I played it for about 6 months. I got a bit discouraged as I didn’t feel I was making progress. I think I set my goals too high - wanting to be really good quickly.
@@qltygrl3187, I understand! When I was younger, I wanted to progress quickly. I would do 15 minutes of practice a day and expect a big outcome. I was wrong. (I played violin without a professional teacher for around 4 years) I started seriously playing for around 10 monthes now. Two hours of practice everyday and a really great teacher and an orchestra. Be very patient and practice hard. Your practice will pay off. Good luck and happy practicing!😁👍
I think everyone wants to progress quickly when they start out. If you've decided to start then that's great and just keep up the practice. It all starts to click and working out, plus its so rewarding 😊
Congratulations Melaviolingirl! Great work! Professional violinist here… So glad to see everyone else so inspired by you. I recommend all of you practice in front of a mirror. Try to keep the left arm straight… Letting the wrist fold out will hamper your progress. Also practice open strings slowly attempting to use the whole bow while focusing on a smooth transition at the frog... i’m so impressed!
Yeah that’s really good, you’re progressing really well. Spoil yourself and get a new set of strings - it totally changes everything. Make sure they are a good set. My first change was a set of D’Addario Helicores and they were awesome - 8 months later (daily practice) and they still sound really good.
Hello New Fiddler. I've changed my strings about 3 or 4 times now. I change about every 6 month's. I also really liked the Helicore strings. Currently I'm back using dominant strings but I don't like them so think this will be the last time I use them on my violin. Thanks for the tip and happy fiddling 🎻🤗
i have been playing 8 weeks and play country gardens,, so i hope i am progressing ,,,,, u are really good now,, that encourages me to keep at it.. thanks
I've been playing for 10 years and I've been watching lots of self-taught progress videos. I've had countless lessons and self-taught violinists seem to be doing better than I am! I might ditch the lessons and focus more on what I want to learn to do on the violin. Anyway, you're really talented and obviously very hard working. Keep it up!
Well hello, your name gave me a giggle 😂 Have you had the same violin teacher for the 10 years? How often do you play? Thank you for your lovely feedback. It's almost been another 6 months since this video and I feel I've come a long way. I plan to post another progress video soon and some performance pieces now I don't sound terrible! Self learning has been hard but also makes me investigate and ask a lot of questions which has helped. I post most of my practice videos on Facebook and Insta where I receive some great tips and words of encouragement. Do you share any videos on social channels with the violin community?
@@melaviolingirl5888 I've had about 4 different teachers and I started playing when I was 6 so I was kind of pushed into it. So I've only really taken interest in the last 5 years, and I've had 4 different teachers but they all focused on pieces instead of actual skills and moving to a higher level. Also I don't have any other social media because my parents won't let me!!!😂
@@wellhelltherefellwhuman4637 Well good on your for persisting and even went you weren't enjoying it so much, it's nice to hear that you are now enjoying it. Do you have any videos? Are you able to post any on your channel? It would be nice to hear you play
Thank you. Yes it was very nerve wrecking to make a video but the more I've done it and got used to it. I get great advice and feedback on vids I frequently post on FB and Insta 😊
Mel. That was pretty impressive! I do think you would benefit from having lessons from a professional. I know it costs, but there are many advantages, not least is having a teacher pointing out what you're doing wrong, advising the best pieces to play to strengthen a weakness, and probably most important, being able to see a real violinist playing close up, and seeing how certain things are done. Some things you can't get from reading, or even from videos. For example, there are certain bow strokes applied to certain rhythms: a lot of this kind of information is passed on "word of mouth". As someone else pointed out here, using the whole length of the bow is the way to develop good bow control. I'm 63 and have been learning for just over a year (weekly lessons), and am now confident enough to have joined an amateur orchestra. So I would say you do progress more quickly having lessons. However, well done for what you're doing!
Hello 👋 thanks for your feedback. I feel I'm now at a place in my learning where I do need lessons to help me progress. I just wasn't sure if it was something I would get on with and enjoy but I have so much. I believe I would now progress better with lessons and am currently on the hunt for a good teacher. Congratulations on your progress and joining an orchestra. Good luck on you continued journey and happy playing 😊❤🎻
Hello TH-camrs, it's been almost another year since this video on my 2 years progress with the violin and man I've come a lot further. I'll be posting another progress video soon and hopefully a performance of my first concerto! You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook, just search @melaviolingirl for my weekly practice and progress clips 🎻😊
People like you inspire me so much. I just bought a violin yesterday to learn in quarantine, and I felt silly as a 27 year old buying an instrument so many people start learning when they're young. I sincerely appreciate you listing the books you used as well. Think I'll pick them up to help me learn. For now, though, it's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" until my neighbours hate me.
