Kennedy Violins yes please this video helped me a lot!!! I been doing wrong things specially the position on left hand bow is good but not posture! And Suzuki it helps!! Thanks again for this such help video!
My grand grandfather learned violin by himself before he went in a war and died there and I found his old love letters and love songs (that he sent when he was in a war) for my grand grandmother and it just inspires me so much.. i wanna learn violin by myself too
My grandfather played the violin as well and he met his bride when he heard her beautiful voice along with his violin playing. I never got to meet him since we moved to the US and they lived in Greece. Anyway it inspires me to learn to play the violin as well. I loved your story because it sort of reminded me of mine
@@ferexx yess it really is but i think if someone is just starting to learn, he can pick a less expensive violin but a decent one. Then if he loved it and still wants to continue learning he can get a better quality one.
@@Cranberry_haley i said expressive, not expensive, although the latter is true as well. but i can see why u misread since i did too. lol i agree there is no need to spend too much, but dun spend too little too. violins that are too cheap can be so horribly set up that they not only sound bad but are extremely difficult to play. i think it's better to buy in store whenever possible and look for one with lower action
Four Challenges in trying to learn the violin on one's own: I. Knowing how to practice properly 1. Consistency is KEY. Setting up practice time table for habitual practice during the week 2. Practising something correctly as many times as you can. e.g., 3 times or 5 times rule 3. Use a metronome. II. Proper left hand technique (keys) 1. keep the wrist straight 2. keep the thumb with the index finger, especially during shifting 3. keeping your fingers down (generally keep the fingers down unless when you have to pick them up) III. Right hand bow technique (keys) 1. bent pinky and bent thumb, on the bow hold 2. use the elbow when bowing IV. Have a good guide, e.g., a good book, and follow it consistently for a period of time (6 months for example) to keep a learning and practice structure Some suggestions: 1. Suzuki method books 2. Essential Elements Violin Book
@@tammyvanroon7386sorry for the late reply, but I just found this. I hope you got help. If not, have you considered a 3/4 scale violin? I have short pinkie fingers, so I play a small scale ukulele. It helps.
What the hell? My mother doesn’t want me to play the violin because 1. “I’m too old for it” (I’m 14.) 2. I would need a teacher (I also learned the guitar by myself.) .
I am 93 years old and I haven’t played the violin since I graduated Hugh school. I am waiting he arrival of a violin that I ordered from Kennedy violins. I have been watching you tube videos and believe that I can once again play a violin. I will probably be watching more of your videos as I will have to learn how to read music again and also the playing techniques that I have forgotten . Thank you for your videos I am sure that they will be very helpful’
It's very nice that you are getting back into the violin. I'm sure you will find it to be much more difficult than you remember! However, as long as you play a little every day, it'll get easier and easier and it will eventually come back to you!
I am SO SO SO GLAD that I found this video! I always wanted to play the violin, but I could never buy one, or pay for a course. Now, with 39 years old, I finally bought my first violin. I knew all the difficulties of learning this alone because its a very special instrument and need a lot of Technic . Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope I can show you my progress very soon. I will keep watching your videos!
Good luck with your violin journey.I just bought my first violin too, it came yesterday and it's beautiful! I am 62 , you are never too old to learn.Learning to play an instrument is a great way to keep your brain in good shape.
@@emelless5365 This is so amazing! thanks for sharing this, it really inspires me a lot! I am sure you gonna make it and have a lot of fun! I will post some videos about my progress very soon. Is incredible what we can do when some lovely people share some tips to us. some years ago (when I was young) was impossible to find so much info, but now thanks to internet we can learn what ever we want. Blessings!
Ok. I started a few years ago. I bought a Gerard from you. 4 month/ 3 teachers. I left with 3rd teacher. Too structured. Many teachers won't teach older students. 50+ . February 2023. Found new teacher. Started back 5 months in, end of August I'm in my first recital. Bought a new violin, also from you. My teacher is leaving end of month. Don't know if I'll like replacement. Again most are too structures. I'll never play in an orchestra, I don't need proper stance. It took me 5 months to be able to hold the violin with just my chin and shoulder and can bow across each string. That to me was an accomplishment. I might have to switch to an online class, if I don't mesh with the new teacher. Thank you for those tips. Philip Coleman
Wow, it sounds like you are very determined and that's what is important. It's super cool you've been buying some great violins. The Gerard in particular is a favorite amongst the KV staff. What was the 2nd instrument you purchased? Anyway, hope the new teacher works out and good luck!
I’m 14 and my parents can’t really spend extra money on violin classes, in addition to that orchestra class at the highschool is already at an intermediate level. I’m trying to learn violin self taught though I kind of remember some basics as I played violin when I was 10 for almost a year then put it off. I wanna get back to doing it
You can do it! I’m getting a violin for my 16th birthday in February so wish me luck as I’ll be teaching myself also. It’s been 5 months. Have you got back to it?
You cam get violin lessons for less than like 20 bucks a week. Probably 10. Rake a yard or something. For that little money I have faith you could come up with it without your parents.
@@samtheduckyy good luck!! I have now been playing for 3 months! I’m working on vibrato right now. So far I can play any song by ear, I don’t play with sheet music just 100% by ear, I know 3 songs really well and im working on adding in vibrato, and I can’t stay on perfect pitch without tapes. I think the reason I learned so fast is because I have a musical ear and I’ve played guitar for 2 years and have been around music since I was born. I’m saving up for my next instrument, I’m not sure if I want the ukulele or mandolin. I hope you progress quickly!
I’m a Grandmother who always wanted to play the violin since I was a little girl. And didn’t ever get the chance to till now. I don’t think your ever too old to learn. But it’s in your heart and soul and it’s in mine to learn. I have a Sweet teacher name Hannah. She’s absolutely an awesome teacher. But right now she was tested positive for the virus and her Dad and Grandma. She has taught me a lot.so I’ll just keep playing the things she has showed me and the exercise she has showed me. We have been doing lessons for about 8 months total. She says I’m doing great. Please keep Hannah and her family in your prayers. I bought my violin from Kennedy Violins. Love your violins🎻 Thank you🙏🏽 your lessons help so much😊 God Bless Always stay safe and take care of yourself and your family 🙏🏽🎻
Okay so I'm THANKFUL i found this video! I'm 14 and have been self teaching violin myself from the past 11 months and i see a okayish amount of progress but it's just not satisfying and i thought of watching this video And i realised I've been doing MANY things the wrong way! I'm glad i found this and I'm gonna restart everything! I'll make sure to update! Thank you so much.
Hey, glad to help and I'm glad I was able to help in time! Seriously though, if you have any questions or can think of another video I could do, just let me know.
ive been a drummer for over 30 years,currently learning how to play guitar and now attempting to learn violin/fiddle,always up for a challenge and this video sounds the best to start
My father learned the violin on his own for a long time. He used to give concerts with his friends and play in front of people, and now I want to learn too
The only fiddler in y family was my great grandfather, who played for weddings and barn dances, with great grandma on piano. I never got to hear them play. Darn it.
I just bought my first ever Violin. A Scherl & Roth SR41E4H. Thank you for these videos. When I found this video few weeks ago, I thought to myself, okay I will finally learn violin.
Also! Be careful about carpal tunnel, which is terrible. One course of prevention involves wrist exercise warm-up, flexing, stretching. I had occasional small group (2 to 4) people practice sessions with a philharmonic violinist. There’s nothing like checking in with an expert once in a while. Maybe you can do it virtually, prerecord for comments. And Suzuki is great!
