Hi everyone. I only just bought a violin (It's just a Yamaha beginners model, nothing top-notch) and I'm really anxious to learn it. I'm 17 this year, but this is really the first time I've seriously learned an instrument, so I have very little musical knowledge or experience. At the moment I can't even hold the violin comfortably, and don't know what to do about it. Could someone please give me some tips on taking up the violin, especially for a beginner among beginners? I'm thinking I'll need lessons, so any help in that regard would be swell. (Also, if anyone from Australia knows of a good teacher in or around the Turramurra area, could you let me know? My email is frodo_2209@hotmail.com)

Cheers.

Hello Aidan Welcome to the world of violin and Congrats on the new instrument! I would definitely recommend getting a teacher, if for nothing else to show you the basics....if you haven't already purchased these, I would also recommend for you to buy 1) some rosin for your bow (it doesn't have to be majorly expensive, especially if you're just beginning), and 2) a shoulder rest to makes things more comfortable. It's hard to explain with only words, so here is a website that (I hope, anyway!) will help you learn how to correctly hold the violin. Once you know the proper positioning, I would just start 'making noise' with your violin, to get used to its tone and the feel of it. Have FUN, and good luck

Oops, got so excited I forgot to include the link Here it is: http://www.violinonline.com/violinbasics.htm

Hey, thanks for the link, that site is awesome. I'm thinking I'll probably need a shoulder rest. Also, I find my chin rest at the moment uncomfortable for my chin, so will that be better once I get a shoulder rest, or do I need a new chin rest?

Cheers.