At age 49, after playing guitar, banjo and mandolin since 1969, I have decided to follow my hearts passion and take violin lessons. Both to finaly learn to read music, and to play classicial music.

I have many questions, but will limit this to a few at a time.

-What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
-Just how good of a violin does one need to start? I have a Pfrehschner from 1975. Its not pretty, but seems to stay in tune. I just dont want to embarass myself as I have a couple other times. I am somewhat an accomplished string player, but am VERY new to this instrument.
-I know about a doz tunes on the violin now. Is it better to go into the lessons from square one and start it all over? or "show" what I can do now, and build IF its not "incorrect"?

I had one bad expericnce a few years back, in that I arranged for a professional violin player to give me lessons. (Rather expensive might i add lol) And the woman belittled me for lack of reading, said my instrument was a "toy" and come back when I was serious. Needless to say, I am a bit nervious.

SO, any advise would be welcome.

(oh, as to the guitar, banjo and mandolin, I played professionaly for 9 years)

Thank you,

professir

-What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
A viola is generally bigger, and tuned a fifth lower.

-Just how good of a violin does one need to start?
Not a very good one. As long as it sounds like a violin, it`s fine. (That teacher is, in my opinion, kind of mean.)

-Is it better to go into the lessons from square one and start it all over?
Most teachers will evaluate their students on what needs to be done before starting to teach. If something needs to be fixed, the teacher will catch it, and work on it.

Please visit the SoloMusic forums at http://www.solomusic.net/forum.

I agree: nothing at all wrong with a Pfretzschner. Assuming it`s set up properly, it will be an awful lot better than the majority of instruments I used to teach on!

Liz