Learn Violin your way with a TakeLessons expert

One of the best things about playing an instrument is getting to play with other musicians. Below, violin teacher Naomi Cherie S. shares some fun and easy violin duets you can play with your musical friends... Sure, playing violin solos can bring you hours of joy. But let’s face it; when it comes to playing music, sometimes it’s the more the merrier! Not only can it be more fun to add another musician to your ensemble, but playing duets can actually benefit you in many ways, too. For

Tablature is a form of musical notation that makes reading music easier for fretted and string instruments like guitar, bass, and violin. The premise is operationally-based, meaning that rather than showing rhythm, duration, and pitch, violin tabs will show the player where and when to place their fingers on the instrument. For an improvising musician, tabs allow you to improvise while staying within the chord structure of a song. We most often use tablature-style notation when notating pop m

Does your child have a violin recital coming up? Below, violin teacher Julie P. shares the ultimate violin recital checklist to help parents ensure their child has the best performance... Your child’s first violin performance is an exciting time! Your child gets to show off what he or she has learned, while you get to marvel at how far he or she has come since their first violin lesson. Recitals can be a wonderful family event and a great confidence booster for your child.

There are mobile apps for just about everything these days--even playing the violin. Below, violin teacher Julie P. shares 10 helpful apps for violinists... The world of music apps is ever expanding. More and more apps are available to help musicians with everything from music theory to sight reading to organizing practice time. Specifically, there are many helpful apps for violinists. Whether you're a seasoned violin players or you're just starting to take violin lessons, there

Do you know what the difference is between a child's violin and an adult's violin? Most people don't. And even if they do, they might not understand why it matters. One of the main concerns that violin students and their parents typically have is purchasing the right-sized violin. Obviously you can't give a five-year-old a full-size violin and expect him or her to be able to handle the instrument. And once kids are in their teenage years, trying to keep up with growth spurts can be extremely

What is Violin Restoration? Violins are can be finely crafted instruments made by master luthiers with decades of experience or machine-made student models put together on an assembly line. These are the two extremes that one can encounter when owning or renting a violin.  There are, of course, many variations of these extremes that will affect the cost and value of these instruments. One thing that all of these different levels of violins have in common is that they come from the workshop or

Just starting out on violin and not sure where to begin with violin solos? Here, violin teacher Naomi Cherie S.  has outlined 15 popular violin solo pieces to help you build your beginner repertoire. Whether you're brand new to the violin or you've been playing for a year or two, this list has some great songs for you to tackle... Note: We've included videos, violin tutorials, and violin solo sheet music to help you master these songs! What is the Best Violin Solo? There are dozens

Before you begin your violin lessons, you'll need to make a decision about the type and location of the lessons. Here are some helpful tips from Brooklyn, NY teacher Julie P... So you or your child wants to learn how to play the violin, but you’re not sure if you want to work with a teacher in-person, online, or maybe just go the DIY route? This article will help you think through the pros and cons of each option. By the end, you should have a better idea of which way is the best way for y

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced violin player, vibrato is an essential technique to master. Here are three common mistakes that can prevent you from achieving perfect vibrato. We'll explore each of these mistakes in more detail and provide tips for avoiding them. Stay tuned! Is Vibrato Hard Violin? Many beginner violinists find vibrato to be one of the most challenging aspects of playing the instrument. There are a few common mistakes that can make it difficult to produce a s

Choosing whether to play the violin or cello can be difficult, but this article will help you consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.  The violin and cello are two of the most well-known and commonly studied instruments in the string family. Each one is central to the makeup of the orchestra we know today. Becoming familiar with the pros and cons of these two instruments will help you decide whether the violin or cello is a better fit for you. Is it Easier to Play Violin or C