Calling all adult beginners...share your story
This is the official Adult beginner's thread for those of us that hope to be good before we are dead.
AND if there be a kind experienced soul that would peruse through that can give correction, encouragement and instruction...we welcome it!
Replies (100)
Ciao!
At age 53, I've been playing now for a little over a year and a half. Why did I start violin, and why at my age? Both fair questions, to be sure. I wanted to present myself with a challenge. My mother originally discouraged me from studying the violin, saying "that's the hardest instrument to play I hear". So I studied guitar instead.
Now that I've become more daring in my old age (to my family's consternation), my aim is really to play Irish fiddle tunes, but whatever else I can learn along the way will help enormously.
I just want to get good enough to play "The Blarney Pilgrim" at my own funeral.... just kidding :)
The violin is a hell of a beast to tame, and I think I now possess the patience to persevere that I would not have had in my younger years, let's say.
To all my "confreres" in this group, be patient, be persistent, and above all, have fun!
Robert Borch
I started at age nine, which happens to constitute as "old" these days.
*Shakes fists at youngsters*
Thanks for starting this thread, AF/Ande!
Hi, I'm Terez. I'm 43 and have been playing for a year. I wrote my impressions about my "anniversary" just this past week in my blog. Instead of directing you there, I'll stick my "Top 10 Stupid Assumptions" here, because you all might get a kick out of it.
Top 10 Assumptions (from last year)
10) That my plan was simply to conduct field research for my novel-in-progress and not get emotionally involved. Never had been a musician, never would be, and that sort of thing.
9) That I could learn all I needed to know about being a violinist by taking four or five lessons.
8) That an investment of $250.00 in a violin was rather extravagant.
7) That a year spent reading sheet music would mean that I’d be a pro at sight-reading and not have to murmur “Every good boy does fine” to myself when struggling through a new tune.
6) That I’d be able to keep my fingernails long and pretty.
5) That not having the aforementioned would bother me terribly.
4) That after a year of lessons, I’d be able to play with vibrato.
3) That intonation was something you “got” after a few months, like the chicken pox or the clap, and then it was done and you could move on, issue addressed and conquered.
2) That after an entire year of study, I wouldn’t be a beginner anymore.
1) That I’d be posting these confessions at violinist.com, a forum that was so irrevocably out of my league twelve months ago, it might have been in a foreign language.
I teach adult beginners, and my oldest beginner is 61. I encourage adults who want to start violin lessons to do so. I discuss the subject on my website (http://mysite.verizon.net/paulinefiddle/vft.html) I'd like to hear more testimonials from you folks to share with other adults who are considering starting violin lessons.
I am also a adult beginner. I started at 32. Now i will appear for grade 5 of Trinity College. But still facing many technical problems. Anybody guide regarding intonation.
I'm not an adult beginner, but I do have a wonderful Japanese friend named "Midori" who started violin last year after 50 years of not having played. She was already an accomplished musician when she started.
The thing that Midori found most difficult about the violin at first was the strength required for bowing. She plays the guitar and piano and autoharp, but her right shoulder was quite sore for pretty much the entire first year of playing the violin.
Who's strangling the Cat???!!! That is what my husband would say when I first started (kidding of course). Thanks for starting this thread I hope to watch it as it develops! I started 5 years agoand am almost 50 now. By the sheer force of being stubborn, I am playing student concertos, and am barely good enough to enjoy myself. As a kid, I took piano lessons. This background made me a solid note reader then, even though I was "way rusty" upon starting violin. When your older, the words "I made a mistake" have a larger context than violin so the glass seems 1/2 full.
Intonation: Please reply with more ideas!!! The thing that has helped me the most on intonation is to really work on scales/etudes in the key of whatever piece I am working on (2-3 octaves). As a beginner, that usually means C,G,D,A,B major and maybe up to 3 flats for me. I play the scales, broken 3rds and arpageos and whatever else applies, for a while and then work on the piece. A soloist told me that if you are worried about your left hand, your bow arm will never develop. It takes too much energy to be fixing intonation all the time. He told me that the left hand needs to have the key patterns as close to automatic as you can get them so you are free to work on the endless issues related to bowing. I use lots of block fingering now on exercises to learn these patterns.
For reading: We work on duets. I work on Applebaum duets and Bartok 44 duets for violin. For positions, we use Dolfien and Wolhfart. What are other beginning/intermediate folks using? Shifting is a big deal now with me. Any ideas from other adult beginners before we are laid to rest? Also, how do you other adults memorize things. I find this very difficult.
HI
I'm 59 and have restarted some 12 weeks ago having played for 25 years and laid off for 25 years while I sang opera. Now at almost 60 I want to find a way to make music that is less resource intensive--coaches, other singers, directors, costumes--trying not to trip over the furniture or the other singers. Anyway after these 12 weeks I'm about where I was after 7 years. All hail Kreutzer--he's making me nuts!--Again.
Now i will appear for grade 5 of Trinity College....quoted Shailesh D.
what is grade 5? Do you attend their campus or online? I was looking at their online courses...but not for music. Kinda hard to do that.
Karen K.; I think you should be teaching me about intonation. My teacher told me that is requires training the muscles to remember which takes many years. Probably why kids do so well. My muscles don't remember a thing. Each time its relearning.
As for books on technique; I've used Hrimaly scale studies, ABD'x of violin (Rhoda)-1,2,3rd positions,
Sevcik School of Bowing technic, SITT Etudes (I've finally finished it but need to keep practicing). I've purchased some S. Applebaum's books but haven't started them yet.
My new teacher wants me to "clean up" the pieces in Book 4 Suzuki since I was demoted the last time.
She also wants me to do other things besides Suzuki. Yikes...are there other things besides Suzuki???!!!! Don't take me out of my box!
I hate technic practice...it consumes my practice time.
I play all my scales by ear (having played the piano) so when I look to see where my fingers are...I'm lost.
For true beginners with tone;
In the beginning I used "Don't Fret" on my violin like a guitar with frets. It helped a lot. Now I've figured out what the tone should be so I slide (naughty)...to get the right tone. (especially in different positions)
If some of you are still struggling to find your fingering...its a crutch but it may help. It's a piece of plastic wrap the goes on the finger board with different color bands. You can find them at any online/luthier store.
Other than that BURI...would know! :)
Jay; would love to hear your talents. You crack me up...KReutzer coming back to bite you.
Pauline; You are a very interesting person.
I love biochem but chose to go into another field. We use Namenda and Aricept in our office which has given some of the patients some normalcy of life.
So whats your thoughts on the HPV immunization for ages 8-13 to prevent cervical cancer? latest hot topic.
AF,
What's wrong with your book 4. What kind of clean up? Just curious since I am on the Bach at the end of Book 4 right now.
oh, my last teacher wouldn't let me go on because he felt my first teacher (I had for a year) didn't teach proper bowing technique.