Yes l,am correctly and not speed is important .metronome l have one but have not used it for violin regular practice time is also good and straight wrist and thumb finger great . Yes picking up fingers l am learning that it was one of my past flaws . Yes pinky on the side have just learned this . Thankyou Kennedy very helpful .😀😀😀😀😀
I played flute now as an older adult, I’m self learning the violin because since I can’t grocery shop like it’s 1999, I have to cut corners😅 This was really helpful. Thank you so much! I have been using Essential Elements book as well
I'm left handed and just found a store who will make a left handed violin, but teachers in my area wont teach, so i'm learning myself. Always wanted to learn so here i go. Thanks for this/ these videos
I started at 22 (I am 78 now) purely by ear and with no lessons at all. I play Cape Breton and some Irish.. Intonation is key. Bow should always be at right angle to the strings and half way from the bridge to the finger board. Get used to using a full bow as much as you can. That leads to smoother, better bow control. I got a mandolin which was a huge help. Since it is fretted and the finger "spacing" is the same as violin, it makes it easier to "find" the notes in a piece you are learning. I do not read notation but do write out tabs as a memory aid if I have not played a tune in some time.
I have always been dreaming about learning how to play violin but my family has been a let down to me that I even gave up pursuing my passion to draw- right now I'm scared to try something new because I might end up stopping it and wasting my chance to learn something new.
I had the same problem with my family. They never encouraged me to pursue anything and never gave me opportunities. Now as an adult I’m pursuing painting, violin and gym (healthy lifestyle) all on my own and I’m very happy. You can do it and you’ll be proud of yourself for it
Thank you for the video. Excited to start learning and playing the violin. I just retired at 65 and ordered your Symphony Violin. Finally have the time to be learn and be consistent.
Sounds like you have a good start. Good luck with beginning the violin and let me know if you have questions. Remember, the violin is very hard for everybody in the beginning but slow practice and consistency will yield results! 😉
After 9 months of lessons from a teacher that never taught me how to hold the violin, how to hold the bow, how to draw the bow and get a good sound, never helped me with my setup, never taught me a single tune, I finally started taking lessons from youtube. I'm not very good. I'll never be a classical violinist, but I can jam with other musicians and have a good time. I was 56yo when I started. It can be done.
Very well explained ❤ I wish I found your channel earlier. I would also recommend to practice in front of a mirror to control position and bowing, that was very helpful for me. After some years of bad lessons in a music school I became a "run away student", fed up with indifferent teachers. It is certainly better to learn by yourself and with youtube. You can repeat videos especially in slow motion and watch very closely every step. In the beginning of learning to play violin there could be a kind of squeaking and scratching period but even that can be funny 😂. I started playing Violin 52 years old after an accident, when my head was hurt badly and l lost my memory. Before I played piano and guitar for some years but forgot everything with the accident. I thought Violin would be an easier instrument to start music again with only one note at the time... it became a huge challenge and I fell in Love with Violin playing. Thanks to the internet and youtube I can get good advice now from Violinists and nice people all over the world and make much better progress. Thank you for sharing your most valuable knowledge 🎻🤗
Thanks for the compliments and encouragement! Also, I totally agree about the mirror. It's an incredibly usual tool that everybody should incorporate into their practice!
Appreciate this video. I played Cello and Violin in school but all this knowledge is gone. Now that my son wants to play violin I figured I would pick one up for myself. But basic technique is one of the things I need to relearn.
Im a guitarist but one day im gonna try to play the violin. Im 3rd year high school so maybe when I have enough money and have a job? Jeez ahahah , My parents dont want me to play the violin cauz they think its useless but one day I'll learn the violin. One day.
YES you can, but its certainly not randomly done. I did it myself and in my channel you can find 3 videos where I address the violin for adult begginers, including the topic of how to structure the practice. I agree with all the advices given here by Kennedy Violins, indeed they will save you pains and set you up for success later!
they say practice makes perfect , thats completely wrong ,100 % especially , practicing from the beginning the wrong way , developing bad habits from the beginning & having to unlearn them later on, " Perfect Practice Makes Perfect " great point !! well said
Thank you for a very nice supportive and encouraging tutorial. I started late.., but every day I am drawn to my violins. Sometimes I wonder away from proper practice and needed this correctional alert. Thank you.
I just got mine as a Christmas present. I have a very busy work schedule so lessons are difficult but I can say that even just learning how to use the bow is still very meditative and relaxing. Even if my notes are Still all over the place. Thank you for the Tips they help a lot
Violin is a small instrument. I play mine in bed, sometimes reclined. Though once I sit or stand. Need to hold it better. I've heard 20-30 minutes a day. About time used to relax before bed You can do it.
Thank you for this video, you are a huge blessing! I want to learn by myself not because I don't want/cannot afford a mentor it's because I seem to learn things more efficiently and effectively by myself rather with a mentor, I don't know what's up with me, but it's wonderful seeing comments successfully learning my themselves or fixing their mistakes because of this video!
Hello Kennedy, I am 50 now, can I start learning violin? I think it is a good time to do what I love however my fingers are not flexible like 40 years ago.
Hello Quang, I actually did a video about this topic here: th-cam.com/video/OPAAzlvH5n0/w-d-xo.html It's true that your joints will be stiffer than someone a lot younger but that will not prevent you from learning a lot of music. It mostly relates to your sound production at a more advanced level because it can affect vibrato and some bowing techniques but if you are a beginner, there is a lot of music you can play before you have to worry about any of that! The main key is playing the violin consistently. This will keep your joints from "locking up". The more you play the more flexible you will be become. Let me know if you have any other questions. 👍
@@KennedyViolins PLEASE PLEASE HELP..How can I make learning the violin in my 30s as easy or almost as easy and fun as if I had started when I was a child. I was really depressed growing up and nonone noticed otherwise Inwouldve LOVED to have learned violin and several other instruments growing up. And now when i realised it, I can't afford it. I desperately want to learn it and several other instruments Do you have a full video series I hope hope that I can follow online?? Hope you can please respond when you can. Thanks for sharing your videos.
@@leif1075 It's super cool that you want to get into violin at 30! It's definitely not "too late" for you but it is true that learning anything as difficult as the violin after 25, is going to be more difficult in some ways than if you were younger. I have many videos that can help you learn the more foundational aspects of the violin, so I definitely recommend them. They are all on TH-cam. The most important part of learning the violin is consistency. Violin is unique, in that it is VERY hard in the beginning and gets a little easier once you have the fundamentals down. You have to schedule a time at least 4 or 5 days per week that you can spend at least some time with your violin. After that, you just have to make sure to learn the fundamentals correctly from the beginning, like how to hold the bow, how to hold the violin, and learning basic scales, so you put your fingers down in the right places. If you focus on those things, you will definitely see slow improvement in the beginning and then more at a faster pace later on. Hope that helps!
Just got the Richard Bunnel and super new a I am. I'm in love with it. I love yalls company. I did some light weight research on yall. And thanks for your dedication to the art
I'm self-taught, with a lot of help from TH-cam, in addition to already being advanced on 8 other instruments. I'm a performing musician. My FIRST songs were Ashokan Farewell, Star of the County Down, and Neil Gows Lament for the death of his second wife...I'm now an Intermediate Level fiddler and playing Scottish, Irish, Quebecquois, Appalachian and some Metis tunes...Reels, jigs, slow airs... I'm currently working on bow pressure, pizzicato, double upbows and moving into 3rd...I DID use the traditional bow hold, by the frog, but over time have adapted it to my style, and moved up to the pivot point- I know, I know...lol. I've found holding it where I was hindered me considerably. I made more advancement since I shifted 2" up the bow.