Twinkle twinkle made me give up the instrument for a year. I picked it back up when I realized "Cluck Old Hen" was so much more fun to play, in fact I never tire of it.
Well done, I used to play many years ago when I was a young boy I'm now approaching 60 and the last couple of years I kept saying to myself I have to get back playing so the last year I have been practicing and love it, I just wish I wasn't so tired when I get home from work as I'm not putting enough effort in, I wish you well in your playing and look forward to listening to you next time 😊👍
Hi Mela! I think you're doing well with your journey especially with fiddle music. That's an area I haven't explored. Nice so see a fellow violin self-learner who started around the same time as I have. Keep up the good work!
Hey 👋 Thanks for the lovely feedback from a fellow self learner of the violin. I've had a watch of some of your videos and you're doing great yourself. Your vibrato is coming along very well to. This is something I'm working hard on at the minute. Keep up the great work and happy practicing 🎻❤
Thanks Otter, you're doing really well yourself! Seen you're vids on Insta 😊 How long have you been playing for? Keep up the great work and all the best for 2019 🎻👍
Your voice sounds like a mix of Lady Gaga and Lana del Rey. So great to hear! Your violin progress was amazing. I’m going to start learning the violin next week, seeing your video gave me hope and motivation! Keep up with the good work 💜
@@melaviolingirl5888 I've been playing for 2 yrs now. One day I'm so in love with it, the next day, I feel so frustrated haha! .. but I keep on going.. practice. practice. practice ☺️
Hello and thank you. I got Suzuki book 1 and 2 for Christmas and have been working my way through them. I'm making a new video on my latest progress. Wishing you all the best with book 1 👍🎻
Great progress. I have been doing it 3 years with many pitfalls. I understand how it is. If I could go back in time and give myself a helpful bit of advice -MORE METRONOME work. I resisted for so long. You've done well in your time.
Hello and thank you. Yes I totally agree that practice is great with a metronome. It took me a while to get used to but I'm now on Suzuki Book 4 and I'm now more confident and consistent in playing with the metronome 👍🏻 I hope you're enjoying your playing and doing well.
Hey Mel! You are doing incredibly well, especially for self-taught. If you are open to criticism, I would recommend to look for etudes that deal with bow partitioning, since I saw you using the upper half mostly. If you want to start Vibrato, I can link you a video that helped me SO MUCH (I can't express this enough). Wishing you all the best!
Hello Amelie! Thank you for your message of encouragement and for the tip. I am conscious that I had been using the tip of the bow and since posting this video, I have started to work on it. I got my first set of Suzuki books for Christmas and am working on the Etudes which are greatly helping. I plan to post vids of me working through the books. Yes please do share your link for vibrato as it's another skill I am currently working on, so any help and constructive criticism is welcomed! 🤗🎻❤
More than anything, I'm actually surprised you managed to play on a Stentor II for 2 years. I also started out with a Stentor II, but it already drove me crazy within 2 months so I upgraded to a better violin (+bow) shortly after that. Have you ever tried playing on a better instrument? Trust me, you will be really grateful if you rent or buy something better!
Hi there. I actually changed my violin to a better one after about a year and a bit. It certainly does make a huge difference and so does a better bow. Now I'm about 2 and a half years into playing I'm looking for an antique violin with a better feel and tone. Going back to the Stentor makes me realise just how far I've come. Now I'm sticking with playing as it's going well I'm happy to make the investments as I progress 😊🎻
@@melaviolingirl5888 Yes using the whole bow for warm-ups will help you control the shorter bow strokes you use when playing a fast jig for Instance ... The same as playing something slowly helps you eventually play something fast… You are doing so great!
You progressed well, but I would do a little more work on keeping in the lower half of the bow. I saw a lit of playing at the tip, and that's a really bad place to play if you were trying to play fff or if you were to try major dynamic changes. Good luck! I have been playing for about 5 years and still have issues with bow positioning from time to time.
Hello 👋🏻 Yes playing near the tip was a bad habit for me but I've finally got much better with the bow since this vid. Congratulations of playing for 5 years. Nov 2020 will be 4 years for me 😊🎻
Nice! Though you really have to work on your bow hold. You're not using the full potential of the bow, because you never play at the frog. You can only do that when your bow hold gets better. Don't just strengthen your left pinkie, do the right one to. That will change a lot in your quality of sound. Go for it!