I kept window washing a bit. He had me do long bowing exercises and start back on book 1 to get stuff like martele cuz I'd play it weak with little dynamics. I figure I was lucky just to get through the piece...yet alone get it absolutely perfect. ;)
I have serious stage fright.
Well, I'm on my 3rd teacher cuz the last one was discouraging and I was planning on giving up. Nothing I did was ever good enough. You can only do Twinkle so much before you go batty.
I was doing Twinkle with long bow, martele, piano, forte etc.
Now my new teacher (had her for 2 lessons) is having me go back to the first piece in book 4. (at least that's better than going to book 1).
She tells me to put in more dynamics. Cleaning it up means anything beyond being able to play the piece (in a matter of fact way).
I finished Solos for Young Violinists book 1 with my first teacher while working on book 4.
I hope to get back to where I left off 6 months ago.
I've been playing 1yr 8 months now.
Depending on who you talk to...I wasted playing those years learning bad habits, or I've gone too fast due to my sight reading ability for my techniques to improve.
I too am a good reader from my piano days. My mind gets ahead of my coordination the the violin. I think if you are playing student concertos in less than two years, that is really great! It too me a year to learn Vivaldi Presto and I still am not playing it fast enough or cleanly enough. I have really stopped measuring success by where I am in the Suzuki books. It is a treadmill if you get all hung up on getting through the books. I am finding that the pieces (the notes) are not that hard in Book 4, but playing the songs up to speed and then putting it all together with dynamics and good clean bowing and cross overs is very difficult. Have you seen the violin DVD by Mimi Zweig? It has helped me some on bowing issues. I am measuring my success now by how "in tune" I can play, even if I go slow. When your really in tune, the sound is so cool and you can play really, really loud without trying that hard. There seems to be this level of intonation that really changes the sound. Prior to this obsession I was decently in tune, but now am obsessed with it, every song, every note. What a wreck! but people have noticed the improvement. Really slow going though...
As an adult, I am hoping to find folks like yourself and start a little quartet. That seems like it would be very modivating for me.
I did some Barbara Barber, Solos Book 1 stuff two. I love Bach though, and like the bach duets in Applebaum duets book 3 better than the Suzuki book 3 version. Someday, who knows Bach Sonatas!
I started learning bowing 6 years ago and stopped at the time my teacher started showing me first position. Then I restarted in late February and had a jury (a panel of 5 professional orchestra players) in early May. All the judges gave me very good comments especially about the tone I made: very nice/smooth tone after about 7 Suzuki lessons. So I felt very encouraged although I found Suzuki method inadequate for adult beginners.
Forgot to mention, I am old.
Vivian, I try not to think of myself as "OLD".
I consider myself "improving with years". ;)
After 6yrs I hope I sound good! Suzuki books are limiting and they are a litmus test to see where I stand. I use other repertoire to aid in improving technique. Occassionally, I'm allowed other pieces. (Oscar Rieding Concertos etc.)
My teacher has asked me what other pieces I would like to try...as if I would know. Ummm...Vivaldi all the seasons? yeah right.
I suppose I would qualify as an adult beginner. I had instrumental music lessons at school but I'm afraid they were somewhat of a joke. I had my first violin lesson at 11 but was not keen on the instrument and playing music until much later.
I started listening to a lot of music in my later teens (classical and star wars soundtracks etc). Then around when school finished I was teaching myself a lot because I like working things out for myself. I didn't really take off as a proper, serious student of the violin until I was 21. I started getting lessons from good teachers around then (whenever I got time as I was working in remote area 'outback' jobs in Australia).
I'm now up to a reasonable advanced student level, fairly happy with my progress (touch wood). I'm basically middle aged now. Yikes. I notice with interest though that my improvement continues, as if I was a kid. I don't like being called an amateur. I just see myself as being a serious student, same as any other, except mature aged.
This is my first post here! I am 29 and have been playing for 9 months. I have never played an instrument before, but I always dreamed of playing violin. Finally, after moving to NYC, I took the plunge. I adore it (and my teacher), but it is the most difficult thing I have ever attempted!
I am currently in Suzuki Book 2 working on Witches' Dance and Gavotte from Mignon. I am also muddling through Kreutzer No. 2 and Kayser No. 20. Am learning melodic and natural minor scales right now, too.
I have a lot of trouble with my 4th finger. In Kreutzer, I have so much trouble with the low 2nd finger to play C natural and then the E with the 4th finger right afterwards. Ugh. I can never get it right.
I think I am addicted to playing with my tuner on. I try to play without it and use open strings to check intonation, but I doubt myself too much and put the tuner back on.
In general, I am just struggling with intonation. I also just learned 2nd and 3rd positions, so I am trying to learn shifting and get that up to speed as I spend too much time on the shift when playing scales.
My BIGGEST problem by far is rhythm. I do not have any. :( My teacher frequently has to spend time with me singing or clapping the rhythm.
All of this feels like too much some days! But then on other days I will have a great practice and make it all worth it.
...not sure what I am anymore! I had group instruction while I was in Grades 5-9, including youth orchestra...but never private lessons...
...then I played mandolin for many years...took some lessons sporadically...played regularily with an ensemble for a few years...
...about 3 years ago I switched back to violin, this time taking private lessons and playing in our community orchestra...
I am also playing viola...the actual playing isn't an issue...I've figured out the spacing for the notes and how to bow (quite different from my violin)...the limiting factor for me is reading the C clef to speed...I have no trouble with either the G or F clefs, but C confuses me...I know the notes, but can't play to speed...
I'm also playing musicfrom a mess of source; bits and pieces from Suzuki Books 4-6...RCM Grades 4-6, and various other works (lots of stuff by Kreisler for example)...on top of our typical orchestra material...
I'm shifting into 3rd position with increasing accuracy...2nd is more hit and miss...but I got 1/2 down pat!!! 4th and 5th position still take too much thought. My vibrato is finally there, but it's still sad...double stops are coming along but are inconsistant...sometimes I'm bang on, and other times I still only hit one string or the other...
...I'm able to incorporate better dynamics into my material now since I'm better at knowing where my notes are in different positions (can't do too many things all at once I find, at my age)...
...counting? Not sure what I'm doing with that. I can count. I can do clapbacks (at least at the Grade 6 piano level that my daughter is currently studying for) no problem. However when I try to play and count at the same time I confuse myself...
...thankfully my bowing is decent and I don't have any major bad habits, I'm focusing on technique so I can play more difficult works...
The encouraging thing is that although I'm improving much too slowly, I'm definately improving...and thus I continue onward!!! :D
Laura, I teach adult beginners, and I have some good advice for you. (1) Stop playing with the tuner and listen to yourself instead. I wouldn't let my students get away with what you're doing. (2) Use a metronome to improve your rhythm, and then wean yourself off of it.
