do it? Well, you can always download or order sheet music to familiar yourself with the notes. Or you can arrange practice with friends who also play orchestra instruments. That way, you'll find practice more fun than boring.

How to know if you are progressing?

If you are learning through the help of a tutor, your teacher will be the one to let you know how you are doing after every session. If you are progressing, of course you will be led to more unfamiliar songs, but if not you will stay on playing those familiar notes until you perfect them. Now, if you are learning on your own, the best way to know if you are progressing is by listening to yourself.

Your ears and muscles will provide you with that feedback if you are going beyond "good" or not.