...and I was wondering if the violin is a difficult instrument to play. I heard lots of terryfying stories about bowing and such and I really want to play. I'm also planning on taking lessons.

Another question: How long did it take for you to play a simple melody when you first started?

Hi!
I started last January and I am 30 years old. It depends of many factors. Do you read music? Did you ever played any other instrument? I don't know, I played guitar for years and in my first violin lesson I was taught to play only 4 notes on one string (A) but in the second, I could play some children songs with two strings (8 notes) . Now, I've took 6 lessons and I'm doing some little pieces from Corelli(adapted by Moffat) and Baklanowa.
So...if you really want to play, do it!! :D And having a good teacher is very important in my opinion.

Good luck! Let us know what have you decided ok??

See you!!

http://thebluearcher.wordpress.com

I've decided to take lessons this coming March. I know it will be hard, but that's what makes it so fun

Also, is it hard to make it sound decent? I saw someone playing a violin (a beginner. 6 months of lessons, I thnik) and it sounded like a saw XD

hahaha! good for you!!
I don't know.. The first days it sounded terrible to me but after a couple of weeks, when you begin to stay tuned with the fingering you have learned, it's not that terrible. Then, you learn other fingerings and it sounds terrible again :D Every person is different.
The number of months although, isn't important. Are you planning to practice one,two, five, ... seven days a week? I play five days a week for about 45 minutes each day. Does your friend practice a lot?

See you!

a saw huh? lol my first time playin i got the comment that i sounded like "la llorona" but either case its going to take some practicing to produce a decent quality.

Find yourself a good teacher and work hard, the violin is really fun once you get the hang of it.