Hello everyone... my first posting.. I enjoy Violinist.com very much since having found it. I restarted violin last December at the age of 68 years old not having played since school orchestra days 55 years ago. I bought a shop damaged Chinese violin, some tutor books, and thought that with a bit of luck I might be able to play some carols by next Christmas. I have played cornet in Brass band for thirty years, and taught myself keyboard as well so not exactly a raw beginner with music.. but... I find I am able to play much more than anticipated... Irish and Scottish dance music seems to flow very well from my bow.... and some of the easier Classics...and quite frankly I'm having great fun doing it. I play anything from 20 minutes to two hours every day.. I have to look after my sick wife in between, and have medical problems myself so cannot get out much now... but I have always loved violin music.. I get many hints and tips from reading this site. So good luck to all you young people setting out on life's (musical) journey..
David
Pauline,
Yes, I will try to get myself away from the tuner. I know that I shouldn't rely on it. My teacher certainly doesn't know that I play with it on all the time. (I don't use it in lessons.)
I have a metronome and try to use it often, but I should use it more than I do. I know that I should slow myself down and force myself to work with the metronome. When I do, I have good results after the initial struggle of getting the rhythm correct. But the harder my pieces get and the more complex the rhythm, the more scared I get of trying to play with the metronome. Stupid, I know!
I've been playing the violin for 26 years and the older I get, the more scared I get of playing with the metronome too!
In the studio and on stage, I regularly perform the violin karaoke-style with sequenced tracks that are harmonized along with a click track. This has always felt unnatural to me, as I have my own organic sense of rhythm.
The better I get at playing with a metronome (and I'm pretty good by any standard), the less I like it. I would go so far to say that for me, it has actually held me BACK from being my own "authentic self" on the violin.
Greetings,
yes. I have had the same problem. In fact, I became so dependent on the mm ta one point that I had to stop and let my body reacquire its natural movement. A great tool but certainly double edged,
Cheers,
Buri
I played a metronome once. Beat it 6-0, 6-0, 6-0.
My problem is that I have all the innate natural rhythm of a small dust bunny. Probably why I play the viola. ;)
Neil
Greetings,
ah, you`re the guy who though alla breve meant `in the underpants`
Cheers,
Buri
You mean it doesn't??!!??!!
Quick, to the Googlemobile Underpants Boy!
Neil
I'm not a beginner, but I felt like one last week. I started playing at about age 9, and have been strictly an amateur, taking lessions through high school and college. I've played in my share of community orchestras and amateur string quartets, but I haven't been in this type of group for over 25 years. My technique never really advanced beyond a certain point.
About 3 years ago I had surgery on my left elbow (severe "tennis elbow"), and I had a hip replacement exactly one year ago. So I haven't been practicing much for the past 3 years, just sporadically.
Up to then, I was playing every day. I used to give a few "recitals" (at my amateur level) with a pianist, mostly for Rotary meetings, nursing homes, etc.
But last week, after getting back to a daily regimen, I made my long overdue re-emergence on the "concert scene," playing an unaccompanied recital for my Rotary club. I played (sans accompanist) the 2nd movement from the Goldmark Concerto, Paganini's 24 Caprice (the "Easy Paganini" arrangement by Von Rompaey), Ashokan Farewell (by Jay Ungar), and a transposition of the Prelude from one of the Bach cello suites.
In some ways, I was not a beginner. After years of public speaking and at least some playing, I have no real nervousness at this point. My vibrato has improved somehow, and my intonation was mostly OK (in parts pretty good).
However, I felt like a beginner. My technique hasn't really improved in 25 years, and there were a thousand little details that I'm sure were neither correctly played nor faithful to the musical page.
But, overall, it felt good to make music again in front of an audience - to express something, to be a conduit of the musical thinking and heart of such great composers.
I think any of you can do that, whether you're a beginner or an established virtuoso. No matter how you play, no matter how many lessons you've had, no matter how much at the beginning you are, the most important thing is to have confidence in your ability to express the emotions that music evokes.
So, don't get discouraged. Do the best you can. Take pride in what you are able to do. And just do the best you can with the rest.
Cordially, Sandy
i'm a beginner, i started playing 9 months ago,i don't have a teacher so i have never taken a violin lesson, and i can't read notes so when i try to learn a piece of music i listen to it and play along. otherwise i put on a cd and improvise, so these last months i have been forced to listen wich note is what, when i get stuck i ask my husband cus he can hear any tone. I learn some things from the internet. I am also a songwriter and singer and of course violinist in me and my husbands band. I have had trouble with intonation but its getting better, and i have discovered how inportant the bowing is. BUT I HAVE A QUESTION TO YOU GUYS! i find it really hard to do vibrato with the first finger, can you give me some help?
I looked at your picture, sarah salmi.
Point your violin a little more in front of you, get the heel of your left hand off the violin neck, and rest the neck of the violin more on the left thumb.
Actually one of the biggest problems I've had is to have my teacher take me seriously. She treats the whole thing as though what should I expect at my age--this after having played for 25 years. She has been quite helpful in some areas but in others she is condescending as can be. After all it's just for fun. Well, !@#$%^&*()_+ her! Unfortunately in Tampa Bay there is little choice this place is a wilderness--the orchestra notwithstanding.
> Quick, to the Googlemobile Underpants Boy!
6-to-zero! Holy absence-of-robin-character-in-the-new-batman-movie-where-christian-bale-plays-the-lead-role-of-batman, batman, he's a metronome virtuoso!!!
Jay: Sounds like a little adult-to-adult chat with your teacher is in order. Try one (or all) of the following:
- "Do you realize that your tone of voice is demeaning?"
- "We are two adults here. I treat you like one; I would like you to do the same to me."
- "How much do you charge to haunt a house?" (Many thanks to Laurel and Hardy, who used that line in one of their movies.)
Cheers. Sandy
True, Sander Marcus.
On the other hand, Jay just described a whole lot of violin teachers who have a lot to offer! I've studied with quite a few of those myself, and I'd put up with their stuff on a temporary (sometimes lasting years) so that I could glean the knowledge I needed.
Always separate the person from the skill being taught when evaluating a teacher.
Jay, I think you need a new teacher. Personally, I couldn't tolerate a teacher or anyone else who wouldn't treat me with a little respect.
I agree with both Kevin and Pauline.
As a teacher, I would want to know if any student was unhappy in any way with lessons. How else could I rectify the problem? Your teacher deserves to know your feelings Jay. I would talk with your teacher. If he/she is unwilling to change, then it's time to leave if you can find a more respectful teacher. If not, try to look for as much good as possible in him/her and focus on that. If you're bringing negative thoughts about him/her to your lesson, your teacher will pick up on that and may be even less respectful. However, if you're viewing him/her positively and appreciating what good you can find, then that can only have a good effect. It's amazing how people tend to change for the better as you focus on their good qualities.
As for intonation, it can be quite a challenge. I was observing Carol Dallinger teach one time (a terrific Suzuki teacher) and she hypothesized that little violin gremlins slipped into the violin case each night and moved where all the notes are on the fingerboard. Maybe it's true......
