I love violin, what programs can I be involved with to have fun and become better?

Written by Alyssa Brown
Published: February 20, 2014 at 1:41 AM [UTC]

So I'm 16, and started taking the violin more seriously. So the thing is, I don't want to play in orchestras. I'm more into the folk/fiddle/jazz/etc. type of violin. I like what Lindsey Stirling does, and I'm trying and experimenting with writing my own music. I also love Indie music, and I always dreamed of playing with an Indie band writing lyrics and playing the violin and maybe even something like the cello or bass. I'm planning on maybe joining a youth orchestra in my city for fun. I think playing in orchestras is fun but definitely not something I'd like to pursue in. I love classical but I don't think playing it is for me, I'd like to focus more on the style of music I mentioned above. So I was just wondering what other opportunities would be out for the things I like? Some of my friends are getting into the Interlochen Summer Program and it makes me sort of upset, all I'm doing is practicing the violin. I want to find something I could do with my skills instead of just practicing all the time, and obviously have fun. Any ideas? Thanks for reading!

From Jesse Neumann
Posted on February 20, 2014 at 4:46 PM

Hi Alyssa, I think it is great that you love practicing so much! That's a sure sign that you have the "violin bug". As far as not wanting to play in orchestras for the rest of your life, that is understandable. I myself have a hard time with that most days.
If you love playing violin and don't like orchestral works you could either find someone who is writing cool stuff that you like (which I am sure is happening somewhere) or you could start writing music yourself. I would recommend the second, because in the process you will acquire some great skills that will help to make you a better musician overall.
Maybe start by playing the music you love best, and then move on to trying to create something similar that you can put your own creativity into. After a little while and a lot of hard work it will come naturally, and you will be able to create your own pieces in the same style.
Whatever you do, don't give up on the violin as there are so many ways to play it, and so many ways that it could be played that haven't been thought of yet.
And also, take full advantage of your theory classes, because they give you the tools you need to manipulate music to your own hearts desire!

From Philip Voll
Posted on February 21, 2014 at 3:28 AM

Whatever the kind of music you play with a violin, good foundations in techniques and musicalities is the key, and classical training is the best foundation there is, without it, you will not have the techniques you need.
The violin is THE most difficult instrument there is! So there is no cutting corners! :-)

From Alyssa Brown
Posted on February 23, 2014 at 3:54 AM

Thank you Jesse Neumann and Philip Voll! I'm planning on finding nearby cafes and offering to play for free. I just would want to try it. I'll start practicing more as well, and I also hope to start making my own music. It's a start!

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I love violin, what programs can I be involved with to have fun and become better?

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