Violin articles & Resources

Kathrin Ziegler / Stone / Getty Images Learning how to properly tune your violin is important for many reasons. Not only does it ensure you get the best sound, but it also helps train your ear. Knowing how to tune a violin, however, is often easier said than done. Below, violin teacher Carol Beth L. shares her top violin tuning tips... It’s only natural to want your violin to sound its best. But if you’re like most of us, the thought of tuning it can be a little scary. Well, fear not! 

A. Martin UW Photography / Moment / Getty Images Have you ever heard a fiddle tune and wondered what it was? Or have you ever wanted to try your hand at fiddling, but weren't sure where to start?  If so, this beginner’s guide to fiddle tunes is for you! Keep reading to learn all about the world of fiddling and how you can get started.  What is a Fiddle Tune? A fiddle tune is a type of traditional song that is usually played on a stringed instrument known as a fiddle: It is u

Before you can get to the double-stops and harmonics, you'll need to learn how to develop your bow hand. Without this foundation, other techniques may be compromised. Read on for a tutorial and bowing exercise from Portland, OR violin teacher Greg A... When it comes to playing the violin, one of the most important skills to master is your bow hand. A good bow hand can make all the difference between a profound, professional musical performance and an amateur one.  Unfortunately, this s

If you’ve ever been to a symphony or heard classical music, you’ve likely noticed that there are many different stringed instruments being played. Two of the most popular stringed instruments are the viola and the violin. They look very similar, so it can be hard to tell them apart at first glance.  But if you take a closer look, you’ll find that each instrument has its own unique sound, construction, and style of play. Let’s explore the differences between the viola and violin! 

                              Are you a violin player who has difficulty with your fourth finger? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the challenge of mastering this particular finger. Luckily, there are some effective tips and techniques that can help.  Read on to learn how to tackle the violin fourth finger challenge!  How Can I Improve My Fourth Finger Vibrato Violin? If you're looking to improve your four

Think you're too old to learn how to play the violin? Nonsense! Take a look as Los Angeles teacher Travis H. dispels the myth and explains why taking music lessons as a later age can actually be beneficial...     You’ve always wanted to learn the violin. As a child, you begged your parents for violin lessons but they said you were too young. They told you to wait until you were a bit older.  So, you waited and now you’re an adult. You’re out of school and have a full-time j

Think you don't have enough time to practice violin? Think again! We all have days where we're short on time, but that doesn't mean you should skip practice altogether. Here, Austin, TX violin instructor Naomi Cherie S. shows you how to get an effective violin practice session in only 15 minutes... If you're short on time but want to make the most of your violin practice, this routine is for you! In just 15 minutes, you'll be able to focus on the key elements of violin technique and impro

One of the coolest things about playing an instrument in this day and age is that anything is possible! Thanks to the Internet, you have a world of options available to you for accessing sheet music, recorded songs, accompaniment tracks, and tons of other ways to find new and interesting songs for violin. This article is here to offer you a fresh and exciting perspective on how versatile the violin is, by guiding you through five examples of contemporary music to explore, encompassing a variety

For anyone who loves music, the violin is a beautiful instrument that has been around for centuries. Though the modern violin has only been around since the 16th century, there are still many different types of violins that can be played.  One type of violin that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the vintage violin. But what exactly is a vintage violin, and how are they different? Let's take a closer look. Why Are Old Violins So Valuable? Many factors contribute to t

When it comes to violin for kids, how can you tell if your investment and energy is worth it? Here, San Francisco, CA violin teacher Carol Beth L. shares her advice...   It can be difficult to measure the success of your child’s violin lessons. You may be wondering if they are progressing as quickly as they should be, or if they are enjoying their lessons.  Here are a few ways to gauge your child’s success in violin lessons. Is Violin Easy to Learn for Kids? Is violin easy