i am planning to play violin, though i am 19, almost 20...is it to late to play? will i ever get good? im left handed so i dont think i'll ever be getting a instructor...can i learn everything i need to know from this site? thanks

dont worry, i am pretty good buy now and i have only been playing for like 6 years.....about the lefty thing, my sis is a lefty and she finds it a bit awkward, so i dont no how u will fiind playing plus i dont think they make left handed violins.....hope this helped

hi, im already 24 but i started to study only 6 months ago.. it will take alot of practice for you to learn, its not yet late just be determined whatever the case

No, you're not! I started at 23 and was being paid to play in a symphony at 24. I'm also left handed - just go with the regular instrument. We're actually at an advantage, I think, because the left hand is used for the fingering - which I find more complicated than bowing (I think most people would agree). Besides, it will be hard to find a quality instrument made up backwards when you're ready to invest in one.

Good luck!

just go with regular instrament? as in a right handed violin? you sure? i heard there can be neurological effects to the brain after a period of time. almost like switching hands can cause some form of memory loss i heard?

i found a decent looking left handed violin on ebay. im planning to get it.

I am left-handed in writing, golfing, and soccer (left-footed). I play a normal (right-handed) violin and it is fine. You use your left hand for the fingerboard, and your right hand for the bow and it is really an easy adjustment. Don't worry about it, I can write better with my right hand now! Also I started playing violin at a later age and it was fine. In fact, the violin teacher said I was brave for starting so late because most people either start early or don't start at all. So go for it, you'll regret it if you don't.

My gosh. Where did you here that? That is just an old wives tale, I'm sure. Do I sound crazy to you? Wait, don't answer that...

no worries. i started when i was like...what...6? and now i'm 13...ha ha ha...and i'm really good, so if i can do it, you can.

here here, might i add that starting off with suzuki method books are the best! you learn the quickest with them. ^_^

In two days I will turn 24, Ive never played a bowed instrument in my life, I have on the other hand played other instruments and I compose, that being said, a lot of will power, and tenacity will go into learning the instrument. As for a teacher, just find one you like, you can trust, and are comfortable with, you wont be making exactly music for the first couple of weeks, but it gets better I assure you. I think the older the teacher the better, fortunately for myself my instructor was a orchestra director for 20 years and has taught children as young as 4 how to play the violin, so thats reassuring to me that he has patience, hes gonna need em. Best of luck in your learning.

I sure hope 19 or even 24 is too old to learn. I took violin in 4th grade and am now pushing 50. I am hoping to play something more than Mary had a little lamb! Well I can also stumble through Long, long ago, which was my solo way back when!
NormaL

No, it is NEVER too late to learn a new thing! I have several adults that I teach violin to, and they are having a lot of fun learning! I started when I was very young with the Suzuki method, and I have a sister who plays violin too who is left handed. I don't think it has been a problem to her at all. Stick with the normal violin - don't feel like you have to do something different just because you are left handed - again, you might be at an advantage because the fingering is done with the left hand!

I highly doubt you will advance much just by going by what you find out here. I would encourage you to find a teacher - maybe at a local university or community college - who you can learn from. If you have a teacher they can guide you and point out any bad habits BEFORE you actual accumulate them! I have had several students who tried to 'learn from the book' and it took them a long time to obtain a better posture and playing abilities because they had been stunted by what they thought was the best way to play. You have to be very careful in first starting out to make sure you are doing everything right because the violin really is a difficult instrument! There is a lot to think about at once and you might get overwhelmed at first and you might get discouraged, but just keep pushing through and practising and all that work will pay off in the long run!

So in summary - yes, you can do it, and you can do it even if you are left handed, and I would suggest you find a teacher and not rely on the internet or a book as your guide, because you never know what bad habits you might pick up.

Hey, I've been playing since elementary school, and all I can say is that if you don't enjoy it, you won't get very far. It makes is so much easier if you truly enjoy and love to play and practice. It is never to late to start. My little sister plays violin also, she is left handed, but that doesn't seem to make a difference. You should do fine if you really try to and put alot of effort into it. ^.^ good luck!

♫ abby ♫

i agree with getting a right-handed violin. many groups wont accept u if u dont. but, i STRONGLY reccomend getting a teacher, it will help ALOT. and have your teacher help u select ur violin. and NO UR NOT TO OLD! though i started when i was 8, i know u will do GREAT if u try hard.

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P.S. u may not enjoy it the 1st year, but dont be discouraged!

I just started playing violin in 6th grade and I am pretty good at it, all i do is practice practice and PRACTICE some more. It really doesn't matter what age you start as long as you practice and have a passion for it.