Learning violin is a journey which is why I am often asked for violin tips by violinists who aspire to get better, parents, violin beginners, or violinists who wish to follow my path of playing classical and non-classical music on violin i.e. Hip Hop violin. In this article, I put together a few helpful tips that would help you to play the violin, regardless of your level, age group, and style.

1-It takes time to learn violin

Violin is considered one of the most difficult instruments, some claim the hardest to learn because it takes years to learn how to play it and perfect the violin technique. There is no magic of learning this beautiful instrument overnight so be patient and believe in the process. Read here to better understand why is violin hard to learn.

2-Practice violin

Like the old cliche, the only way to get to Carnegie Hall is practice practice practice. When it comes to violin practice consistency is everything. I always advise to practice violin less time but every day. Just like sport, there is muscle memory that needs daily repetition.

3-Listen to violin music

Although it is important to listen to all types of music if you play the violin add it to your playlist violin music. Listening to violin music will inspire you to get better and help you discover the many possibilities of playing the violin. I always emphasize the importance of listening to classical violin music written for violin by classical composers as a part of your practice.

4-Find the right violin teacher for you

I cannot tell you enough about the impact my violin teachers had in my life, they did not only teach me violin but also shared their love for music and especially for the violin. They encouraged me to keep practicing and gave me tools I was able to implement in other areas of my life such as discipline, endurance, and perseverance. Find a teacher you like to become a part of your violin journey.

5-Join a music school

I would highly recommend learning violin with a violin teacher who is a part of a music school, conservatory, or a violin teacher that has enough students to set up performances throughout the year. It is important, especially for kids, to be a part of a music environment with other kids who play musical instruments. It is a healthy “competition that can motivate kids to practice more and get better. Being around other kids who play music will contribute to a child's social skills and development.

6- Buy a violin that sounds good

My parents were never able to afford to buy me a decent violin. Good violins happened to be very expensive. Luckily the legendary violinist Isaac Stern helped me get a violin after seeing me play in a masterclass, it changed my life as I was finally able to practice and play a violin that sounded good. I am currently working on a violin line that sounds good and is also affordable, this experience taught me how important it is for a child to have an affordable violin that sounds good.

7-Learn classical music

When you play classical music, you don’t only learn classical techniques but also discover the beautiful world of the classical music repertoire. It is important to learn music that was written for your instrument. Classical music is the foundation you must acquire in order to progress with your violin studies.

8- Go to violin concerts

My parents used to take me to classical music concerts in my childhood. I got to watch some of the greatest solo violinists, and also orchestras. You can learn so much just by watching professionals playing the violin. It is important to experience both classical and non-classical concerts, the more exposure to different types of music the better.

9- Be open-minded

Although I believe in learning the classical violin technique, I would love to see more violin teachers mix some non-classical popular songs with the classical repertoire. It inspires kids to practice more and it is also fun. Do not be afraid to explore other musical genres, violin sounds good in every musical style.

10- Have fun

Learning violin should be a fun experience, and there are many benefits to learning violin, but if your child does not like it, for whatever reason, do not force it. It is OK sometimes to take a break or even switch to another instrument.

I hope these tips inspire you to keep your violin practice going. Enjoy!

10 tips to play violin for beginners / advanced players