-Laura
thanks Kevin Huang. I will try to get rid off my bad habbits.
You're welcome, sarah salmi.
I'm also going to swat you with my cotton whip right now: STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP! Those aren't "bad" habits, those are just things that "you might want to change so that you can play more easily".
It's all too easy for beginning violinists to self-flagellate. Don't do that. Have faith in yourself and know that the joy is in the journey (and it's more akin to a roller coaster than a trip to the Bahamas) as much as it is in the destination.
I started playing at 28yrs old.
This fall will be one year.
I started playing violin because I was looking for a new challenge.
My degree is in photography.
I have a black belt in a martial art.
AND I believed I could not play music.As a child ~ I was not good at the piano (or as good as my sister was.)
So, my husband encouraged me to GET the violin and FIND a teacher I was happy with.
If nothing else - I am enjoying the fact that I am able to play songs - even if they are very easy songs - when my initial belief throughout my whole life was that I was unable to do it.
Hi David (Porter, a few postings back),
I was really moved reading your message, and I'm sure that playing the violin will greatly improve your life.
As I have been playing for at least 15 years (have lost count now) I am hardly a beginner, but did start as an adult, and admittedly have been a bit of a plodder. However today I took my grade 8, and although I'm not sure how it went, it feels great just to have the mental, physical and emotional energy to stand up and play three pieces of music that I love for over 30 minutes. For me that is an achievement in itself.
And for all the adult beginners, it took me a year to find a teacher who was prepared to take on adults. So don't give up!
Alison
Well, I've been running my kids to violin practice and orchestra this month. I've joined my daughter in beginning orchestra and now we've got to learn 6 pieces by Tues. (2days)
I have to learn 12 (first violin and 2nd violin) since I have to play with her in orchestra but I want the challenge of practicing against her at home. What have I done(shakes head)...
Anyways, I guess its worth the pain to play with my kid.
Terez...you out there?
"Always separate the person from the skill being taught when evaluating a teacher."
I absolutely agree Kevin Huang. I had 12-18 months lessons as a child before giving up. My teacher didn't stress the need for a shoulder rest, so I didn't have one, and since the school didn't have a 3/4 violin to lend I started with full size. Never got past 1st position, never got intonation right etc. Mum hating to hear me practice was no encouragement whatsoever either, so thinking I wasn't cut out for it I quit.
Now aged 45, I have begun again, (2 months ago). Sometimes my teacher seems very picky, I can hardly play two notes without being stopped in my tracks, and he's so busy 3 weeks may go by without a lesson. But he's taught kids to competition winning standard, so I reckon he can't be bad. For now, I'd rather keep going. Sooo much to take in. Anyone got any suggestions on what I should concentrate on first? I'm doing Wohlfahrt studies, starting 3rd position, yet my intonation in first isn't there yet and my bowing leaves a lot to be desired. Will that come with time/practice?
When I do hit the right spot with intonation, the violin makes a very approving sound/seems to vibrate differently that thrills my heart!
Greetings,
you need t0o uderstand the mechanics of how bowing works. I suggets you visit masterclass.com and read some simple books about posture how to draw a bow stroke. There is a good book by Kepmner called `How muscles learn` or something like that you cna get from Amazon.com.there is a veyr good essay on this topic on a web site mentioned on this list I will try to find for you.You need to be able to draw the bow in a straigh line parallel to the bridge. This skill should be practiced on open string everyday. You can work in the middle third of the bow if you wish but it is also importnat to work using the whole of the lower half everyday. if you can play in this more difficult part of the bow then you will have a big advantage over other players. then you need to practice slow bow strokes.looking in the mirorr is importnat.
The key to intonation in the firts position (and everyelse)is to sing first and then play. If you just oicck up the insturment and try to play in tune you are wasting your time. You may need to do ear trsaining. One way to start is through some kind of computer software, books that include a cd or your lcoal music teacher.
But you can never really get the hang of intonation without understand the relationship between the fingers, hand , arm elbow. At first, you must always be checking that your wrist is fairly striaght. Also note that if you play on the e string your elbow moves to the left and if you play on the g it needs to be quite a wya under the iolin. I find adults have more problems with this thna many otehr things. It requies a degree of mobility in the shoulder joint thta tends to be missing though sheer lack of use and awareness. It is easy to solve but requires some thining about. It is also true that the elbow is =very slightly- more to the left with the firts finger on one string than the next finger -on the same string- In other words if you play 1234 on -one string- there is also a slight movement of the elbow toe right and vice versa.
Cheers,
Buri
also be aware that the finger tip can make -two shapes- square or diamon depending on whether it is playing a nite nearer or further away from your nose IE f versus f sharp. By sitttig down with your piec eand actually nting when the finger uses which shape you can experience major improvements in intonation.
Cheers,
Buri
Thank you Buri, I will take note and work on that!
Bernadette
Bernadette, based on my teacher, it sounds like yours is a little pushy and disorganized, especially for a "rebeginning" adult. Three weeks between lessons sounds like it might lead to bad habits and lessening interest on your part. It is probably good that repetitive intonation problems are called to your attention immediately, but at some point you need to be allowed to go completely through an exercise.
To echo Buri's remarks from a student's standpoint, keeping a straight bow has always been an issue for me. I do a lot of practice in front of a mirror. However, until one can be consistently in the 90 degree perpendicular range, you are wasting time by moving on to more advanced pieces. "Basics" by Simon Fischer has some good discussions and photos on bowing, but even with that help, it is still a challenge to bow correctly. Most of my difficulty relates to one of two things: improper movement of the upper arm, and improper wrist movement in the lower half of the bow. (At concerts I find myself becoming absorbed in watching how the concertmaster holds the bow and moves his or her wrist during bow strokes--like many skills that are difficult to acquire, an accomplished player can make it look so natural.)
As to material, my teacher uses the Suzuki books, but supplements those with scale work, Wohlfart and other etudes and (after a year or so) some regular shifting work. (I am 61 and started a couple of years ago.)
Good luck.
Claude Ramer
Having started learning in my 40's also, and being very conscientious and analytical, i think I've done myself a disservice in trying to hard to get too many things right at once, and to learn what I am doing. I'm taking the lead of the kids, and just letting go of the intellectualisation for a while and imitating instead. I'm just letting my muscles do a straight bow because I've watched DVD excerpts of guys doing that, and I'm holding that in mind when I practise, and I'm trying to just imitate. When I do think, its just like, I KNOW that my shoulder has to be relaxed, and letting gravity keep the bow on the string and all my hand is doing is balancing it there for a while. My bowing is improving more rapidly.
As for left hand, apart from "swing the elbow under" and "soften the hand" I'm trying not to over analyse that either. I've been learning for 2 and 1/2 years now, and this last couple of months has been my most rapid all round progress, I think.