Thanks for your advice. I've feel I've progressed so much since this vid and I've got away from the trouble of playing at the tip and now using the full bow 👍
Hello! I'm still patiently waiting for my repairs to get done on my own violin. But I was wondering what books you would recommend for a self-teaching beginner? Your feedback would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Hello 👋 I can highly recommend the Suzuki book series for violin with CDs. Having the CDs to listen to the music you are looking to play is great for training the ear on how a song is to be played. The CDs then also have backing tracks you can play along to which is great to get a song up to its performance speed without mistakes.
I was watching this video thinking......holy crap....this girl has a really hairy right arm. Lol...then i seen the tatoos. Baaaaahahaaaa....great job little lady. My kids be starting violin. I am a classically trained singer. But dont do strings yet. Thinkin i wanna learn with them
Hello 👋 Yes I practiced quite often bit the had a long over 6 month break as I went travelling. Since I returned I practice probably on average 4- 5 days a week for anything from an hour to a few hours
Its never too late. Ive seen comments on videos where ppl in their 50s and 70s said they just started learning. And 20 is not that late anyway, ull pick up your pace easily ATB :)
It's never too late. I started in my 30s! I'm so happy I did as I get such joy from playing and seeing how much I've managed to progress. Give it a go! 🎻❤👍
Hello 👋 Play what you want to play. I played guitar back when I was at school up to about grade 6 classical guitar. I dont know how old you are but if you have more of a passion to play violin then go for it. The violin is hard that's for sure but I've always loved the sound of the violin and I've never looked back on the day I decided to give it a go. It's just depend where you heart lies at the end if the day. I played classical guitar as violin lessons weren't really a thing when I was at school and also as I've only in recent years got time back on my side but there's never a day that goes by I regret it. All music is magical. Just always follow you passion and all will be well 👍🤗
@@Tdy891 Heya. Here is a link to some beginners videos that I followed to start. I think the first set if lessons are the best and then I can suggest the Susuki Violin Book series with CDs th-cam.com/play/PL59ppZAGPCOmL23zJMwSXwZkZijQK0V4i.html
Hello 👋🏻 I was at this point. I started having lessons about August 2019 up until a couple of mi ths ago due to covid 19! I'm still practicing almost every day though.
Hey girl, thanks for the great video! I have 2 questions - did you learn/play any other instrument before this and, how many hours per week do you practice on an average? Good luck for more progress!
Hello 👋🏻 In answer to your questions. No I did not play another instrument before this so did not even k ow how to read music when I started. I practice a couple of hours as many days of the week as I can. Normally about 4 days, sometimes more, sometimes less, just whenever I can. What's your story? How long have you been learning?
@@melaviolingirl5888 Oh that's wonderful - that is some serious dedication and it clearly shows! (This is funny - I just saw you answered the above question in the description, my bad!). Actually, I want to learn the violin but am hesitant given the limited amount of hours I would have to put in per week. I was debating between violin or piano given I want to be able to progress fast, and so stumbled upon your video. I have basic training on the Hawaiian guitar and vocals (both Indian classical style tho) and REALLY wanted to learn to play the violin, it's so beautiful an instrument. Thanks for all those links up there, much help!
@@watevaswati Haha, not to worry. Well I would say give the violin a go if you have a passion to want to play it. Words can't explain how happy I am that I decided to give it a go because I've always loved the sound of the violin. It's very rewarding and I'm totally in love with playing. Whatever you decide, I wish you well. Music of any kind is magical ❤
@@melaviolingirl5888 Absolutely! ❤ Thanks for the motivation, I hope I find the same passion playing it too! Cheers and look forward to more videos of your progress (expertise by now?)!
I think she played C# on the A string instead of C, and G# (plus ending A) on the E string instead of just ending on G. Basically just pressed on the markings probably and wasn't even doing a G major scale.
Hi Jay 👋 Thanks for the lovely feedback. I play quite often but had a break at the start of my first 2 years as I went travelling for over 6 months, once I returned I got into a routine. I practice whenever I can really, this is about 3-4 evenings in the week for a couple of hours and whatever spare time I have on the weekend. I think the first 2 years are the toughest as there is a lot to learn. I've improved so much since this over the last 6 months and will be posting a new progress video soon. So for you play? If so, how long have you been playing for and do you take lessons?
Hi Mel 👋 well I don’t play. I am an adult Wanting to learn, but have never played an instrument. I have been watching tons of videos and want to give it a try. I am kind of stuck on what to get...bit embarrassed as well 😳 I can’t wait to see your new progress video!!
@@jaythomas5162 I had only played classical guitar for a bit when I was younger. I started with no knowledge and no idea how to read music but it's never to late to give things a go! Why not give it a bash and see how you get on 😊
Hello 👋🏻 I practice probably on average 4 days a week for 2 to 3 hours, or as much as I can. I've started doing the Schradieck excercise 1 which is a great piece for finger exercise and getting nice long bow strokes 😊
Viviana...You can purchase a practice mute… Different from the little one that sits on the bridge...No one will be able to hear you and you can whale away until two in the morning if you want.
