I posted earlier but no one was kind enough to help me so I am going to try again.

Well anyway I am a first year player so I don't know much. I have a few questions for more experienced player.
1] I have a lot of rosin build up on my instrument I've tried everything but don't know what else to do.
2] I need something that will work as a shoulder rest other than a sponge. I can't afford a real shoulder rest so I have to make do until then.
3] My teacher wants me to learn vibrato but I keep moving side to side instead of forward and backward.
4] My bow has rosin build up too and every time I wipe it down more rosin just keeps appearing!
5] I am eventually going to get a higher quality instrument than the one I have now, and want some ideas as to what brand is reasonably priced but good quality for a beginner.

Thanks for your help!

Well anyway I am a first year player so I don't know much. I have a few questions for more experienced player.
1] I have a lot of rosin build up on my instrument I've tried everything but don't know what else to do.
2] I need something that will work as a shoulder rest other than a sponge. I can't afford a real shoulder rest so I have to make do until then.
3] My teacher wants me to learn vibrato but I keep moving side to side instead of forward and backward.
4] My bow has rosin build up too and every time I wipe it down more rosin just keeps appearing!
5] I am eventually going to get a higher quality instrument than the one I have now, and want some ideas as to what brand is reasonably priced but good quality for a beginner.

I’m assuming this rosin build-up means that it’s stuck on the violin. The best thing you can do is to change strings. Since you’re a first year player, you should get to know the different types of strings. Just stick with Dominant because it has a good sound and it worked for me. (You should change strings every 6 months or at least once per year).

If you can’t afford a shoulder rest or don’t like sponges, don’t worry about it. The only other option though that I can really think about is using a bunch of handkerchiefs and tying a rubber band to the violin.

With vibrato (your nails should be short), you have to use the very tip of your finger when putting it down on the string, which you should always do whether using vibrato or not. “Type” your finger down, then switch.

Here’s a vibrato exercise:
-Start playing the D Major scale. On the second note with your first finger, “type” it down and pretend that it’s glued to the violin. Then try to move your hand bank and forth, pretending to unglue your finger.
-Put your second finger down (only one finger at a time when using vibrato) and do the same thing. Then third, and then forth.
-Remember, start slow. What you’re doing is building new muscle memory. Set a 1-month goal from now and after each week make it a little faster. Also, make scales and vibrato a priority.
-You can practice vibrato using a pencil even if you’re not near your violin.

Good luck! 