Is it possible for me to be called 'a violinist'.?

August 9, 2009, 11:12 PM ·

Hi my name is Riz. I have been playing violin for 5 years now. Instead of calling myself as a 'violinist', I don’t know which word would fit me the best, maybe 'a violin student' or just 'an amateur'.

I started learning the violin when I was 14 (I’m now 19) with a private teacher. Unfortunately, the lessons only lasted for a month. I had to stop taking lessons because of some personal things including financial problems struck me. But then I decided to teach myself.

3 years later, I met another private teacher whom was offering affordable lesson. Sadly, he passed away after two weeks teaching me.. I didn’t look for a new teacher because my parents could not afford it.. So i continued teaching myself. I never stop practicing, as I really want to be a professional player (even though i do realize that it’s definitely impossible, especially that I am a late starter)

Actually I don’t have any idea what i'm gonna do with my violin next. I understand that if I really wanted to be a professional player, I should at least get a teacher or study in a music school. However, my parents would rather want me to become a doctor so I am currently entering the faculty of medicine..yeah, the typical Asian parent, I know…

Anyway, I noticed that several people in my country, who also did not go to music school or conservatory, do play professionally. I don’t know how they managed to do it. But I’m sure they did have good teachers. I just wish I could be like them, to be a ‘real’ violinist…

Thanks for reading my little story.

Replies

Jasmine Reese

August 10, 2009 at 04:36 AM ·

Well, first of all, I think it is most definitely possible for you to become a professional musician!! You just need to work hard, get a good teacher, and find a positive, yet honest support system.

By the way, I was on the same path you were on. I think a lot of people fall into the trap of believing they must only go in the direction that the world offers. But I say, create your own path. Being a doctor is an amazing field in which music can be incorporated. There is also Music Therapy. Be open minded and you will find that there are many opportunities for success which lie in the music world, not just being a soloist or whatever. Create your own path...

Look at my bio and contact me about lessons. I will set you up with a teacher who believes in late starters and their success!!

Jose Correia

August 10, 2009 at 12:51 PM · I kind of understand your situation, I have been playing the violin for a year and I also want to be a doctor. At first I was really scared. I had some crazy ideas like okay I will master the instrument in 2 years and I started looking for other careers because I thought I wouldnt be able to keep playing the violin. But during a rehearsal for my first recital my teachers mother was the pianist who was accompanying me and when we finished she told my mother "This is the proof that if you want something anyhing is possible" and then I realized that if I set my mind on my goals being a doctor and a great violin player I will reach them. I know it will be extremely hard but I wont give up and I hope you dont give up either the violin is such a beautiful instrument that you shouldnt stop playing unless it is not a match for you. So all I want to say is study hard and practice hard.

Stephen Brivati

August 11, 2009 at 05:28 AM ·

Greetings,

whether or not you are a violinist is something you know in your heart. It has nothing to do with your actual level of ability.

Cheers,

Buri

Bart Meijer

August 11, 2009 at 04:48 PM ·

Amen to that, Buri!

ali rad

August 11, 2009 at 07:02 PM ·

Hi,

I am real late violin starter because I am now studying electrical engineering and it was so hard to achieve and I do not have time to do my favor.I have been practicing violin when I was 20 and now I am 21 and I have finished "Le Vioin 1 and 2" and I have started wohlfhart and J.Herimaly too.

I play well and my teacher told me I can play some concertos now,just in one year and do you know why? because I love the sound of violin.I dont knowhow can I explain?

when I went to violin class for the first time my teacher told me something pretty.He said:" You have not think about anything else but this session and the things you're learning now and enjoy it.Enjoy!!!!"

Hey guy,If you wanna be a best in your job just close youre eyes to others and enjoy your job now and you'll succeed.

Anne-Marie Proulx

August 14, 2009 at 02:44 AM ·

Gee that I agree with Buri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But instead of the romantic heart version, I feel that you need to be a violinist mentally and physically. Also, you can be just one of the two (like me : ( If everyone was the two, we would all play in pro Symphonic Orchestras (because we could all materialize our thoughs perfectly)!!!

I am a violinist mentally, (weird things and teachers advice convinced me about this) but physically, I do not deserve the term "violinist" at all (and teachers agree on this too...). I can hardly catch or through a ball in a straigh line... + I'm kind of too weak for violin (at least for the sound I like because my more talented head hears in every detail the sound I want and makes me really fussy about the one I produce and the way I produce it.) It creates a big big conflict. It's like matching a good teacher with a terrible terrible student. My head beeing the teacher and my body the student...

But if mentally you feel you are a violinist, feel the instrument, hear and know your sound, always have a concerto in the head, cannot live without your instrument, is kind of addict to it even when you tried to take a distance from it, voluntary practice when everyone would be doing something else like sleeping, partying whatever. I guess you have at least the mental of a real violinist (one that could be professionnal in another context or body I mean)

So sure, violinists take many form and each one has its definition!

Sorry to just bring more confusion to this thread!

Anne-Marie

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