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Learning Violin and Studying at Uni???

From Vaughan Harvey
Posted June 16, 2012 at 01:53 AM

I am thinking of learning to play the violin, however I'm not sure its possible whilst studying at uni.
I'm 20 years old living in Brisbane, Australia.
I am studying engineering in my 3rd year, where most of my free time is spent at uni doing assignments or in classes. This being said, I don't know if I will be able to find enough time to practice everyday (since my schedule is constantly changing due to assessment and workload). (I usually go to the gym once a day for around an hour, however during exam block I cannot find the time to do this, therefore would not be able to practice during this time (usually 2-4 weeks))

Another point of concern is finding a teacher who is flexible enough to understand that my assessment comes first, and if I need to stay at uni late to complete that is my first priority. It will also be hard to schedule in a lesson due to the points mentioned above (since my schedule is constantly changing).
I'm not sure its fair to ask a violin teacher to be this flexible with their lessons either?

I want to learn the violin for myself, with no goals to be in a orchestra or achieve a 'professional' level. (my only musical background was playing trumpet in primary school, although I can read simple sheet music)

With all that being said, do you think its plausible to start learning the violin whilst studying at uni (and not impacting my study or grades) or should I wait till I graduate with a job and consider learning then?

I would really love your feedback on this :)

If you are a beginner I don't see that there will be a huge problem because you will not face the same expectations that an advanced player your age would.

It could be a challenge finding a flexible teacher, especially since there are very few in my local area.
Hopefully I will not be discouraged and will begin my long road to musical fulfilment :P

And I agree with the pp that practicing is a great way to relieve stress. It's not like you need hours and hours at the beginning; you need consistency more. There's no rush, after all, in your progress. Sounds a great idea.

And an unsolicited caution: This is not an inexpensive hobby.

The trick is to manage your time and to not be upset or feel bad if sometimes, especially around exams, there just isn't time to practice. Sometimes I went several weeks in a row without touching my violin. But you can still make progress, no matter how small! I often carried my violin around to classes with me so I could practice right after class in the music building. I also took lessons in the music building on campus, which was really convenient - had I had to go somewhere else for them, it probably wouldn't have worked.

Find a good teacher. I suggest trying to find a music student, or recent grad, who is willing to teach on-campus. They will generally be more flexible and willing to work with you and your schedule. And enjoy every minute that you can find to play, because it is definately worth it!

When I returned to music my cello had lain untouched in its case for about 3 years. After a couple of weeks getting back into practice it was like I'd never got off the bus, and I was invited to play in the first desk of the cellos in a local symphony orchestra. But I did have grade 8 (distinction) under my belt before I left school, so the basics were still there.

Since that experience I've never worried about being away from an instrument for a period of time (usually holidays), because I know I can pick it up again from where I left off.

I live on the north side of Brisbane, around the chermside west area. I have been looking on the music teacher register for Brisbane, and found Tamsyn Eastgate lives close to me. ( but I'm sure you know you need to find a teacher to fit the student, which might not be the one that lives closest :P )
Ill look at getting a violin during the mid-year break in a week or so. I know it has probably been asked a thousand times on this site, but could you recommend a good beginner instrument?
I have been looking at local luthiers in my area, and found the Caprice student violin from Ilja Grawert looks like an ideal starting instrument. (The question was posed more towards Cara, however feel free to offer advice towards or against this instrument)

I will definitely have a look for those discussions on here. I wrote a general list of things I will need to start out, however I had not thought of a mirror at all. :P
Yea I'm aware this is a somewhat expensive hobby, however it looks like one of the most rewarding and fulfilling hobby's as well, so I would gladly pay the price for the enjoyment and personal fulfilment.

It is inspiring to know that even if I take breaks for exams or other important times, I will still retain 'most' of my playing skills. :)

Ahhh I am so excited about this. :)
I told one of my uni friends about wanting to play violin (he plays guitars in a band), and he tried at every possible moment to convince me I should be playing a guitar instead. (I don't think he appreciates the complexity and beauty of a violin :P )

Once again, thank you all for your responses and advice. I had been reading a few posts on here before making my own, and I knew as soon as I posted my story, I would be convinced this is something I want to do. These forums are dangerous things. :P

I read your post and at once, i was like "this sounds like me!". I'm 21 and an uni student. I started my violin when i was 19, on my first semester. Luckily, my campus have an orchestra which give free violin lesson! I came with zero knowledge about music (except for recorder and pianica lesson when i was on primary school). My family is not a big fan of music so practically, i have no chance to practice at all, except for 2 hours session at campus once a week. But then, i began to bring store my violin at campus. So that on every break between classes, I'd just get my violin and etude book, run to the parking building (the highest floor when car rarely park), and start practicing for about 30 minutes before my next class start. It's working for me. Kinda tiring, though. But it's worth it. When I'm home, i can do my assignments and homework and etc. And when I'm at campus, i can attend my classes, practice violin, and do a part time job as librarian.:) and because you're not aiming to be a professional, the pressure is not as heavy. All you need is a teacher who can correct your practice result once a week. Try it. :) every campus have a "quite spot" where no one come. Whether it's a parking lot, parking building, rooftop, or another spaces :)

Cheers

Nietha