I hit a wall a few years ago self teaching after a long long hiatus. Good stuff and I'll try to restart now. Already I just picked up on some mistakes that I have made
I'm primarily self-taught. I didn't get any lessons for ten months, other than "Boil them Cabbage Down" (from a guitar teacher) before I had 6 months of lessons from a very good fiddle player who incidentally had picture perfect classical technique: the way he held his violin, posture, bow placement, etc. He, Arvil Freeman was also self-taught. Five years later I was able to study for two semesters with Theodora McMillan who was the first woman to play with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. By that time, I had taught myself both parts of the Bach Double, mostly by ear, but with the sheet music as a guide, although I didn't know what all those slur lines meant. I became discouraged with music life in College and joined the Navy, but after 6 years I had taught myself the G minor Presto and the Prelude in E from Bach. I made a tape and sent it to a small liberal arts college in Kansas, and believe it or not, they offered me a scholarship. The Conductor was Julien Shew, and there were two wonderful prodigies from Albania there also on scholarship. So here I was at 30 some odd years, learning mostly by Ear, playing with a Chinese Conductor and two Prodigies, and amazingly enough, we had all spent roughly the same amount of time, getting to the same place: 20 years. So it's not out of the Question. I think it is better to Learn and Play (especially in front of an audience) rather than just "Practice". You have to get out there and put yourself on the line and play with other musicians in public: coffee houses, Jam sessions, Pubs, parties. That is very important, otherwise you can spend all your life in the Practice room. Cheers, Jack
I've been wanting to play violin for more then 2 years and now i'm able to get one next month but my mom can't afford lessons so I've been looking lessons online and this is helping me so much even though I don't have a violin right now :)
I am trying to learn on my own, I bought learning violin for dummies. I will follow what you are doing. I noticed some problems I was doing. Thank you for doing this video 🎻😊
Practice: 1. Important is how you practice Me: 40 hours a day. 2. Practicing something correctly as many times as you can Me: that's why i chose bumblebee... Duh.. 3: use a metronome Me: If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly.
I struggle to use the metronome i feel like it's useless. I just convince myself like you with the "if u can play it slowly u can play it fast" saying😭
@@Cranberry_haley lol. Do you struggle on keeping a rhythm or do you speed up while playing like if someone is chasing you behind xD? I do the 2nd one🤣
@@kadu1790 neither lmaooo I don't struggle to keep rythym or tempo because before i play a specific song, i hear someone else playing it so i know how it's supposed to sound like.
Me just learning violin easily in Orchestra as a violinest, I agree with this video I have been in Orchestra for almost 4 years. and I am so happy with it, but there will be fusterating moments but don’t give up it gets really exciting after a while!!
Thank you for the encouragement. I was beginning to feel frustrated. I have suzuki and essential elements. I'm in Zambia, Africa. Still looking for a teacher. Not much luck so far but I won't give up!
Well, thanks for letting me know, and good luck in your journey! With all the free info online, I'm sure that with discipline and dedication, you can achieve some great results. 👍
Thankyou for your help. I just had my mothers 100 yr old violin redone and I am so pleased with it. I had purchased a very inexpensive one online probably one of the worse wings I could have done, I couldn’t keep it in tune, very frustrating! Anyway thank you for the tips.Perhaps I will become more accomplished in my violin playing!
I am so happy to see this video and many thanks for your instructions and sharing knowledge. Though I always had a desire to learn and considering the high cost and time, today I got a second hand violin from Fara charity shop London UK. Hoping and Praying slowly and steadily I will fulfill my heart desire now at the age of 60 considering age is only a number ❤️❤️❤️
I began playing the violin two months after my 62nd birthday. I "teach myself." Being both the pupil and the teacher is interesting. I am now 67. I played brass instruments from the age of 8 and studied music at degree level, so although I was a violin 'beginner' I had a big headstart over an absolute beginner - being able to read music notation and knowing how key signatures and scales work removed many complications from the typical beginner's equation. Also, by the time I got to 62 I'd heard quite a lot of music, so I had a clear idea of what I was trying to achieve; it's pointless studying details before you've grasped the overall concept. I was not surprised to discover that playing a violin with good intonation is really difficult - and I mean really difficult - at least, it is for me. Firstly, although I consider myself musically sensitive, I am often a bit slow to determine whether a pitch is slightly sharp or slightly flat. This is a major handicap for a violinist, but wouldn't necessarily be an impediment to an accordionist, percussionist, or a guitarist etc. I use an electronic tuner to check my intonation. One sometimes hear people arguing that using a tuner stops you from relying on your ear - but I would argue that using a tuner helps one to train one's ear so that your ear becomes moe reliable. I also use a metronome; the same logic applies. I wasted many hundreds of hours in the early stages of my violin project by pressing too hard onto the fingerboard. (I even managed to give myself tendonitis in my left-hand first finger.) I got duff advice about 'pressing firmly' from a TH-cam lesson, and only began to correct this mistake after watching a clip of Yehudi Menuhin teaching at his school in Surrey. "Don't press harder than necessary with your left hand fingers," is one piece of advice that I wish I'd had from the outset. Of course, with all instrumental playing, unnecessary tension is to be avoided. I can't afford a teacher I would actually trust. The majority of instrumental teachers are a bit useless IMHO. I was one myself (in four countries) so I consider myself qualified to be scathing. The guy on TH-cam who advocates pressing hard on the strings is an example of disastrous teaching. I practise every day, usually twice - morning and evening. Most people, of whatever age, who take instrumental lessons 'give up' at some point. It takes either monumental amounts of perseverance and patience, or an extraordinary amount of natural flair, to learn to play any instrument well. One needs to have confidence in the learning process, one needs patience with oneself - and one needs self-discipline and dogged determination. When motivation and self-actualisation flags, self-discipline kicks-in. I sometimes find it hard to get started on my daily practise sessions, but once I get going it always proves to be worthwhile. Above all, one must think positively. Negative thinking is the killer. Every time I pick up my violin I try to play better than I've ever played before. Of course, progress is not made in straight lines, but if we practise intelligently and think positively the general trend will be upwards.
tips for non-musician and don't have a knowledge about music if you really wanted to play violin or any instrument. First you need to know how to read notes/read sheets bc basically it would be hard for you to learn an instrument without knowing how it produce a sounds and especially you will understand how the structure of piece that allowing you to develop a greater understanding of whole composition. 😁
I'm buying my first Violin from pawnshop this weekend. I figured better than 50 dollar Amazon one. Right? This video is awesome. Best I've seen in here honestly
The older the violin, the better chance it's decent quality but that's a pretty big generalization. The biggest issue with buying used violins, however, is whether they were maintained or just sat in storage. Violins do NOT do well when they are stored incorrectly and there's a very good chance that the bridge is warped, the strings need to be replaced and the plates are starting to separate from the ribs. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of risk when buying a violin from a pawn shop and the amount of risk you are subjected to is directly proportional to your knowledge of violins. So.....good luck!!
A while back I learned how to play the violin. I took lessons for four years . But kindening lost it after I lost my son ,daughter and dad in 2009,2010 . So now I'm wanting to get back to playing again, So thank you for sharing your video.
@@KennedyViolins Things I rememberI forgot . It's like I ca"n't seem to start. Can you help me . Or give me an idea. I have forgotten things I have learned. I do have some paper work from the last teacher .
