Learning violin comes with lots of fun and challenges. Firstly, you’re going to get new experiences as you try out different new sounds and new songs during your training sessions. Despite these beautiful sound mixes, learning violin comes with several challenges that might make you feel frustrated. However, if you implement a few tips and tricks, it could help your learning experience greatly. Here are the top ten tips and tricks for Violin beginners.
- Take it easy during the first year
The first year of your violin training is the most challenging Period. You shouldn’t consider your violin training as computer games because it is a very technical musical box. Many aspiring violinists quit within the first year because of the slow learning pace. If you don’t want to join the long list of quitters, then you should take it easy during the first year. Slow and steady is better, and you wouldn’t be under any pressure if you don’t expect too much.
- Focus on skills development
Let’s be real; it is most likely that you would not attain performance level during the first twelve months of training. After all, you need to develop many skills, and time is one of the determining factors. More so, it would help if you didn’t labour yourself with long hours of training. One hour is ideal for every training session. Patience is another virtue you should exhibit during the first twelve months of your training. It is most likely that you may not observe any improvements during the first few months. This can be very discouraging but be persistent; you will notice how your progress will begin to show within the first six months.
- Lay more emphasis on the Basics
It is advisable to spend more time in learning the basics. You will become an excellent violinist when you are versatile with the basics. Many beginners make huge mistakes by spending less time on or skipping the basics. They rush over to the main classical songs and fiddling. Basics bestow excellent intonation on the beginners; hence, spending less time on the basics is the surest way of becoming a bad violin player.
- Master the Keys
The keys are also very vital. Spend lots of time in mastering the keys, especially key G and key D. The first few weeks can be very boring, so it is advisable to start with a simple song that is well-known by you; else, an unknown song might throw severe challenges for you, thus, killing your zeal. It would be best if you avoid using the songbook during the first five weeks of your training.
- Get Your Bowing Right.
You should learn how to make your bow straight. Many professional violinists have admitted that they experienced significant progress after they spent much time on the bows. The bowing technique is very important if you wish to be a unique violinist. You can acquire a bad bowing technique if you fail to get it right at the beginning. For instance, a poor or incorrect holding of the bow can be very detrimental once you get used to it.
- Acquire an excellent bowing technique
If you wish to acquire an excellent violin technique, then you should consider the following:
Don’t focus on some parts of the bow. Try to make use of the entire length. It is important to always to have a clear view of the hair; hence, you should undertake a forward rolling of the starve. You should gently make a ”J outwards” whenever you want to undertake a downward bow. Please note that the more you place more pressure downwards, the more the sound will increase. In addition to all these, you should try out the shuffle bowing.
- Nothing should meddle with your space
Your practice space is very vital in your surge to become a good violinist. You should be happy and comfortable in your practice space. Don’t choose a space that is stuffy or too small for your comfort. If you are not yet married, then your bedroom would be a good learning space. Stay away from noisy places because the sounds might conflict with your violin’s. Avoid other distractions in your training space, especially television, mobile phones, and easy access by others. I know your phone or computer might be instrumental if you are learning via an online platform like YouTube. In a case like this, you should be wary of social media during training so you won’t get carried away.
- Be sure of the factory strings
One thing most people do when they buy a new violin is to change the factory produced strings. Factory strings can sound very bad and may even discourage you in your training sessions. To get the best, you need to check the violin price in relation to your budget and type of strings on the violin. The right strings will definitely improve your overall skill.
- Sharpen your intonation during every training session
No doubt, sharpening of intonation is the most vital aspect in your violin training. People will always regard you as a bad player if your intonation is poor. Mastering your finger placement is key to sharpening your intonation.
- Get a teacher and listen to him play regularly
No one becomes a master if a master does not teach him or her. Getting a teacher is one of the most pertinent steps to take once you learn violin. Get in contact with a professional around you or online. It would be best if you hire someone whom you love his style. Seeing your teacher as a model will surely spur you up for greater exploits. Once in a while, you should listen to him or any other professional violinist play. This will help you in developing a good intonation. You should be conversant with the tones as well as the notes and their locations on the fingerboard. It requires regular practice, but you should be cautious of losing this skill by failing to practice regularly.
Conclusion
To master the violin as a student, as a professional or just for passion, you must invest your time and energy. As the saying goes, nothing good comes easy so you must persevere; especially as a beginner. With required focus, dedication and consistent practice, you are well on your way to being the next master or prodigy of the time.