Many would-be adult violin learners are put off by a number of stereotypes which cause them to doubt their ability to learn to play the instrument. The main stereotype which persists in the mind of adults attempting to learn the violin is that the violin is something which can only be learned as a child. While it is true that most world renowned violinists started early, it is also my experience, now backed up by concrete studies, that adult violin learners are capable of out-learning their child fellow learners.
If you are to learn the violin as an adult there are a number of important points to bear in mind which will help you as you plod slowly along the road to mastery.
1) Have fun! This is extremely important. You are much more likely to practice regularly and for longer if you truly enjoy what you are doing. Play the type of music you like. Learn with a friend or partner. Set yourself clear goals to master something new during each session. End every session on a high. Doing these things will keep your practice sessions fun and fresh.
2) Buy a violin you like! It is tempting for a newbie to begin their new interest with as little money up front as possible, after all you may not enjoy playing as much as you thought, and could be left with nothing but the cost. However you should not just buy the cheapest possible violin: spend $200-300 more and get a decent quality violin. You will be more likely to play a violin which you know is good quality and a quality violin will improve your musical ear much more readily
3) Soak yourself in violin! Buy or rent CD's and DVD's featuring the best violin pieces played by the best performers - nothing will whet your appetite for playing more than listening to some brilliant performances. Go to concerts. Watch online videos - there are countless free video and music websites where you can watch or download concerts or instructional videos.
4) Don't get down on yourself. I'll be honest. The first few times you play the violin the noise will be horrific. But you know a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, right? The only difference between you and Itzhak Perlman are the thousands of hours spent practicing. If you practice too, then slowly, so slowly you will begin to improve.
Be persistent, be enthusiastic and enjoy playing. Gradually a flowing, competent violinist will emerge.
by Gary Lee
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