Few weeks ago I startet to learn violin in an age of 66. What you are teaching is very true! I believe you are their instruments end it is always important to start slow and as correct as possible. greetings from Germany! Now it seems that soon I may play a very simple song with the violin. But it took a lot of time to practice different things. Thanks for your teachings! It helped me now to avoid beginner mistakes.
As a very beginner (no teacher) I have to say the absolute hardest thing to learn is the way to bow. I thought it would be reading music but it's definitely the pinkie/thumb holds.
Ah! I was looking for a video for some tips on self-teaching violin and immediately picked this video. It’s 1:55am here right now, and it didn’t click in my brain that I picked a video from the same place of where I had just purchased my first violin. I literally just bought a new violin from Kennedy Violins based on the very high ratings and positive reviews on Amazon. Your company is the shipper, of course, not Amazon. I played the viola from 3rd grade until 8th grade and regret stopping in 1989. I recall that I always wanted to play violin because they always had most of the main parts in every orchestra recital. I know that viola (at the time when I was a child) had been an endangered instrument, and I still have my viola - but I just had to try something new. I’m starting from zero since the music clef of a violin is different than a viola. I also picked a blue, electric violin only because I have more options than I would a regular one. Later, I plan on purchasing a non-electric violin, but as a starter, I’m very much looking forward to beginning a new challenge (even at 46 years old).
Thanks for the information. I’m just getting back to playing and really… re-learning how to play my new violin 🎻! It’s been 100yrs😅, since I’ve played one, and when I did it was for about 4-5yrs. I’m also a person that loves music, but playing by ear unfortunately, I tend to find it easier than reading music. Now that I’m older I respectfully want to be able to read the music and make my own. Even in college I failed in reading the music arrangements when singing, mostly because of time. I just really want to get better and improve my skills for me, and no one else 😊. I also want to of course play for my family! If you have any information to help with reading sheet music or really improving as a violinist that would be helpful. I’m in the beginning stages, but so happy to have the opportunity again!
Just start with the really easy stuff. Play music that you already know but with music. All your trying to do is train your brain to associate a printed dot on a line, to which finger and string to play on. Start with scales. Play them over and over again while looking at the notes. Then play really easy Suzuki type of music that you already know but look at the notes while you play. It won't take you that long to start to identify notes with fingers and strings!
Nice lesson. If possible, will be nice if an auxiliary part-B video on holding the violin, especially without a teacher to teach, with or without shoulder rest, also considering late beginners, people with different bone/thumb strength, preventing pain in the thumb, neck etc. Thanks in advance. If a checklist to ensure proper holding, with no tension in all relevant parts of the body, such as thumb, neck, jaw, chin, left wrist, etc, and likewise for holding the bow, can be derived, it can be a great advancement in this topic. This video is very encouraging, any way for me who is an intermittent late beginner amateur, with staggered phases of self learning for years, and with teacher for months and each time I switch between these phases, holding presents new mysteries and new levels of perfection even in this topic perceived to be existing.
I’m a beginner, but I do NOT recommend playing without a shoulder rest. I cringe when I see people holding a cellphone with their chin. It’s a recipe for disaster.
I've been "learning" the violin alone, and now that I notice, I've been doing everything wrong, hahaha. Soo, I guess I gotta start from zero. Thank you very much for this video
Glad to help. Let me know if you have any questions in the future. Pretty much everything correct on the violin feels "wrong" but with enough practice, it'll feel normal. 👍
Thank you for this helpful tips. I am mostly a self-taught beginner. I like how you break it down to basics from posture to beginner book recommendations. Subscribed.
Would you like to see more of Joel’s helpful videos?
Check out his video page here! kennedyviolins.com/pages/joels-corner
Definitely! I find them so helpful and informative!
Kennedy Violins yes please this video helped me a lot!!! I been doing wrong things specially the position on left hand bow is good but not posture! And Suzuki it helps!! Thanks again for this such help video!
Holding the violin in right direction and postures on left hand help please
Yes ❤️❤️❤️
My grand grandfather learned violin by himself before he went in a war and died there and I found his old love letters and love songs (that he sent when he was in a war) for my grand grandmother and it just inspires me so much.. i wanna learn violin by myself too
that's sweet
Howd it go
@@yewale354 just here to remind you to follow your passions if you still wish to!
That’s beautiful.
My grandfather played the violin as well and he met his bride when he heard her beautiful voice along with his violin playing. I never got to meet him since we moved to the US and they lived in Greece. Anyway it inspires me to learn to play the violin as well. I loved your story because it sort of reminded me of mine
Never had a violin, never considered playing a violin.
And now I think I'm gonna buy a violin.
go!
Me too!! The same
great! violin is very fun to play. its probably one of the most expressive acoustic instruments out there
@@ferexx yess it really is but i think if someone is just starting to learn, he can pick a less expensive violin but a decent one. Then if he loved it and still wants to continue learning he can get a better quality one.
@@Cranberry_haley i said expressive, not expensive, although the latter is true as well. but i can see why u misread since i did too. lol
i agree there is no need to spend too much, but dun spend too little too. violins that are too cheap can be so horribly set up that they not only sound bad but are extremely difficult to play. i think it's better to buy in store whenever possible and look for one with lower action
Four Challenges in trying to learn the violin on one's own:
I. Knowing how to practice properly
1. Consistency is KEY. Setting up practice time table for habitual practice during the week
2. Practising something correctly as many times as you can. e.g., 3 times or 5 times rule
3. Use a metronome.
II. Proper left hand technique (keys)
1. keep the wrist straight
2. keep the thumb with the index finger, especially during shifting
3. keeping your fingers down (generally keep the fingers down unless when you have to pick them up)
III. Right hand bow technique (keys)
1. bent pinky and bent thumb, on the bow hold
2. use the elbow when bowing
IV. Have a good guide, e.g., a good book, and follow it consistently for a period of time (6 months for example) to keep a learning and practice structure
Some suggestions:
1. Suzuki method books
2. Essential Elements Violin Book
Thank you
EXCELLENT TUTORIAL .THANK YOU
I’m wondering if you have any suggestions for playing with small hands. That’s what I’m struggling with. I find I’m twisting my wrist to reach.
THANK YOU!
@@tammyvanroon7386sorry for the late reply, but I just found this. I hope you got help. If not, have you considered a 3/4 scale violin? I have short pinkie fingers, so I play a small scale ukulele. It helps.
Practicing musical instruments only by myself is so hard. If there is a brave person that do it , I would recommend having a lesson from somebody.
You seem passionate about helping people learn. That’s why I bought my first violin from you at 37 years old. Just got it this morning 👍🏽
SAWEEEET!!!! Thanks for the purchase and let me know if you have any questions down the road! 👍
keep going!!
I hope youve been able to play some... :)
How is it going?😮
What the hell? My mother doesn’t want me to play the violin because
1. “I’m too old for it” (I’m 14.)
2. I would need a teacher (I also learned the guitar by myself.) .
I am 93 years old and I haven’t played the violin since I graduated Hugh school. I am waiting he arrival of a violin that I ordered from Kennedy violins. I have been watching you tube videos and believe that I can once again play a violin. I will probably be watching more of your videos as I will have to learn how to read music again and also the playing techniques that I have forgotten . Thank you for your videos I am sure that they will be very helpful’
It's very nice that you are getting back into the violin. I'm sure you will find it to be much more difficult than you remember! However, as long as you play a little every day, it'll get easier and easier and it will eventually come back to you!