I like noticing that a little roll of the finger can SO affect intonation, but I jsut try to remember what just worked best and imitate it again. I don't THINK about where on the string/fingerboard overly - all that information is so much more easily integrated when I'm not forcing myself to work it all out.
I think the apporach of my new teacher has been spot on for me too - she just keeps me with the just right challenge and seems to read that very well. I love scales/double stop/etude type stuff, and can easily get carried away doing that and avoid actual music - she just lets it go, then introduces the pieces, then back to a block of technique, then a concentrated study on a piece. I'm up to my third teacher in this short time, and the others had something to offer, but they weren't quite right. I kept looking until I found one that worked.
I've totally ditched Simon Fischer because at this level it is way to complex - as beginners we can't co everything, and the Basics book makes every thing seem of equal priority. As i advance I will investigate it again.
anyway, my comment to Bernadette - yes it will all come with time. I can't believe the difference in having practised for 2 years as opposed to one year. Stuff is getting easier. I wouldn't presume to suggest what should be the priority to work on, it all seems related. My current teacher has an attitude of practising from the point that is easiest to the more difficult, rather than starting with that which is more difficult.
Greetings,
the useful website explauining one approach to holding the violin and bow I mentioned erlier is:
//rkviolin.com/writ_fund_one.html
Cheers,
Buri
>Terez...you out there?
Yup, checking in, Ande. Have been off working hard to try and catch up with you on the violin. Impossible feat - had to give up. That, and the writing was calling. And the laundry. And the checkbook/bills/kid/husband/doctors/boss/neighbors/cat/bed/softy comfy pillows.
But I did have a good lesson yesterday. Love the Applebaum duet books a few ppl have mentioned here. Or was that the other adult beginner thread? No time to scroll thru and check. And now, off I go again to leap back into this thing called life. And, BTW, I LOVE reading everyone else's experiences here.
AF...I run kids around to violin lessons too and try to learn myself with my own teacher.
I learn so much by sitting quietly and watching my kids lessons. It is like getting two lessons a week. Their teacher says the same things as mine but in different ways. They use different examples, different materialsc etc., but all end up saying, basically, the same thing. Play in tune first, read accurately and work on your bow all the time. When your really in tune work on vibrato as a separate thing and then try to incoroporate it in as much as you can on as many notes as you can for the next million years and then you'll get it!
Buri, Thank you! I'll look at that site.
hen your really in tune work on vibrato as a separate thing and then try to incoroporate it in as much as you can on as many notes as you can for the next million years and then you'll get it!
Karen King - if only it was as easy as it sounds!!!!! And we had enough life/hours in the day/energy for it!!!! HA HA
Hi everyone,
Don't know if you checked out YJ Lee's post on "4th Finger...", but I must say, it colored my playing this week and darned if I haven't taken some little quantum leap. For me that has defined the past year. Leaps and plateaus, leaps and plateaus.
So, where's AF?!
I'm here. I just peak in every once in awhile now. I'm busy doing violin for the kids (orchestra) so I've taken a back seat for a couple months.
Since I'm not playing not much to complain about. :)
AF - speaking of moms/kids/taking the back seat, check out the short story I posted about the aforementioned. Well, it's not you or me or any of us here by a long shot, but it's about the price moms often pay, and then the redemptive power of music, years afterwards. Let's see if I can make a link live... http://www.violinist.com/blog/Terez Other adult beginners, particularly mothers, might like to check this out too. ((Now I will stop this shameless hawking of my wares. I promise. ...Sorta. At least until my next blog posting.))
Terez; I never considered the violin THAT sensual before. I may have to put something over it now. Its naked. ;)
My hubby gave me a choice last night (for my birthday). Laptop computer or upgrade my violin. Since I just bought a new student violin, I went with the computer.
Okay...show of hands...how many think that's stupid??!!! :)
Another day of lugging the kids from orchestra to violin lessons. Then practice. By the time I think I should pick it up again, I'm burned out.
Ande - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! : )
Hmmm - laptop or violin upgrade... Well, since I'm in the market for a violin upgrade, you can bet I'd leap for that one. But, like you said, you just got a new student one. Hey, I went to Ifshin a few weeks back. I was crazy about the Jay Haide L'Ancienne. A bit over my budget. But I loved the feel and tone of it. I'm a sucker for old-looking violins. In truth, though, think I'll hold out for the real thing. An irony, though. The guy at Ifshin said that in my budget (roughly 2K), they had mostly new violins. The old bad stuff falls under that, and the old good stuff rises above that. Hmmm. Good thing I'm in no hurry.
Have a good shuttling summer. Find time for yourself and your own violin! (And yes, they are sensual little instruments. That's one of the reasons I was drawn to it - and I'm sure I can include others in on this count, as well!) That said, if you're around music or musical endeavors, even if it's peripheral, that's got to be a good thing for your own music practice. Keeps it in your brain.
Why in the hell does someone like me have to straighten out people at places like Princeton and Yale. I even have to fix their spelling. "The utterly meaningless field of pure mathematics"? At Princeton, no less? Anything is what you make of it.
;)
So little time left... before long I'll be truly old.
The funny thing is that I can't add either....
Greetings,
I belive on his relative rtaher than violnistic strengths, Einstein got to play quartets with famous musicians, one of whom got so pissed at him he shouted `Can`t you count, Mr Einstein?`
Cheers,
Buri
well, I started to teach myself last year at this time, and made good progress the first month. I put the violin down for about three weeks due to work schedule, and when I picked it up, I couldn't get any sound, just a hiss with an occasional screech.
I picked it up again today and "fiddled" with it for about 10 minutes, no sound again. Ugh.
Sounds like you need to put some rosin on your bow hair.
Yes, that's what I thought, have been doing so for about a total of 10 min's now. Have Jade rosin.
I shall figure this out
Oh my gosh, (or as my 3 year old says, oh my goodness) i have sound again.
Now, can i make good sound. No, but at least i have good volume. Yeah
Hi everyone,
I'm 38 and started a little over a year ago to try and help my daughter who is now 6 with her playing. I studied piano up to RCM 8 and and singing up to RCM 10 and have always wanted to play the violin.
So now it has become a bit of an obsession for me. Thankfully I haven't had problems with intonation or reading (the singing helps), my biggest problem has been set up. I have spent a lot of time trying to get the best set up. I can't beleive that there isn't some more scientific ergonomic method of assessment out there. Suffice it to say, I have ordered my 5th and hopefully last chin rest which is being custom made; will most likely need to still play with the shoulder pad a bit more and need to adjust the bridge still.
I love, love, love the violin and spend hours practicing. I love that it is a physical instrument. As a kid I hated sitting at the piano. My back always ached. Playing the violin you can move.
