Hi,

I`m 17 and I have loved the sound of the violin and all string instruments. I used to play the violin but that was when i was about 12 or so, i stopped after two years and have forgot most things about it. I want to start playing again and I want to become great in years to come, however I also am a hard working student trying to acheive good marks at school.

I want to start playing this year, but this year is my year 12 at school. I do want to play the violin but will it get in the way of my studies, from practicing too much.

Justin

I sat here for about two whole seconds before I realized that the only person who could really answer that is you. Do you study every waking moment to get good grades? If not, why not use some of your off time to practice? It is not the time you put into your practice that counts, it is the quality and determination you show during the practice. Hope that helps. Good luck. Tootles.

Hi Justin,
I`m also 17 and in grade 12, and it is hard sometimes to get enough practice in and do all my schoolwork. It is absolutely possible to do both, though, I think, if you really want to.

The way I do it sometimes is to get up earlier and practice for an hour before school (6:30-7:30). I try hard to get as much work done as possible during school, and I don`t do many other extra-curricular activities besides violin lessons, orchestra rehersals, chior and piano lessons (which I`m starting this week). I don`t watch TV much (about an hour a week) and that helps make time for practice, and I don`t have much of a social life.

What country do you live in? I`m from Alberta, Canada, and we are nearing our diploma exams, which are the government finals that determine 50% of our marks for the term (I assume there`s something similar in the US (?)). It`s a lot of pressure, and I know that I won`t get as much practice done, but I also know that my music teachers will understand. It`s okay to not practice some days if you have a major assignment due, or you have to spend a few hours studying instead. As long as you stick with it for the long run, and practice hard when you have the time, you`ll improve.

Good luck!

you can but you gotta find the right balance.
play too long, grades suffer
study without practicing, playing quality diminishes.