I am SO SO SO GLAD that I found this video! I always wanted to play the violin, but I could never buy one, or pay for a course. Now, with 39 years old, I finally bought my first violin. I knew all the difficulties of learning this alone because its a very special instrument and need a lot of Technic . Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope I can show you my progress very soon. I will keep watching your videos!
Good luck with your violin journey.I just bought my first violin too, it came yesterday and it's beautiful! I am 62 , you are never too old to learn.Learning to play an instrument is a great way to keep your brain in good shape.
@@emelless5365 This is so amazing! thanks for sharing this, it really inspires me a lot! I am sure you gonna make it and have a lot of fun! I will post some videos about my progress very soon. Is incredible what we can do when some lovely people share some tips to us. some years ago (when I was young) was impossible to find so much info, but now thanks to internet we can learn what ever we want. Blessings!
@@soraiadrummond You're welcome,and isn't it exciting! Go us I say! I look forward to seeing your progress, all the best.
All the best man. Hope your practice is going well
Update?
Ok. I started a few years ago. I bought a Gerard from you. 4 month/ 3 teachers. I left with 3rd teacher. Too structured.
Many teachers won't teach older students. 50+ . February 2023. Found new teacher. Started back 5 months in, end of August I'm in my first recital.
Bought a new violin, also from you. My teacher is leaving end of month. Don't know if I'll like replacement.
Again most are too structures. I'll never play in an orchestra, I don't need proper stance. It took me 5 months to be able to hold the violin with just my chin and shoulder and can bow across each string.
That to me was an accomplishment.
I might have to switch to an online class, if I don't mesh with the new teacher.
Thank you for those tips.
Philip Coleman
Wow, it sounds like you are very determined and that's what is important. It's super cool you've been buying some great violins. The Gerard in particular is a favorite amongst the KV staff. What was the 2nd instrument you purchased? Anyway, hope the new teacher works out and good luck!
I’m 14 and my parents can’t really spend extra money on violin classes, in addition to that orchestra class at the highschool is already at an intermediate level. I’m trying to learn violin self taught though I kind of remember some basics as I played violin when I was 10 for almost a year then put it off. I wanna get back to doing it
You can do it! I’m getting a violin for my 16th birthday in February so wish me luck as I’ll be teaching myself also.
It’s been 5 months. Have you got back to it?
You cam get violin lessons for less than like 20 bucks a week. Probably 10. Rake a yard or something. For that little money I have faith you could come up with it without your parents.
@@therugratstake2971 I hope it goes well! Im saving money to buy one before my 16th birhday in June. I will also attempt to learn violin by myself.
@@samtheduckyy good luck!! I have now been playing for 3 months! I’m working on vibrato right now. So far I can play any song by ear, I don’t play with sheet music just 100% by ear, I know 3 songs really well and im working on adding in vibrato, and I can’t stay on perfect pitch without tapes. I think the reason I learned so fast is because I have a musical ear and I’ve played guitar for 2 years and have been around music since I was born. I’m saving up for my next instrument, I’m not sure if I want the ukulele or mandolin. I hope you progress quickly!
@@therugratstake2971 Is it possible that i can learn violin by myself?
I’m a Grandmother who always wanted to play the violin since I was a little girl. And didn’t ever get the chance to till now. I don’t think your ever too old to learn. But it’s in your heart and soul and it’s in mine to learn. I have a Sweet teacher name Hannah. She’s absolutely an awesome teacher. But right now she was tested positive for the virus and her Dad and Grandma. She has taught me a lot.so I’ll just keep playing the things she has showed me and the exercise she has showed me. We have been doing lessons for about 8 months total. She says I’m doing great. Please keep Hannah and her family in your prayers. I bought my violin from Kennedy Violins. Love your violins🎻 Thank you🙏🏽 your lessons help so much😊 God Bless Always stay safe and take care of yourself and your family 🙏🏽🎻
I love this. I was just thinking if I'm too old at 25 to learn violin 😅
💞 i play banduria but I've always wanted to learn the violin. 💞
Btw, goodluck with ur practices 💞
I hope ur doing well and keeping safe 💞
@@melissarara7567 Thank you so much stay safe and take care of yourself and your family and God Bless Always 🙏🏽🎻🌹
Old grandpa here, just was gifted a violin by my daughter to try out and found you. Very helpful and well delivered. Subscribed. Thanks, and be well.
Thanks for the sub and good luck. Let me know if you have any questions in the future!
Okay so I'm THANKFUL i found this video! I'm 14 and have been self teaching violin myself from the past 11 months and i see a okayish amount of progress but it's just not satisfying and i thought of watching this video And i realised I've been doing MANY things the wrong way! I'm glad i found this and I'm gonna restart everything! I'll make sure to update! Thank you so much.
Hey, glad to help and I'm glad I was able to help in time! Seriously though, if you have any questions or can think of another video I could do, just let me know.
@@KennedyViolins SOOO KIND OF YOU TO SAY THAT! I'll let you know thank you so much sir ❤️
ive been a drummer for over 30 years,currently learning how to play guitar and now attempting to learn violin/fiddle,always up for a challenge and this video sounds the best to start
I don't even have a violin. 🤦♂️ I'm watching this though.
My father learned the violin on his own for a long time. He used to give concerts with his friends and play in front of people, and now I want to learn too
The only fiddler in y family was my great grandfather, who played for weddings and barn dances, with great grandma on piano. I never got to hear them play. Darn it.
I just bought my first ever Violin. A Scherl & Roth SR41E4H. Thank you for these videos. When I found this video few weeks ago, I thought to myself, okay I will finally learn violin.
Sweet. Good luck and let me know what kinds of questions you run into. 😉
Also! Be careful about carpal tunnel, which is terrible. One course of prevention involves wrist exercise warm-up, flexing, stretching. I had occasional small group (2 to 4) people practice sessions with a philharmonic violinist. There’s nothing like checking in with an expert once in a while. Maybe you can do it virtually, prerecord for comments. And Suzuki is great!
Yes l,am correctly and not speed is important .metronome l have one but have not used it for violin regular practice time is also good and straight wrist and thumb finger great . Yes picking up fingers l am learning that it was one of my past flaws . Yes pinky on the side have just learned this . Thankyou Kennedy very helpful .😀😀😀😀😀
Always glad to help and thanks for the comment!
I love playing 🎻, Handel is my favorite
I played flute now as an older adult, I’m self learning the violin because since I can’t grocery shop like it’s 1999, I have to cut corners😅
This was really helpful. Thank you so much!
I have been using Essential Elements book as well
Cool. Thanks for letting me know!
I'm left handed and just found a store who will make a left handed violin, but teachers in my area wont teach, so i'm learning myself. Always wanted to learn so here i go. Thanks for this/ these videos
Always glad to help and good luck!
I started at 22 (I am 78 now) purely by ear and with no lessons at all. I play Cape Breton and some Irish.. Intonation is key. Bow should always be at right angle to the strings and half way from the bridge to the finger board. Get used to using a full bow as much as you can. That leads to smoother, better bow control. I got a mandolin which was a huge help. Since it is fretted and the finger "spacing" is the same as violin, it makes it easier to "find" the notes in a piece you are learning. I do not read notation but do write out tabs as a memory aid if I have not played a tune in some time.
some of these tips are good advice for any instrument, great video
I see the light!!!!