@@hamzakais1762 I feel my bow hold has greatly improved over the last few months but I don't feel a bow hold can be wrong, it's whatever feels right and works 😊
Of course, correct intonation is all a part of the learning process and training the ear. Again I've much improved but we cant be perfect from the get go.
That's the smallest guitar I've ever seen! Kidding, I am considering learning violin, using videos like yours for motivational fuel. Also that face you make sometimes, I assume it's you anticipating some horrible sound is coming! That's the look I make when someone rings my doorbell and I'm not expecting anyone. Fight or flight!
I'm 23 and want to start playing but everyone is telling me I should have started at 5 lol thanks for the video gonna teach myself
Its never to late! I started in my 30's. Glad to have inspired you and wish you the best of luck 😊🎻
Same, 23 and just starting always watch these types of videos to get inspired
john barasch never too late. Give it your best shot
Just received violin today! Thanks for the inspiration everyone much love 💗
I started 2 months ago and I m turning 27 in a month. Take a violin and play, we won't become 1st violins but who cares. Playing music is so fun!! 😊🤩
Thank you Master! Sister
I've just started playing violin 3 days ago ^^ this is really giving me hope lol
Hello 👋 How fantastic you decided to start playing. Thanks for tour lovely feedback and I wish you all the best on your violin journey ❤🎻
@@melaviolingirl5888 Thank you! ^^
@@satapon4129 you're welcome ❤
Good luck with the violin! I started a little more than 2 years ago and it gets easier!:)
@@catienutella4069 Aw thank you! And plan to keep going lol!
This makes me want to pick mine back up and try again.
You should 👍 How long had you been playing for and why did you stop?
I played it for about 6 months. I got a bit discouraged as I didn’t feel I was making progress. I think I set my goals too high - wanting to be really good quickly.
@@qltygrl3187, I understand! When I was younger, I wanted to progress quickly. I would do 15 minutes of practice a day and expect a big outcome. I was wrong. (I played violin without a professional teacher for around 4 years) I started seriously playing for around 10 monthes now. Two hours of practice everyday and a really great teacher and an orchestra. Be very patient and practice hard. Your practice will pay off. Good luck and happy practicing!😁👍
I think everyone wants to progress quickly when they start out. If you've decided to start then that's great and just keep up the practice. It all starts to click and working out, plus its so rewarding 😊
Congratulations Melaviolingirl! Great work! Professional violinist here… So glad to see everyone else so inspired by you. I recommend all of you practice in front of a mirror. Try to keep the left arm straight… Letting the wrist fold out will hamper your progress. Also practice open strings slowly attempting to use the whole bow while focusing on a smooth transition at the frog... i’m so impressed!
Yeah that’s really good, you’re progressing really well.
Spoil yourself and get a new set of strings - it totally changes everything. Make sure they are a good set.
My first change was a set of D’Addario Helicores and they were awesome - 8 months later (daily practice) and they still sound really good.
Hello New Fiddler. I've changed my strings about 3 or 4 times now. I change about every 6 month's. I also really liked the Helicore strings. Currently I'm back using dominant strings but I don't like them so think this will be the last time I use them on my violin. Thanks for the tip and happy fiddling 🎻🤗
hey @Melaviolingirl I somehow ended up on this comment and thought I say HEYYA and see how you are doing...
Your acoustics and video quality got better, too😁
That is an amazing progress. Congratulations
I am 21 and wanting to pick up the viola again. This is really nice to see.
Wow. Fantastic!
i have been playing 8 weeks and play country gardens,, so i hope i am progressing ,,,,, u are really good now,, that encourages me to keep at it.. thanks
Ahhh i think it's time to reunite with my old friend waiting to be played again with magestic music. Thanks for the motivation.🖒🖒❤❤
Really good progress!
When you started playing anime songs I was like
Inhale...
REEEEEEEEEEE
I didn't realise I was playing any anime songs! 😂
Thank you for this video! It's so inspiring!
I am a two year adult begginer and now 31 years old
You inspire me, keep it up ♥️
Congratulations! Keep going! I've come so far since this vid. Would have been playing for 4 years in November 😊
Great progress! You are very talented :)
nice progress :D, I've been playing for 7 months and I'm self-taught too
I've been playing for 10 years and I've been watching lots of self-taught progress videos. I've had countless lessons and self-taught violinists seem to be doing better than I am! I might ditch the lessons and focus more on what I want to learn to do on the violin. Anyway, you're really talented and obviously very hard working. Keep it up!