I work across the street from a violin shop and I'm sure they are sick of me but I'm so interested in every aspect of the violin. I'm telling you, last week I was in the kitchen and I said to my daughter, "Oh my God I've died and gone to heaven." She said, "Why Mommy?" I said, "Well Victoria, this month's Strad magazine has Mommy's favorite violinist Joshua Bell and next month's has Mommy's second favorite-Hilary Hahn could it get any better than that?." Now if that isn't over the top I don't know what is.
Thankfully I have an AMAZING teacher who is so supportive and helpful and positive about my playing. She doesn't just focus on the technical aspects of playing but on the mental aspects of playing as well. Such as visualization and artistry. I think it helps that she started playing late as well-in her teens. What is inspiring is that she is a very successful professional violist despite starting late. So there you have it, anything is possible. In some respects I'm glad I didn't start until now. I am way more motivated and determined to do it right without picking up bad habits. Being the lazy child I was, I would have never had this level of committment.
Lisa
I started playing violin, or rather it started playing me at 45. I had never thought really of learning the instrument. I went to get guitar strings, and ended up with them, and a beginner's violin set.
A couple days later, I called and made an appointment with a really good teacher. A couple days past that, I fell and seriously damaged f2,f3, and f4 on my left hand.
My first lesson was about a week after that, so my first about 15 months was literally in pain--at first because of the injury, then because of overuse. I continued though, and now have about 20 months on the instrument, and have the overuse issues under pretty good control.
I fell in love with violin, though it's about my 4th insrument after piano, guitar and banjo. I practice religously (and too much), and at this point am still hesitant about setting limits and taking it in various directions.
All I know, is I love playing, and after I started getting some discipline and 'a little' technique, the love hasn't mellowed, but matured--nicely. For the time being, I'm planning on following modified Suzuki up through the series--modified because I'm making myself learn to read better early.
I never sight read well on piano, though I learned extensive music--often measure by measure and rote memorization. I find the single staff compelling and have had good success--though tired eyes.
I've never allowed myself the question why not earlier. I'm just glad I started playing. I thought I was passionate about banjo, and I am, but this...
al
Well done Albert.
I think I've finally found a viola teacher here in Ottawa - we'll see how it goes. So far, so good. :)
Neil
Buri wrote,
"I believe on his relative rtaher than violnistic strengths, Einstein got to play quartets with famous musicians, one of whom got so pissed at him he shouted `Can`t you count, Mr Einstein?"
-And ever since that incident, he was only allowed to play with his relatives.
At risk of repeating myself, I'll say how much I admire adult beginners. The oldest I've worked with is now 74. He took "fiddle from scratch" at camp one year on a whim, then promptly spent a couple thou on a tone-full instrument and decent wood bow. He comes for a weekly lesson with his own lesson plan ready. "Today I'd like you to record ...., and then can we play slowly through ...., and show me that vibrato exercise again." Recently he said violin was what he always wanted to play, but he thought it was too hard and he was too old- this perhaps 25 years ago? He became a top-notch old-time/bluegrass banjo player instead, then a decent stand-up bass guy, and now this. How coolis that?
I'm 37 and next week will be my one year anniversary of my first violin lessen. As a teenager I was a pretty good lead guitar player, so that may have helped my left hand technique. Although I only know first and second position (and only 3 key signatures), my teacher is about to book us to play at the local Barnes & Nobles bookstore in a few weeks. Obviously i'll be sweating bullets! I try to get in one hour of practice a day, with extra practice time on the weekends. I really love the instrument! My teacher said that if I picked it up as a youngster it may have really "turned into something". I just play for the love of classical music. On December 10, i'll be having my 2nd recital with my teacher's other students (i'm far and away the oldest!), and will be performing Pagannini's 5th caprice. I will not be playing anything higher than 2nd position, so i'll be making slight changes to the piece, and also no staccato. Most of the notes will be as written, i'll just be playing much slower. I've got the first 20% down pat, and my teacher is shocked. Wish me luck!
Allan, I absolutely love this ROFL...:
"Can`t you count, Mr Einstein?"
al
"I live my life in terms of music" AE.
Apart from some unsuccessful violin lessons in childhood, I really started on viola at 18, then gave up after a few years. I took up violin with more determination 6 years ago. I've had some good teachers over the years, each has taught me a lot, but I've learned most from Simon Fisher's books 'Basics' and 'Practice', that really answer every technical question. Buri recommended them, and they are unbelievably helpful. They are my teacher at the moment, as I'm short of funds and also feel that by using the books and very analytical practice, I've achieved more in the last year that ever before. I'd highly recommend these books to every mature violin student.
I took violin lessons for a few months as a child. I quit because the teacher wouldn't answer my questions, saying that they were "too advanced."
Fast-forward 45 years. I have taught myself recorder, guitar, and electric bass. I have studied music theory for a couple of years in college. I'm a member of two musical ensembles and a frequent participant in pickup groups and jam sessions. I've orchestrated a musical and performed in front of an orchestra. I've recently been playing in about a concert a month--different music (and often different instruments) each time. And, happening to visit my parents, I remember that there's this violin sitting in their closet that hasn't been touched in decades.
Of course it was unplayable. The neck had come unglued from the body, and bugs had eaten through all of the bow hairs. But that was about the extent of the damage. A few hundred bucks later, it was playable again.
So now I'm learning my way around the fingerboard. I have the advantage of a *very* good ear for intervals, and plenty of experience with other instruments. After a month of undisciplined noodling, I can play a halfway presentable version of "Ashokan Farewell." My intonation is mediocre, but not horrible, and practice will improve it because I know when it's wrong.
I'm sure I'll have lots of questions. With luck, I'll find the right discussion thread in which to ask them.
I've hooked up with a Irish fiddle group lessons here in Philadelphia. I've played violin for a few years - but this is a unique experience. Learning tunes and technique mostly by ear. Quite a stretch for me. Defiantly using a different part of my brain.
The best thing - the venue has a bar and we finish up our lessons with a pint or two :-)
Best,
Jen Ford
I started playing the violin again after a 50 year hiatus. I started playing at age 6 and studied for 9 years until age 14 when I decided that was enough. I also played piano (not well) but learned to read music and clarinet and oboe. At age 63, I started taking violin lessons again with a wonderful teacher who understands the unique problems with the "mature" student. Although it has just been three months, I am amazed at how much I remembered as far as the fingering ( 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions). I am also playing in the string ensemble at the Arts Academy where I take lessons. Since I am retired (I was the Director of a 17 bed inpatient Hospice), I have the time and energy to devote to rediscovering the violin. I am playing currently on a 1921 Conn Wonder Violin that I inherited from my grandfather. It has a nice sound and responds quite well for a factory made instrument. I just love playing the violin again and hope to continue with lessons until I get too old to do so. It is never too late for even this old dog to learn new tricks.
Hi Marsha,
Thanks for reviving this thread, and I loved hearing your story. I envy you both your past violin experience and the luxury of time that you now have. That, in truth, is my greatest challenge as an adult beginner - adding a discipline such as this to an already overcrowded schedule. Ah well, for such things, one finds time, no matter what the schedule is.