I hope I can learn this. I have MS and really want to learn
If I had to guess, I'd say that learning something like the violin will only be helpful for the mind. Who knows, maybe even healing.
I have always been dreaming about learning how to play violin but my family has been a let down to me that I even gave up pursuing my passion to draw- right now I'm scared to try something new because I might end up stopping it and wasting my chance to learn something new.
I had the same problem with my family. They never encouraged me to pursue anything and never gave me opportunities. Now as an adult I’m pursuing painting, violin and gym (healthy lifestyle) all on my own and I’m very happy. You can do it and you’ll be proud of yourself for it
after quitting violin for so long, i begin to think to play it again. thank you for sharing !
Amazing tutorial❤❤
Hi dear You can see in my channel how to play violin step by step ❤🎻🎶
Sweet. Glad you like it!
My violin teacher taught Suzuki method, she was especially pleased that I could read music and play by ear as well.
Thank you for the video. Excited to start learning and playing the violin. I just retired at 65 and ordered your Symphony Violin. Finally have the time to be learn and be consistent.
Sounds like you have a good start. Good luck with beginning the violin and let me know if you have questions. Remember, the violin is very hard for everybody in the beginning but slow practice and consistency will yield results! 😉
After 9 months of lessons from a teacher that never taught me how to hold the violin, how to hold the bow, how to draw the bow and get a good sound, never helped me with my setup, never taught me a single tune, I finally started taking lessons from youtube. I'm not very good. I'll never be a classical violinist, but I can jam with other musicians and have a good time. I was 56yo when I started. It can be done.
Very well explained ❤ I wish I found your channel earlier. I would also recommend to practice in front of a mirror to control position and bowing, that was very helpful for me.
After some years of bad lessons in a music school I became a "run away student", fed up with indifferent teachers. It is certainly better to learn by yourself and with youtube. You can repeat videos especially in slow motion and watch very closely every step. In the beginning of learning to play violin there could be a kind of squeaking and scratching period but even that can be funny 😂.
I started playing Violin 52 years old after an accident, when my head was hurt badly and l lost my memory. Before I played piano and guitar for some years but forgot everything with the accident. I thought Violin would be an easier instrument to start music again with only one note at the time... it became a huge challenge and I fell in Love with Violin playing. Thanks to the internet and youtube I can get good advice now from Violinists and nice people all over the world and make much better progress. Thank you for sharing your most valuable knowledge 🎻🤗
Thanks for the compliments and encouragement! Also, I totally agree about the mirror. It's an incredibly usual tool that everybody should incorporate into their practice!
Your video was a blessing to me sir
Then, why am I the one feeling blessed? 😉
Appreciate this video. I played Cello and Violin in school but all this knowledge is gone. Now that my son wants to play violin I figured I would pick one up for myself. But basic technique is one of the things I need to relearn.
Many thanks for your comprehensive and prompt reply....John
You're welcome!
Thank you for the wise basic tips for beginning self-teaching students. Now off to watch your other videos!
Im a guitarist but one day im gonna try to play the violin. Im 3rd year high school so maybe when I have enough money and have a job? Jeez ahahah , My parents dont want me to play the violin cauz they think its useless but one day I'll learn the violin. One day.
i hope u do amazing
I'm a Guitarist learning the violin as well!
@@tishaanants wowww me too
@@maahiyolmo7163 cool
Guitarist too, Carissa's Wierd really inspired me to start playing the Violin and hopefully I can learn it well enough to start recording!
Nice thank you for sharing I'm trying to save up now so I can learn a play this beautiful instrument
Awesome. Good luck!
Excellent workshop 😀 Plenty of gold nuggets contained within. 😁 Thanks for sharing!
Cool. Glad you like it!
YES you can, but its certainly not randomly done.
I did it myself and in my channel you can find 3 videos where I address the violin for adult begginers, including the topic of how to structure the practice.
I agree with all the advices given here by Kennedy Violins, indeed they will save you pains and set you up for success later!
I started to play the violin last year but I had to stop because of COVID so I’m trying to learn on my own
Thank you for teaching and sharing us how to learn violin
Glad to help!
Me...beginner,your topic is very amazing.
sweeeettttt....!!
they say practice makes perfect , thats completely wrong ,100 %
especially , practicing from the beginning the wrong way , developing bad habits from the beginning & having to unlearn them later on, " Perfect Practice Makes Perfect " great point !! well said
Thank you for a very nice supportive and encouraging tutorial. I started late.., but every day I am drawn to my violins. Sometimes I wonder away from proper practice and needed this correctional alert. Thank you.
Always glad to help. Happy practicing!
Good job fellow kennedy
I just got mine as a Christmas present. I have a very busy work schedule so lessons are difficult but I can say that even just learning how to use the bow is still very meditative and relaxing. Even if my notes are Still all over the place. Thank you for the Tips they help a lot
Violin is a small instrument. I play mine in bed, sometimes reclined. Though once I sit or stand. Need to hold it better.
I've heard 20-30 minutes a day.
About time used to relax before bed
You can do it.
Good teacher he is
Yoda agrees.
Thank you for this video, you are a huge blessing! I want to learn by myself not because I don't want/cannot afford a mentor it's because I seem to learn things more efficiently and effectively by myself rather with a mentor, I don't know what's up with me, but it's wonderful seeing comments successfully learning my themselves or fixing their mistakes because of this video!
Hello Kennedy, I am 50 now, can I start learning violin? I think it is a good time to do what I love however my fingers are not flexible like 40 years ago.
Hello Quang, I actually did a video about this topic here: th-cam.com/video/OPAAzlvH5n0/w-d-xo.html
It's true that your joints will be stiffer than someone a lot younger but that will not prevent you from learning a lot of music. It mostly relates to your sound production at a more advanced level because it can affect vibrato and some bowing techniques but if you are a beginner, there is a lot of music you can play before you have to worry about any of that! The main key is playing the violin consistently. This will keep your joints from "locking up". The more you play the more flexible you will be become. Let me know if you have any other questions. 👍
YES you can.I am 56.I do try 2nd month.
@@ludovitpajer3162 What do you mean by try 2nd month?? Thanks for sharing.
@@KennedyViolins PLEASE PLEASE HELP..How can I make learning the violin in my 30s as easy or almost as easy and fun as if I had started when I was a child. I was really depressed growing up and nonone noticed otherwise Inwouldve LOVED to have learned violin and several other instruments growing up. And now when i realised it, I can't afford it. I desperately want to learn it and several other instruments
Do you have a full video series I hope hope that I can follow online?? Hope you can please respond when you can. Thanks for sharing your videos.
@@leif1075 It's super cool that you want to get into violin at 30! It's definitely not "too late" for you but it is true that learning anything as difficult as the violin after 25, is going to be more difficult in some ways than if you were younger. I have many videos that can help you learn the more foundational aspects of the violin, so I definitely recommend them. They are all on TH-cam. The most important part of learning the violin is consistency. Violin is unique, in that it is VERY hard in the beginning and gets a little easier once you have the fundamentals down. You have to schedule a time at least 4 or 5 days per week that you can spend at least some time with your violin. After that, you just have to make sure to learn the fundamentals correctly from the beginning, like how to hold the bow, how to hold the violin, and learning basic scales, so you put your fingers down in the right places. If you focus on those things, you will definitely see slow improvement in the beginning and then more at a faster pace later on. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the fundamentals, I want a physical teacher but there is none where I live
Glad to be of help!
lovely Maestro, master of clearness
Glad to help!
Wow thanks I’m 51 years old, really help me a lot.