Well hello, your name gave me a giggle 😂 Have you had the same violin teacher for the 10 years? How often do you play? Thank you for your lovely feedback.
It's almost been another 6 months since this video and I feel I've come a long way. I plan to post another progress video soon and some performance pieces now I don't sound terrible! Self learning has been hard but also makes me investigate and ask a lot of questions which has helped. I post most of my practice videos on Facebook and Insta where I receive some great tips and words of encouragement.
Do you share any videos on social channels with the violin community?
@@melaviolingirl5888 I've had about 4 different teachers and I started playing when I was 6 so I was kind of pushed into it. So I've only really taken interest in the last 5 years, and I've had 4 different teachers but they all focused on pieces instead of actual skills and moving to a higher level. Also I don't have any other social media because my parents won't let me!!!😂
@@wellhelltherefellwhuman4637 Well good on your for persisting and even went you weren't enjoying it so much, it's nice to hear that you are now enjoying it. Do you have any videos? Are you able to post any on your channel? It would be nice to hear you play
Great progress video.I plan to make one too i just started my violin journey im 16 XD
Thank you 😊 How long have you been playing for? Do you take lessons? You should definitely make a vid! Good luck with your practice 👍🎻❤
I respect your job end commitment.
I guess that taking some lesson and advice from professionals could be very useful for your music.
Thank you for this video, it gives me hope and inspiration.
Love it
Well done. The violin is sooo difficult to learn and sound good. It takes a lot of courage to post these videos. Brava to you!
Thank you. Yes it was very nerve wrecking to make a video but the more I've done it and got used to it. I get great advice and feedback on vids I frequently post on FB and Insta 😊
Mel. That was pretty impressive! I do think you would benefit from having lessons from a professional. I know it costs, but there are many advantages, not least is having a teacher pointing out what you're doing wrong, advising the best pieces to play to strengthen a weakness, and probably most important, being able to see a real violinist playing close up, and seeing how certain things are done. Some things you can't get from reading, or even from videos. For example, there are certain bow strokes applied to certain rhythms: a lot of this kind of information is passed on "word of mouth". As someone else pointed out here, using the whole length of the bow is the way to develop good bow control. I'm 63 and have been learning for just over a year (weekly lessons), and am now confident enough to have joined an amateur orchestra. So I would say you do progress more quickly having lessons. However, well done for what you're doing!
Hello 👋 thanks for your feedback. I feel I'm now at a place in my learning where I do need lessons to help me progress. I just wasn't sure if it was something I would get on with and enjoy but I have so much. I believe I would now progress better with lessons and am currently on the hunt for a good teacher. Congratulations on your progress and joining an orchestra. Good luck on you continued journey and happy playing 😊❤🎻
Congratulations to both of you! i am 46 and became interested in taking lessons but i believed i was too old (being a complete novice), shame on me!
@@emiperu5484 Hello 👋 it's never to late to start. Go on and give it a go, I'm sure you wont regret it!
Hello TH-camrs, it's been almost another year since this video on my 2 years progress with the violin and man I've come a lot further. I'll be posting another progress video soon and hopefully a performance of my first concerto! You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook, just search @melaviolingirl for my weekly practice and progress clips 🎻😊
oh would be good to hear. im also learning. doing grade 4 atm :)
People like you inspire me so much. I just bought a violin yesterday to learn in quarantine, and I felt silly as a 27 year old buying an instrument so many people start learning when they're young. I sincerely appreciate you listing the books you used as well. Think I'll pick them up to help me learn. For now, though, it's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" until my neighbours hate me.
Twinkle twinkle made me give up the instrument for a year. I picked it back up when I realized "Cluck Old Hen" was so much more fun to play, in fact I never tire of it.
Dont give up! Sounds great!! ♡
I'm still going. Same to you! ❤🎻
Awesome Mel! It's amazing how much you progressed all on your own...keep it up! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Rama ❤
You must be following Alison Sparrow's program. It is pretty good.
Well done, I used to play many years ago when I was a young boy I'm now approaching 60 and the last couple of years I kept saying to myself I have to get back playing so the last year I have been practicing and love it, I just wish I wasn't so tired when I get home from work as I'm not putting enough effort in, I wish you well in your playing and look forward to listening to you next time 😊👍
Hi Mela! I think you're doing well with your journey especially with fiddle music. That's an area I haven't explored. Nice so see a fellow violin self-learner who started around the same time as I have. Keep up the good work!
