I want ot learn the violin as i already play the flute, piano, guitar and piccolo. Does it take long to get past the beginning where everything sounds out of tune, flat and sharp? I would like to play but only if it doesnt sound awful for like a yaer or so!

Short answer, yes it does.

Liz

YES YES YES YES YES if you already play other instruments then it shouldn`t take you long to pick up the basics of the violin.:-)

IF you already play the flute, I`d pay close attention you your fingers. I play the clarinet and practice finger excersizes to keep my fingers as ridiculously close as possible. This helps alot when you play violin. I`ve been playing for about four months. As for the tones, focus on the D Major Scale, thats like the most basic easy scale on a violin and from there you can get familiar with patterns of other scales. Also, since your beginning, make sure you dont press too hard, press just enough where it sounds good and make your sure your posture is very relaxed. You have to be anal retentive on your postures, make sure there isnt any straing on your arms and hands. As for the time you begin making good tones, it simply depends on how much time and effort you put into it. I would say I can play up to the 8th Grade level, but thats becuse I`ve preactice up to four hours a every day if not two hrs. a day, time that I do on clarinet anyway. Hope this helps

Well thanks for your advice. My parents will probobaly be driven mad (as if there not already) with all the awful noises but i suppose it will be worth it in the end

Once you learn double stops, you`ll feel like a pro already, haha. Good luck