I am not sure I quite count as a beginner (I took several years of lessons when I was younger), but I sure feel like one! After more than 15 years without playing at all, I went to see a string quartet play Haydn, thought "I really wish I could play violin" and realized that I was once on my way to doing just that.
I promptly found a teacher and thankfully she seems quite good, and not at all demeaning. We spent much of the first two months on re-learning bowing technique. We're using Wolfarht, and doing Hrimaly scale studies for intonation (ack!).
I am a little startled at how physically demanding it is to play again - particularly on the muscles involved in bowing. Like another poster, I find my right arm and shoulder to be very sore much of the time. I just don't remember this being a problem when I was younger!
On the other hand, I actually love to practice and have much more discipline than I did way back when. Too bad I don't have more time and a free place to live these days (a much underappreciated feature of childhood).
My biggest current hurdles are intonation (seems my ear and fingers forgot everything I once knew)and staccato. Its good to know I am not alone in this endeavor!! Good luck to all.
Amy
I'm 45 and began lessons a year and a half ago. I took up violin to help my daughter. I'm now starting Suzuki book 6. I did have the advantage of learning the piano when I was a teenager. I just love the violin. It's also great stress relief after a hard day's work.
I'm 36 and took it up last year. I love it. I hope that when I retire I can be that mysterious gypsy on the corner that plays for change, even though, just doing it for fun...
Barry
This journey has many twists and turns, doesn't it. I started two and a half years ago with my daughter, we went through a few teachers, some great some not so good. My daughter, now 11, is behind me in difficulty of pieces played, but her sound is better. It is wonderful to hear her teacher say, make these notes sound like this, and then my daughter mimics it perfectly - I can't do that without investigating how our teacher did it, asking questions, etc. While I struggled with exercises to get up bow staccato, my daughter heard it, did it, and moved on.
Anyway we learnt a bit about helpful and unhelpful teachers on the way. The worst is the teacher who does not like to listen to you playing - you scrape through a piece, and teacher winces and says after a few bars - okay, it looks like you've got it, start learning the next piece. Surprising how many teachers really hate listening to a beginner playing. You play more and more pieces, more and more badly. They never really listen.
Another kind of teacher thinks you don't really want to learn, and just want a stylish hobby. That is an insult and a terrible waste of money and time.
The best teachers we have had have listened hard to our playing and devised exercises to improve whatever is causing trouble. Slowly but surely we get better.
It is wonderful to get better, although creaky joints in my hands make it clear that there is a limit to what I will ever be able to do. As long as my intonation and timing are accurate, the sound is reasonable, and the overall piece has a nice dynamic shape, then I will be more or less satisfied. Having great fun with Bach Partita, No 2 the first bit.
I'm certainly not a beginner, but I've had a solid amateur status all of my life, and for the most part I've played on a regular basis, some years with lessons and some without. For several years now it's been without.
Say what you want about the drawbacks of being an adult (especially an older one like me) who is either starting or returning to or continuing on to play the violin.
C'mon now, we all need to recognize that besides the drawbacks of being older or an older beginner, there are also unique advantages that no youngster can even come close to:
1. Work habits. When you're old like us and have been around the block more than a few times, you've got a work ethic. You know how to approach a job and keep at it until you've learned it. And as far as work stamina, us oldsters can run circles around most younger people.
2. Maturity and wisdom. We don't get sidetracked by silly issues like "Who am I?" and "What will ever become of me?" and "What if someone doesn't like me?" We don't get bombed into apathy by problems; we've lived through 'em all, and we know that you survive.
3. We don't have "authority issues." We respect those who are competent for their competence without overly idolizing or demonizing anyone.
4. We're happy with what we can do. We know we're not going to be the next Jascha Heifetz. When we accomplish something, we're comfortable with it and take pride in it.
So, quit complaining and get back to practicing. That's the key to success.
Cordially, Sandy
PS. A fellow I worked with years ago had a sign on his wall - "Youth and enthusiasm is no match for old age and treachery."
>It is wonderful to hear her teacher say, make these notes sound like this, and then my daughter mimics it perfectly - I can't do that without investigating how our teacher did it, asking questions, etc.
Ha ha, that's SO true! I'm always analyzing every aspect of the music and playing technique. I can't help it - it's how I've learned to learn.
Sounds like you two have had some nightmare teachers - thank goodness you didn't stop there, thinking that all violin learning experiences were going to be such a mixed experience! I love my teacher - I got lucky on the first try and two years later, it's still a positive experience. And I'm one picky adult beginner.
>1. Work habits. When you're old like us and have been around the block more than a few times, you've got a work ethic. You know how to approach a job and keep at it until you've learned it. And as far as work stamina, us oldsters can run circles around most younger people.
Well put, Sandy. I know for a fact that if I'd picked up the violin as a child or teenager, I would have futzed around for a year or two but the practice would have died of neglect. I just didn't have the right discipline/work ethic back then.
As for this comment, though:
2. We don't get sidetracked by silly issues like "Who am I?" and "What will ever become of me?" and "What if someone doesn't like me?"
Er... you mean I was supposed to get over that by now? God. What does that make me? And what will become of me if it continues? Worse, voicing these concerns might make the people at v.com respect me less. And, gulp, maybe like me less...
Oh, woe...
Hi, Terez: Thanks for the comments. What I mean by not getting hung up in "Who am I?" is that we've been asking that question of ourselves for so many years, that it's nothing new by now. It's not a crisis; just one of those questions we keep in the back of our minds, like "I wonder where my wife wants to have dinner tonight."
Cordially, Sandy
:)
I'm forty-five and had been thinking about it for some time now. I had a background in music, singing, so I could read. My family is musically inclined. I was reading everything I could about the history, construction and performance of violin. I finally decided to discuss this with my local shop. After some discussion, they felt it would be worth a try and I purchased a Knilling Silver Medallion with Precision pegs.
I should have told my wife that I was purchasing a relatively expensive (for me anyway) violin that day. As it were, it was rather chilly in our house for a week or so.
I have been practicing and utilizing online resources, not unlike this forum. I have been slowly getting better at intonation and bowing. I have only been playing for a short time and have decided to not use any finger tapes, as I have a pretty good ear, and I decided to push my muscle memory.
During this exploration, I have found that there is an adult strings class at the university. I have decided to enroll in the fall and dedicate myself to this. The program is well structured and for the first two years, classes are conducted and during the third year, public performances are given. It is an orchestra setting though private instruction is provided throughout the program. Needless to say I am excited. Humbled by the whole experience.
I'll post occasionally on how it is going.
Oh, my wife has forgiven my dalliance and is happy that it wasn't a sports car as she calls my mid-life crisis.
John: Welcome to one of the most interesting groups of people you will ever encounter - violinists.
:) Sandy
Ditto Sander John--welcome... I started at 44 a couple years ago myself--also with a background in music.