Hey 👋 Thanks for the lovely feedback from a fellow self learner of the violin. I've had a watch of some of your videos and you're doing great yourself. Your vibrato is coming along very well to. This is something I'm working hard on at the minute. Keep up the great work and happy practicing 🎻❤
You're doing really well!
Thanks Otter, you're doing really well yourself! Seen you're vids on Insta 😊 How long have you been playing for? Keep up the great work and all the best for 2019 🎻👍
@@melaviolingirl5888 hi, I have been playing for 1 year now
Ah nice. It becomes quite addictive! Keep it up, there's so much to learn in the first year and you're sounding great 🎻😊
Congratulations on reaching so far!
Impressive progress keep it up ❤🎻
Thank you for your kind words and I intend to jeep at it! 👍🎻
You should upload a new progression vid. If you were still recording your progress that is.
Your voice sounds like a mix of Lady Gaga and Lana del Rey. So great to hear!
Your violin progress was amazing. I’m going to start learning the violin next week, seeing your video gave me hope and motivation!
Keep up with the good work 💜
You're such an inspiration!
I'm an adult beginner as well. ☺️
Thank you! How long have you been playing? How are you finding it? Wishing you the best of luck 😊
@@melaviolingirl5888 I've been playing for 2 yrs now. One day I'm so in love with it, the next day, I feel so frustrated haha! .. but I keep on going..
practice. practice. practice ☺️
@@pinkroomviolin1344 🤣 I know exactly what you mean. I do love it though! ❤🎻
I just started suzuki book one, you're doing great, well done for staying motivated!
Hello and thank you. I got Suzuki book 1 and 2 for Christmas and have been working my way through them. I'm making a new video on my latest progress. Wishing you all the best with book 1 👍🎻
Great progress.
I have been doing it 3 years with many pitfalls. I understand how it is.
If I could go back in time and give myself a helpful bit of advice -MORE METRONOME work.
I resisted for so long.
You've done well in your time.
Hello and thank you. Yes I totally agree that practice is great with a metronome. It took me a while to get used to but I'm now on Suzuki Book 4 and I'm now more confident and consistent in playing with the metronome 👍🏻 I hope you're enjoying your playing and doing well.
FairPlay! I just started and it’s gonna be a long road 😁
Try using the whole bow and not just the upper half. That will make playing easier.
very good! congrats!
Thank you 😊
Inspired! Self learning for 1 moths.....
Well done! Keep going, it does get easier. Well done if it at least. Enjoy playing and learning 😊🎻
Can you make a video on how you self taught violin
Hey Mel! You are doing incredibly well, especially for self-taught. If you are open to criticism, I would recommend to look for etudes that deal with bow partitioning, since I saw you using the upper half mostly. If you want to start Vibrato, I can link you a video that helped me SO MUCH (I can't express this enough).
Wishing you all the best!
Hello Amelie! Thank you for your message of encouragement and for the tip. I am conscious that I had been using the tip of the bow and since posting this video, I have started to work on it. I got my first set of Suzuki books for Christmas and am working on the Etudes which are greatly helping. I plan to post vids of me working through the books. Yes please do share your link for vibrato as it's another skill I am currently working on, so any help and constructive criticism is welcomed! 🤗🎻❤
More than anything, I'm actually surprised you managed to play on a Stentor II for 2 years. I also started out with a Stentor II, but it already drove me crazy within 2 months so I upgraded to a better violin (+bow) shortly after that. Have you ever tried playing on a better instrument? Trust me, you will be really grateful if you rent or buy something better!
Hi there. I actually changed my violin to a better one after about a year and a bit. It certainly does make a huge difference and so does a better bow. Now I'm about 2 and a half years into playing I'm looking for an antique violin with a better feel and tone. Going back to the Stentor makes me realise just how far I've come. Now I'm sticking with playing as it's going well I'm happy to make the investments as I progress 😊🎻
@@melaviolingirl5888 can you tell which instrument model you now use?
maybe I will finally try this year. thank you for sharing your experience . Yes - you have improved a lot :)
Thank you. You should definitely give it a go! 🎻👍
Nice progress. How’s the violin going this year? I’m re-learning as an adult and it’s been such a joy. We can do it 🎻
watching you play the bow so close to the tip drove me nuts lol
Yes it's a habit I got in the beginning but my use of the bow has much improved!
@@melaviolingirl5888 Yes using the whole bow for warm-ups
will help you control the shorter bow strokes you use when playing a fast jig for Instance ... The same as playing something slowly helps you eventually play something fast… You are doing so great!
You progressed well, but I would do a little more work on keeping in the lower half of the bow. I saw a lit of playing at the tip, and that's a really bad place to play if you were trying to play fff or if you were to try major dynamic changes. Good luck! I have been playing for about 5 years and still have issues with bow positioning from time to time.