Glad to hear it. That's why I'm here 👍 Thanks for the comment!
Helpful tips!! Thank you!!
Always glad to help!
I have a. Viola . I am 82. ,and I hope to sound good . In time
You're one strong fella! It's never too late in life to learn something new :) I wish nothing but the best for you. Good luck ❤️❤️
Bro....your guidelines are best....and very helpful for me❤❤❤
SWEET. Glad I was able to be helpful! 😃
Just got the Richard Bunnel and super new a I am. I'm in love with it. I love yalls company. I did some light weight research on yall. And thanks for your dedication to the art
Thanks for the love and welcome to the family!
I'm self-taught, with a lot of help from TH-cam, in addition to already being advanced on 8 other instruments. I'm a performing musician. My FIRST songs were Ashokan Farewell, Star of the County Down, and Neil Gows Lament for the death of his second wife...I'm now an Intermediate Level fiddler and playing Scottish, Irish, Quebecquois, Appalachian and some Metis tunes...Reels, jigs, slow airs... I'm currently working on bow pressure, pizzicato, double upbows and moving into 3rd...I DID use the traditional bow hold, by the frog, but over time have adapted it to my style, and moved up to the pivot point- I know, I know...lol. I've found holding it where I was hindered me considerably. I made more advancement since I shifted 2" up the bow.
I hit a wall a few years ago self teaching after a long long hiatus. Good stuff and I'll try to restart now. Already I just picked up on some mistakes that I have made
I'm primarily self-taught. I didn't get any lessons for ten months, other than "Boil them Cabbage Down" (from a guitar teacher) before I had 6 months of lessons from a very good fiddle player who incidentally had picture perfect classical technique: the way he held his violin, posture, bow placement, etc. He, Arvil Freeman was also self-taught. Five years later I was able to study for two semesters with Theodora McMillan who was the first woman to play with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. By that time, I had taught myself both parts of the Bach Double, mostly by ear, but with the sheet music as a guide, although I didn't know what all those slur lines meant. I became discouraged with music life in College and joined the Navy, but after 6 years I had taught myself the G minor Presto and the Prelude in E from Bach. I made a tape and sent it to a small liberal arts college in Kansas, and believe it or not, they offered me a scholarship. The Conductor was Julien Shew, and there were two wonderful prodigies from Albania there also on scholarship. So here I was at 30 some odd years, learning mostly by Ear, playing with a Chinese Conductor and two Prodigies, and amazingly enough, we had all spent roughly the same amount of time, getting to the same place: 20 years. So it's not out of the Question.
I think it is better to Learn and Play (especially in front of an audience) rather than just "Practice".
You have to get out there and put yourself on the line and play with other musicians in public: coffee houses, Jam sessions, Pubs, parties. That is very important, otherwise you can spend all your life in the Practice room. Cheers, Jack
I've been wanting to play violin for more then 2 years and now i'm able to get one next month but my mom can't afford lessons so I've been looking lessons online and this is helping me so much even though I don't have a violin right now :)
I am trying to learn on my own, I bought learning violin for dummies. I will follow what you are doing. I noticed some problems I was doing. Thank you for doing this video 🎻😊
Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks 🙏🏼. Just bought a brand new violin and want to practice by myself. Ordered books you have suggested. Will ask some questions later x
Cool. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck!
Practice:
1. Important is how you practice
Me: 40 hours a day.
2. Practicing something correctly as many times as you can
Me: that's why i chose bumblebee... Duh..
3: use a metronome
Me: If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly.
I struggle to use the metronome i feel like it's useless. I just convince myself like you with the "if u can play it slowly u can play it fast" saying😭
@@Cranberry_haley lol.
Do you struggle on keeping a rhythm or do you speed up while playing like if someone is chasing you behind xD? I do the 2nd one🤣
@@kadu1790 neither lmaooo I don't struggle to keep rythym or tempo because before i play a specific song, i hear someone else playing it so i know how it's supposed to sound like.
@@kadu1790 but i sometimes use the metronome only for vibrato practice 💀
@@Cranberry_haley I can't.... Metronome is really annoying for me xD i keep the rhythm with my feet 🤣🤣🤣
I wanna learn how to play violin 🎻 start by watching your TH-cam videos teaching, I want to be your student violin 🎻 learner
Very fine Sir, technique explained well. A layman can reap benefit.
Me just learning violin easily in Orchestra as a violinest, I agree with this video I have been in Orchestra for almost 4 years. and I am so happy with it, but there will be fusterating moments but don’t give up it gets really exciting after a while!!
Thank you for the encouragement. I was beginning to feel frustrated. I have suzuki and essential elements. I'm in Zambia, Africa. Still looking for a teacher. Not much luck so far but I won't give up!
Well, thanks for letting me know, and good luck in your journey! With all the free info online, I'm sure that with discipline and dedication, you can achieve some great results. 👍
Thankyou for your help. I just had my mothers 100 yr old violin redone and I am so pleased with it. I had purchased a very inexpensive one online probably one of the worse wings I could have done, I couldn’t keep it in tune, very frustrating! Anyway thank you for the tips.Perhaps I will become more accomplished in my violin playing!
Hey Joel, great job, all good stuff ! Thanks for the pep talk ! G.
Always glad to offer PEP!!
I am so happy to see this video and many thanks for your instructions and sharing knowledge. Though I always had a desire to learn and considering the high cost and time, today I got a second hand violin from Fara charity shop London UK. Hoping and Praying slowly and steadily I will fulfill my heart desire now at the age of 60 considering age is only a number ❤️❤️❤️
I've taught plenty of people who were a bit older and as long as they practice consistently, they do very well. Good luck!
Bro i owe u for the rest of my life thank u so much ❤️❤️❤️
Glad to help!
Yes l am working with Suzuki and up to page 26 lightly row , gently row and fi found g my bow was slipping away from bridge , as l sped up .
ya, just keep going through the songs. Book 4 is a great goal. It's just time!
I began playing the violin two months after my 62nd birthday. I "teach myself." Being both the pupil and the teacher is interesting. I am now 67. I played brass instruments from the age of 8 and studied music at degree level, so although I was a violin 'beginner' I had a big headstart over an absolute beginner - being able to read music notation and knowing how key signatures and scales work removed many complications from the typical beginner's equation. Also, by the time I got to 62 I'd heard quite a lot of music, so I had a clear idea of what I was trying to achieve; it's pointless studying details before you've grasped the overall concept.
I was not surprised to discover that playing a violin with good intonation is really difficult - and I mean really difficult - at least, it is for me. Firstly, although I consider myself musically sensitive, I am often a bit slow to determine whether a pitch is slightly sharp or slightly flat. This is a major handicap for a violinist, but wouldn't necessarily be an impediment to an accordionist, percussionist, or a guitarist etc. I use an electronic tuner to check my intonation. One sometimes hear people arguing that using a tuner stops you from relying on your ear - but I would argue that using a tuner helps one to train one's ear so that your ear becomes moe reliable. I also use a metronome; the same logic applies.
I wasted many hundreds of hours in the early stages of my violin project by pressing too hard onto the fingerboard. (I even managed to give myself tendonitis in my left-hand first finger.) I got duff advice about 'pressing firmly' from a TH-cam lesson, and only began to correct this mistake after watching a clip of Yehudi Menuhin teaching at his school in Surrey. "Don't press harder than necessary with your left hand fingers," is one piece of advice that I wish I'd had from the outset. Of course, with all instrumental playing, unnecessary tension is to be avoided. I can't afford a teacher I would actually trust. The majority of instrumental teachers are a bit useless IMHO. I was one myself (in four countries) so I consider myself qualified to be scathing. The guy on TH-cam who advocates pressing hard on the strings is an example of disastrous teaching.
