...and I'm looking to possibly picking up a violin. But I don't know where to start. So basically, I'm hoping you guys can give me some advice on anything from what a good quality starter violin would be, to suggestions for books or videos to help teach myself. I've looked into a few things myself, but I figure you guys know better than me.

For reference, I do know how to read sheet music and know a bit of music theory, so I'm sure that'll help. I've never played any instrument other than drums/percussion though, so that might not help. And I know private lessons would probably be the best option, but I'm not really interested in that right now.


Thanks for any help!

~ Justin

Hello and welcome to the club!
I haven't been playing for long but I believe that it is a bit of a crime to start learning on your own. At least have a few lessons to learn the basics. For example, it will be difficult to learn how to hold the bow just by reading and watching videos. Even if it turns out that you are pretty talented.. why risk learning something wrong? If a bad technique is established from the very beginning then it will be hard to get it right..

After playing clarinet and saxophone for many years, which led to a very good ear for music, I NEEDED an instructor, for the violin is extremely difficult, and not to get you dissapointed, you will get nowhere without one. After years of playing percussion, it may also be difficult to tell if something is sharp or flat. I would move to saxophne, and then go to violin in your future. You need to develop an extremely fine tuned ear for string instruments.
But good luck!

Hi,
I think the lessons/no lessons dilemma depends partly on what you are shooting for. For ex., if you want to learn classical violin, or other styles that require strict and proper technique, lessons would probably be a good idea. But there are quite a few renowned fiddlers who are/were self-taught, as fiddling is more loose in general. As for violin being difficult, I think that it really depends on the player, your musical experience, and what style you want to learn. It really does help if you have a good ear for tone and pitch.

I play and have played the drums for quite some time as well as bass guitar. I have wanted to play violin for a long time now and recently began taking private lessons. For me at least, lessons are the way to go. I didn't want to learn bad habits and then have to correct them along the way. I'm doing okay with a bit of practice in between. If I were you I would really look into lessons, at least in the beginning. Good luck.

vc

When I first started violin I went to group lessons which I was able to go to for free since I had my own violin and I only learn to hold the bow. I only went to it though for about a month and then quit for like three months then slowly started to pick the violin back up which led to three years of teaching myself. It took me two weeks to learn how to read notes and two weeks to hold the bow right without dropping it and the only thing I was learning off was a book by Hal leonard can't remember the name. So I was able to learn how to read notes, learn 1st position COMPLELETLY, get a better grip on the bow and then I found 8notes which help me to porgress a bit before I finally got lessons and the only bad habit I had to break was my bad posture. I think it is possible to learn violin on your own unless you are serious about it. But I think the best instrument to start with and to get the basic idea of music is piano which you could also try teaching yourself. You will develop an ear. Read bass and trebel cleff notes and just will make any instrument you want to play a bit easier but it sure does take alot of effort!! Scales are also a HUGE help. They may be boring but they will help you more than you will EVER know!!!!!

Hey! As the others suggested, I think it is a good idea to go to a few lessons, a couple at first to learn basic technique, because it is painful when you play wrong and everything will sound much worse then it has too. And sounding awful will make you want to quit! You can go everynow then after that.
Don't worry about your ear, I had the most awful ear when I started and the more you practice the better it will get. Aural training could be helpful... i don't know where you would get cd's for that but I used to do it in music class at school.
Renting might be a good option for a start, or you can buy cheapish violins, but you may as well save up if you can for a decent one.
Remember, it is hard work that makes people good on violin, talent is just handy!
and perfect practice makes perfect, which is why everyone is saying that posture is important