Hello 👋🏻 Yes playing near the tip was a bad habit for me but I've finally got much better with the bow since this vid. Congratulations of playing for 5 years. Nov 2020 will be 4 years for me 😊🎻
Nice!
Though you really have to work on your bow hold.
You're not using the full potential of the bow, because you never play at the frog.
You can only do that when your bow hold gets better. Don't just strengthen your left pinkie, do the right one to.
That will change a lot in your quality of sound. Go for it!
Thanks for your advice. I've feel I've progressed so much since this vid and I've got away from the trouble of playing at the tip and now using the full bow 👍
Did you also teach yourself to read music?
Hi Mela. You are great! Thank you for sharing your journey. How did you learn to read the notes? Is it difficult?
How much do you practice? It is encouraging to see the progress. Intonation getting much better.
Hello! I'm still patiently waiting for my repairs to get done on my own violin. But I was wondering what books you would recommend for a self-teaching beginner? Your feedback would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Hello 👋 I can highly recommend the Suzuki book series for violin with CDs. Having the CDs to listen to the music you are looking to play is great for training the ear on how a song is to be played. The CDs then also have backing tracks you can play along to which is great to get a song up to its performance speed without mistakes.
I was watching this video thinking......holy crap....this girl has a really hairy right arm. Lol...then i seen the tatoos. Baaaaahahaaaa....great job little lady. My kids be starting violin. I am a classically trained singer. But dont do strings yet. Thinkin i wanna learn with them
when you started to practice did you practice daily? how long time you played in one trainig session generally?
Hello 👋 Yes I practiced quite often bit the had a long over 6 month break as I went travelling. Since I returned I practice probably on average 4- 5 days a week for anything from an hour to a few hours
I have a question, how did you get those notes?
I'm 19 almost 20 and I'm afraid to start .. everybody says that it's too late
Its never too late. Ive seen comments on videos where ppl in their 50s and 70s said they just started learning. And 20 is not that late anyway, ull pick up your pace easily ATB :)
It's never too late. I started in my 30s! I'm so happy I did as I get such joy from playing and seeing how much I've managed to progress. Give it a go! 🎻❤👍
Yeah, go for it, girl! I started at 32. :)
I just started at 52. You’re never too old! I love it!!
rebekah atwell I’ve learning for 2 years now.I started when I was 58, while you are alive,It’s never too late for anything.
I always have hope and then lose the hope😭
I wanna play violin, but my dad told me to finish practicing guitar although i have only played it 1 year
Hello 👋 Play what you want to play. I played guitar back when I was at school up to about grade 6 classical guitar. I dont know how old you are but if you have more of a passion to play violin then go for it. The violin is hard that's for sure but I've always loved the sound of the violin and I've never looked back on the day I decided to give it a go. It's just depend where you heart lies at the end if the day. I played classical guitar as violin lessons weren't really a thing when I was at school and also as I've only in recent years got time back on my side but there's never a day that goes by I regret it. All music is magical. Just always follow you passion and all will be well 👍🤗
18/05/20 Are you still practicing?
I am indeed if you search melaviolingirl on Facebook or Insta you can see my latest vids. I've come a long way since this vid! 😁
What videos did you use?
👋 Hello Serendipity. When you ask what videos did I use, do you mean to what TH-cam videos did I use to help me learn?
Melaviolingirl hiya ya exactly, as I have no clue where to start thanku
@@Tdy891 Heya. Here is a link to some beginners videos that I followed to start. I think the first set if lessons are the best and then I can suggest the Susuki Violin Book series with CDs
th-cam.com/play/PL59ppZAGPCOmL23zJMwSXwZkZijQK0V4i.html
Melaviolingirl thank ya so much !!
@@Tdy891 No problem, your welcome. Good luck and happy practicing 🎻❤
I wish you use more bow 😬 Otherwise, great job!
Hi Mel! You still playing?
I am indeed. Just posted by latest practice vid to Insta and Facebook. @melaviolingirl 🎻🙌🏼
are you only learnt through online lesson???
Hello 👋🏻 I was at this point. I started having lessons about August 2019 up until a couple of mi ths ago due to covid 19! I'm still practicing almost every day though.
so you visited India!
ur pretty alright at violin
Thank you 😊
Hey How many Violin did you Break initially when u started playing :) Just Wanna know Please Answer honestly :)
How many violins did I break!? 🤣 None
How many hours you practice every day ?
For a couple of hours as many days of the week as I can!
Hey girl, thanks for the great video! I have 2 questions - did you learn/play any other instrument before this and, how many hours per week do you practice on an average? Good luck for more progress!
