How hard is it to learn the violin? How long does it take to learn like the basics and stuff?
Jessica L asked:
I’m 16 and I have lots of experience with the piano (about 9 years) and i’ve had vocal lessons. I also can play the flute a little. Not as good as piano though because I only took 1 year of lessons. My strength is sight reading; i’m really good at it. Anyway, i want to learn how to play the violin. Is it going to be really hard even with all of the music experience that i have?
November 9th, 2007 at 12:44 am
learning any instrument is hard enough! but im doing Viola and ONLY at my third year did i learn vibrato. only at my 4th year im doing 2nd/3rd position. although it should be easier then not having musical experiance. but it will be long enough.
November 11th, 2007 at 5:55 am
I dont think that it will be that hard for you.
the hard part is learning how to read music, and you already know the notes. All you need to learn now is the fingerings and how the use the bow.
I play the flute and tener sax. I started learning the guitar and once I pracised I got the hang of it. It will just take time and effort and it seems like you have that.
good luck
November 14th, 2007 at 11:02 am
I love playing my violin! It took me a year with no experience at all, to be at the top of my class. And within a month, I moved from level 1 music to level 4. (The levels are rated by how many years you need to have been playing to play the music consistently.) Anyway, with a lot of hard work and practice, you can know how to play the violin in no time.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
its definitely going to be easier because of all your music experience! and the fact that youre 16
if youre good at sight reading, youll probably be able to play the violin pretty soon
buttttttt, playing it well might take at least a couple of years, like with vibrato and eased dynamics, and position, and bow position
good luck!
November 19th, 2007 at 6:08 am
Research suggests that it takes 10,000 hours to really master any skill. See:
How long will it take me to get really good at the violin?
November 22nd, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Don’t decide what instruments to play by others opinion. If you really like the violin, go for it. If it takes you less time than it did someone else OK. If you find you enjoy learning violin you will develop fast. I do recommend that you get live help on a regular basis. (paid or free)
November 25th, 2007 at 6:46 am
I’m going to be honest with you, which I really don’t think many other answerers have been.
They say that other music experience will help, etc. Someone else said that she learned the basics in a year, and transferred from level one to level four in a month. This is inaccurate; I can guarantee that much — most people don’t get to level four even with years of playing. I know a lot of students your age. The most advanced of any, and the closest to a musical “prodigy” I’ve seen took three years to achieve level four. One month will never satisfy years of playing work.
The violin is hard. Many would say the hardest instrument to play — personally, I didn’t believe that for quite a while. However, all of the skilled teachers I’ve met have agreed. Personally, I don’t play all instruments and am no source for what is “hardest,” but I can say that the violin is difficult. It takes time, effort, and dedication. For some, it’s even painful at points — yes, basic position is simple and easy, but once you get into the use of vibrato, higher positions (fifth through seventh), different bowing techniques, etc., it does start to challenge your wrists and hands.
But, it’s all well worth it. It’s difficult to tell you how long it will take you to learn the “basics,” as “basics” is a fairly generic term. The violin is learned not in a few years but in a lifetime — even Heifetz, Paganini, etc., die with things they still could’ve learned.
Your music experience WILL help you. I can’t say how much, however, it should help you with counting, basic music terms, and knowing the approximate tones of the notes. A good instructor / school is also important, and will make the experience worlds easier.
Enjoy the violin. I have, and with effort, it’s well worth it.