If playing the violin has always been a dream of yours, congratulations on taking that first step and signing up for private lessons! Here, Philadelphia, PA teacher Gina P. shares what to expect and how to prepare...   Congratulations! You (or your child) have decided that you’d like to begin playing the violin, and you are taking that desire seriously by booking some lessons. That’s great! You’re starting down a path that leads to the joys of making music, and you’ll get boosts

Love it or hate it, practice is a significant part of every musician’s life. This is especially true for those learning the violin, as there are many complex techniques and skills one must learn. As every musician can attest, finding the time and motivation to practice can be difficult, especially when you’re used to practicing the same songs over and over again. Rather than bore yourself to death, try switching up your practice plan by adding different genres of music--such as roc

Do you love playing the violin? From Heifetz to Perlman, there are dozens of famous violin players who have helped inspire us all. Whether you’re just starting to learn the violin or you’re a seasoned professional, chances are there’s a certain violinist who you’ve channeled more than others. Find out which of these famous violin players is your alter ego in the quiz below! Be sure to share your results with your fellow violinists. Which of the famous violin players did you

Are you a beginner violinist who needs some guidance on what type of violin strings to purchase? Below, violin teacher Montserrat P. shares some expert tips on how to choose the best violin strings... Choosing the best violin strings for your instrument is extremely important. Finding the proper strings guarantees you'll be able to play your violin to its full potential, which leads you to achieve more efficient development as a musician. Unfortunately, if you don't have the right g

  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... Effective tuning is a vital skill for a musician to acquire. For kids just starting to learn violin, parents may want to grasp proper tuning as well, so that they can assist the child in the b

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

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 extreme

Do you have a big recital coming up? Below, violin teacher Julie P. shares some tips on how to choose the best violin songs and nail your next performance... If you’re a beginner violinist preparing for your first big recital, you’re probably wondering how to pick the best violin songs that will showcase what you've learned throughout your violin lessons. Chances are you're also nervous about how you'll play in front of people. While it's good to have some butterflies in your stom

Are you new to playing the violin? As a beginner, it's important to create a strong foundation of which you can work off. Below, violin teacher Montserrat P. shares five violin basics every beginner should master... Congratulations! You've been introduced to the wonderful art of music through one of the most beautiful instruments, the violin. As you continue to discover this wonderful instrument, it's important to slowly build your skill set. After all, learning to play the violin can b

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.