Hello 👋🏻 In answer to your questions. No I did not play another instrument before this so did not even k ow how to read music when I started. I practice a couple of hours as many days of the week as I can. Normally about 4 days, sometimes more, sometimes less, just whenever I can. What's your story? How long have you been learning?
@@melaviolingirl5888 Oh that's wonderful - that is some serious dedication and it clearly shows! (This is funny - I just saw you answered the above question in the description, my bad!). Actually, I want to learn the violin but am hesitant given the limited amount of hours I would have to put in per week. I was debating between violin or piano given I want to be able to progress fast, and so stumbled upon your video. I have basic training on the Hawaiian guitar and vocals (both Indian classical style tho) and REALLY wanted to learn to play the violin, it's so beautiful an instrument. Thanks for all those links up there, much help!
@@watevaswati Haha, not to worry. Well I would say give the violin a go if you have a passion to want to play it. Words can't explain how happy I am that I decided to give it a go because I've always loved the sound of the violin. It's very rewarding and I'm totally in love with playing. Whatever you decide, I wish you well. Music of any kind is magical ❤
@@melaviolingirl5888 Absolutely! ❤ Thanks for the motivation, I hope I find the same passion playing it too! Cheers and look forward to more videos of your progress (expertise by now?)!
Her G major scale started on G and ended on A natural 🧐.. I’m not trying to make a joke, but am I missing something?
I think she played C# on the A string instead of C, and G# (plus ending A) on the E string instead of just ending on G. Basically just pressed on the markings probably and wasn't even doing a G major scale.
Your improvement is great!! How much do you practice on average??
Hi Jay 👋 Thanks for the lovely feedback. I play quite often but had a break at the start of my first 2 years as I went travelling for over 6 months, once I returned I got into a routine. I practice whenever I can really, this is about 3-4 evenings in the week for a couple of hours and whatever spare time I have on the weekend. I think the first 2 years are the toughest as there is a lot to learn. I've improved so much since this over the last 6 months and will be posting a new progress video soon. So for you play? If so, how long have you been playing for and do you take lessons?
Hi Mel 👋 well I don’t play. I am an adult
Wanting to learn, but have never played an instrument. I have been watching tons of videos and want to give it a try. I am kind of stuck on what to get...bit embarrassed as well 😳
I can’t wait to see your new progress video!!
@@jaythomas5162 I had only played classical guitar for a bit when I was younger. I started with no knowledge and no idea how to read music but it's never to late to give things a go! Why not give it a bash and see how you get on 😊
Melaviolingirl you know what, you are inspiring!! I am going to have a try at it.
Thanks for the nudge Mel!
@@jaythomas5162 Always happy to inspire. You'll have to come back and let me know how you get on 👍😊
im buying a violin.
I'm 59 I'm starting don't let the bustards get you down true mates say if it blows your hair back away ya go
How often did you practice and for how long? Is there any finger excercises you'd do for your fingers
Hello 👋🏻 I practice probably on average 4 days a week for 2 to 3 hours, or as much as I can. I've started doing the Schradieck excercise 1 which is a great piece for finger exercise and getting nice long bow strokes 😊
I wish I could try it...but my neighbours would kill me :(((
Viviana...You can purchase a practice mute… Different from the little one that sits on the bridge...No one will be able to hear you and you can whale away until two in the morning if you want.
People spend all their time learning new pieces and not enough time on intonation.
I ask Santa to give me a Violin to Christmas
did he get you one?
noodiot he didn’t, but my Dad bought me one in Quarantine
@@luka5395 nice, how is it?
Work more on bowing and string crossings and try to focus on one issue at a time.
Oh and also your bow hold is baroque and wrong.
@@hamzakais1762 no bowhold is wrong
@@hamzakais1762 I feel my bow hold has greatly improved over the last few months but I don't feel a bow hold can be wrong, it's whatever feels right and works 😊
Bowholds can be wrong, you won't be able to do a lot of important violin techniques with a faulty bow hold, so yes bow holds can be wrong.
@@hamzakais1762 Thank you for all your feedback. I know I still have much to learn and will continue to try my best 🎻👍
keep it up, but maybe learn when you're out of tune?
Of course, correct intonation is all a part of the learning process and training the ear. Again I've much improved but we cant be perfect from the get go.
That's the smallest guitar I've ever seen!
Kidding, I am considering learning violin, using videos like yours for motivational fuel.
Also that face you make sometimes, I assume it's you anticipating some horrible sound is coming! That's the look I make when someone rings my doorbell and I'm not expecting anyone. Fight or flight!
I play on the farm dogs howl so funny
How many hours did u work in a day?