I practise every day, usually twice - morning and evening. Most people, of whatever age, who take instrumental lessons 'give up' at some point. It takes either monumental amounts of perseverance and patience, or an extraordinary amount of natural flair, to learn to play any instrument well. One needs to have confidence in the learning process, one needs patience with oneself - and one needs self-discipline and dogged determination. When motivation and self-actualisation flags, self-discipline kicks-in. I sometimes find it hard to get started on my daily practise sessions, but once I get going it always proves to be worthwhile. Above all, one must think positively. Negative thinking is the killer. Every time I pick up my violin I try to play better than I've ever played before. Of course, progress is not made in straight lines, but if we practise intelligently and think positively the general trend will be upwards.
Keep going!
Thank you!
You're more than welcome!
Thank you. This video was helpful and engaging. I'm pumped about learning.
Glad to help!
My violin is arriving today and I'm so excited!!
tips for non-musician and don't have a knowledge about music if you really wanted to play violin or any instrument. First you need to know how to read notes/read sheets bc basically it would be hard for you to learn an instrument without knowing how it produce a sounds and especially you will understand how the structure of piece that allowing you to develop a greater understanding of whole composition. 😁
I'm really tempted to pick up the violin this year
I'm buying my first Violin from pawnshop this weekend. I figured better than 50 dollar Amazon one. Right? This video is awesome. Best I've seen in here honestly
The older the violin, the better chance it's decent quality but that's a pretty big generalization. The biggest issue with buying used violins, however, is whether they were maintained or just sat in storage. Violins do NOT do well when they are stored incorrectly and there's a very good chance that the bridge is warped, the strings need to be replaced and the plates are starting to separate from the ribs. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of risk when buying a violin from a pawn shop and the amount of risk you are subjected to is directly proportional to your knowledge of violins. So.....good luck!!
@@KennedyViolins thank you. I play Bass guitar and piano. I plan to watch your vids. Thx again
@@rickforshee6898 Glad to help!
A while back I learned how to play the violin. I took lessons for four years . But kindening lost it after I lost my son ,daughter and dad in 2009,2010 . So now I'm wanting to get back to playing again, So thank you for sharing your video.
Glad to help! Let me know if you have any questions.
@@KennedyViolins Things I rememberI forgot . It's like I ca"n't seem to start. Can you help me . Or give me an idea. I have forgotten things I have learned. I do have some paper work from the last teacher .
Few weeks ago I startet to learn violin in an age of 66. What you are teaching is very true! I believe you are their instruments end it is always important to start slow and as correct as possible. greetings from Germany! Now it seems that soon I may play a very simple song with the violin. But it took a lot of time to practice different things. Thanks for your teachings! It helped me now to avoid beginner mistakes.
I'm in my 60s also. Just starting up. Husband did say....don't think the violin is your natural calling🤣
Thank you! My book says to bend my thumb and my pinky, but it doesn't explain WHY. This makes so much sense!
Now you know. Thanks for the comment! 👍
As a very beginner (no teacher) I have to say the absolute hardest thing to learn is the way to bow. I thought it would be reading music but it's definitely the pinkie/thumb holds.
Ah! I was looking for a video for some tips on self-teaching violin and immediately picked this video. It’s 1:55am here right now, and it didn’t click in my brain that I picked a video from the same place of where I had just purchased my first violin. I literally just bought a new violin from Kennedy Violins based on the very high ratings and positive reviews on Amazon. Your company is the shipper, of course, not Amazon.
I played the viola from 3rd grade until 8th grade and regret stopping in 1989. I recall that I always wanted to play violin because they always had most of the main parts in every orchestra recital. I know that viola (at the time when I was a child) had been an endangered instrument, and I still have my viola - but I just had to try something new. I’m starting from zero since the music clef of a violin is different than a viola. I also picked a blue, electric violin only because I have more options than I would a regular one. Later, I plan on purchasing a non-electric violin, but as a starter, I’m very much looking forward to beginning a new challenge (even at 46 years old).
Thanks for the information. I’m just getting back to playing and really… re-learning how to play my new violin 🎻! It’s been 100yrs😅, since I’ve played one, and when I did it was for about 4-5yrs. I’m also a person that loves music, but playing by ear unfortunately, I tend to find it easier than reading music. Now that I’m older I respectfully want to be able to read the music and make my own. Even in college I failed in reading the music arrangements when singing, mostly because of time. I just really want to get better and improve my skills for me, and no one else 😊. I also want to of course play for my family! If you have any information to help with reading sheet music or really improving as a violinist that would be helpful. I’m in the beginning stages, but so happy to have the opportunity again!
Just start with the really easy stuff. Play music that you already know but with music. All your trying to do is train your brain to associate a printed dot on a line, to which finger and string to play on. Start with scales. Play them over and over again while looking at the notes. Then play really easy Suzuki type of music that you already know but look at the notes while you play. It won't take you that long to start to identify notes with fingers and strings!
Thank you, I am 65 years old, but I want to play violin properly. Thank you for your help
Nice lesson. If possible, will be nice if an auxiliary part-B video on holding the violin, especially without a teacher to teach, with or without shoulder rest, also considering late beginners, people with different bone/thumb strength, preventing pain in the thumb, neck etc. Thanks in advance. If a checklist to ensure proper holding, with no tension in all relevant parts of the body, such as thumb, neck, jaw, chin, left wrist, etc, and likewise for holding the bow, can be derived, it can be a great advancement in this topic. This video is very encouraging, any way for me who is an intermittent late beginner amateur, with staggered phases of self learning for years, and with teacher for months and each time I switch between these phases, holding presents new mysteries and new levels of perfection even in this topic perceived to be existing.
I’m a beginner, but I do NOT recommend playing without a shoulder rest. I cringe when I see people holding a cellphone with their chin. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Very nice explaination.
You won't believe me, but I learned on my own by watching TH-cam videos
That'll work! Watching the right videos and putting a lot of thought into what you are doing, will absolutely work. Thanks for sharing!
Hi dear You can see in my channel how to play violin step by step ❤🎻🎶
Who did you follow and really helped you ??cause I can’t find good teachers out there
@@Hnin-sl6vn tutorials easy
Thanks for the help 😅
Always glad to help!
Hi! Thank for the tips . You gained a new subscriber.
Thank you very much💜
Thank you man, you make things perfectly clear for a beginner like me
I've been "learning" the violin alone, and now that I notice, I've been doing everything wrong, hahaha. Soo, I guess I gotta start from zero. Thank you very much for this video
Glad to help. Let me know if you have any questions in the future. Pretty much everything correct on the violin feels "wrong" but with enough practice, it'll feel normal. 👍
This is video is very helpful for guitar also. Thanks
You are correct and thanks for the thank you!
Thank you for this helpful tips. I am mostly a self-taught beginner. I like how you break it down to basics from posture to beginner book recommendations. Subscribed.
Thank you! Very well done video, I will take your suggestions to ❤.
I just bought my son a 4/4 Kennedy violin. He’s small for 12. I hope it fits.
Actually, I like all the music from the violin. because with the violin in the music, it feels like the music just lives in this body
Thank you Chandler from friends, this was very helpful.
Love Chandler. ❤️
omg can't unsee this now 😂