Violin completely overwhelmed me, though I do not feel it was a midlife crisis. I'll have to save for the sportscar when that time arrives.
Once you get some bowing technique and a little good left hand articulation, be sure to pick out a couple excellent pieces to be your signature songs that are relatively achievable with some hard work.
I can practically echo Terez's beginnings on the violin, although I came back to it because of a story I was working on, rather than starting from scratch. ;) A novel I wrote last November had violinists as the main characters, and so I started doing research and listening to violin music, and I fell in love all over again. Dug out my old violin, then bought a new one, and started taking lessons in January. I played from 5th grade into college, and then was away from it for over ten years before picking it up again. I never was very good, and about now I'm getting back to where I left off then.
>A novel I wrote last November had violinists as the main characters, and so I started doing research and listening to violin music, and I fell in love all over again.
Tara, oh my goodness, how coincidental is THAT? (Maybe not so coincidental - maybe it's a common novel-writing subject in the end.) What happened to your novel and/or are you still working on it? I thought mine was "done" in November, shopped it to a few agents and now I'm revising based on their recommendations. I have a confession - I'm enjoying the revision work even more than the other drafts and I plan to take ever so much care (and time) with it and live in my character's violin world even longer. Nasty world, the publishing industry - frankly I'd rather circumvent it entirely and focus on what makes me happy. Would love to hear about your novel, as well!
And Sandy, on your reply here:
>we've been asking that question of ourselves for so many years, that it's nothing new by now.
A big YUP!
Terez, the novel is currently in revision/rewrite. I'm too chicken to send anything to agents or editors just yet. ;) Since starting to play again, though, I think I can inject a whole lot more musicality and realism into the story. Lots of stops and starts on it thus far (sort of like the playing) but I'm enjoying the journey. ;) What you said about living in their world a little longer is the reason I think the rewrite is going so slowly. I don't want it to be over.
I am 24 years old and i started playing violin last year ..
My progress in this one year, is very good according to my teacher's comments...
I have played Rieding. Kuchler and Portnoff violin student concertos, i am working on 1-2-3 positions and shifting and I have finished the first 2 books of Laureux and i am in the third working on double stoping ...plus i started having a deep vibrato ..
I have been attenting to lot of masterclasses (on Friday I attented a masterclass of the teacher GRIGORI ZHISLIN) ..I have also met greek virtuoso Leonidas Kavakos that encouraged me..
I think when desire exists this is reflected into progress..violin is my life and i keep on practising lot (my mark on my neck proves it lol) trying to use my mind more and less fingers..
I play always in front of a mirror and i have fixed VERY much my bow hold thanks to this...
Slow metronomer is a torture but it is a must for getting into rythm..
i think the most important of all is to learn to produce a clear sound with full of hair..if u learn to do this it would be easier to responde in various ways of expressions needed in a piece...
and most of all I thank my teacher who is my guide in this journey..
I am so in love with my torturing piece of wood that i am sure i will never stop playing and progressing...
Good Luck to all beginners
Mihalis
Mihalis--you are so lucky to have a skilled teacher. Not all of us are.
'Once you get some bowing technique and a little good left hand articulation, be sure to pick out a couple excellent pieces to be your signature songs that are relatively achievable with some hard work.'
Hi Albert, any suggestions?
Sander, I do so agree. I appreciate my teacher for her competence, and for really listening.
I've been going at it for almost a year now, and it's great! Glad to be part of an interesting group of people!
Can anyone offer a suggestion re: older violin as opposed to new luthier made? Advantages/disadvantages of both? I've got small kids so can't travel round the country trying out violins (and I'm not so confident about my playing just seriously addicted and would like to invest my hard earned cash well). I live in Poland by the way, not the States. I'm particularly interested if anyone would dissuade from buying luthier made new.
Bernadette
Jay thanks a lot but even if u have Perlman teaching you if u dont have the patience of studying slowly and focusing alone home, the bow wont move by its own :)..
and i have heard that progress is achieved 85% by the side of student and 15% thanks to teacher..
focusing in relax condition in home and concentrating to breathing too, is very important..
good luck my friend
Mihalis--
It's not quite fair we are not quite both equal beginners. I played for 25 years but then I didn't play for 25 years. So, I have been busy trying to recapture my old technique and improve upon it. I do spend lots of time practicing. So far as a teacher is concerned it would simply be a little easier to have another set of eyes see what I'm doing. But the ice queen that I was working with was more trouble than she was worth. She refused to take me seriously. Thata makes a teacher essentially worthless.
Thanks for the comments, Terez. We are really lucky with our teacher now.
Beyond a teacher who listens - and is a born teacher - I also had the luck to find this site. Very interesting - I have all these mental pictures of frequent contributors, including you, all the great characters. Strongly influenced by unconscious associations with names as well as with verbal styles. It is good fun to see the nurturing types, the pompous, the mature, those who fly off the handle, the arrogant and the humble, those who lay down the law - it is a bit like a novel without anything beyond the simplest principle of unity holding it together.
Cheers.
> ...it is a bit like a novel without anything beyond the simplest principle of unity holding it together.
Hey, and I'm a novel writer! No wonder I love this place. : )
PS - speaking of adult beginner experiences, click http://www.violinist.com/blog/Terez/ to read my public debut experience last week that I just blogged about.
Hello all you adult students. I have enjoyed reading your comments on the challenges and opportunities of picking up the violin at a "mature" age. I am 54 and have been playing for about 2 years. I had some music training as a youth (4 years of piano) but haven't done anything musically since the age of 15.
I'm not sure why I decided on the violin. I was working out-of-town a couple of years ago and wandered into a pawn shop that specialized in musical insturments. I left with an old, factory made violin that had a repaired crack in the top. Still being able to read alittle music, I purchased a beginner book showing some fingerings and started to see if I could extract anything that resembled a tune out of it.
For me, the more I messed around with it, the more I wanted to play it. I feel like I have been completely seduced by the thing. After about a year, I upgraded my violin and started taking lessons from a wonderful, professional violinist. I've settled into a routine of practicing each day (5am-7am)and look forward to my weekly lesson. My goal is to become a respectable player some day, but until then, I am sure enjoying the ride.
Best Wishes
Speaking of teachers taking us seriously, I've been very impressed and pleased with how seriously my teacher is taking me. Some things have come up recently that have made it clear to me she treats me the same as any other (younger) student, and she may even expect more out of me than I do. That's not a bad thing. I feared finding a teacher like others have described, who kind of shrugs my efforts of as "oh well, no biggie, you won't be a professional anyway." Not what I found, and I consider myself lucky. I just hope I get to continue taking lessons with her.
I applaude all of you who actually started from the beginning in adulthood. Not sure I could have done that. I was very thankful for my previous education when I started again (even though I'm still catching up to where I left off years ago.)
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June 28, 2006 at 06:09 AM · Cool, another thread to rant about how much my violin skill sucks!! =)