Beginning Violin Lessons: 8 Things I Wish Someone had Told Me When I First Learned To Play Violin

[@violinlab]

Although this video was made some years ago, the offer at the end of the video is still valid!

[@melizmatea]

Hi! I am learning how to play the violin left-handed. Do you have any videos on that subject? (I've already started and have my violin, it feels much better!) Thank you!

[@Spartacus-4297]

​@@melizmateatypically there is no left handed violins but standard one can be restrung for playing left handed however this is a break from tradition where even those left handed play with the bow in the right hand.

[@PianoMessage]

• I am SO happy to have found your videos and website to learn step by step. I am soon turning 42 years old and have wanted to learn Violin for over 10 years now. I have finally made the decision and my new Violin should be arriving in the mail soon... Cannot wait to get started!!! 🎶🎵 🎻

[@kaitaviolin]

I began self taught, then found a teacher who I don't get to meet often enough to develop consistent instructions that result to progress. Luckily I discovered Violin Lab.. Her music reading course really changed my life, she nurtured the music in my heart, her detailed instructions made a dream come true. " Without guess work, there is no hesitation " - Beth Blackerby That quote from her courses has influenced me in all aspects of my life, forget music. All this written with a teary eye and a grateful heart.

[@bethblackerby761]

Awww, Kaita, I read that and have a tear in my eye

[@AweInADay]

I’m seriously learning the violin at the age of 59 years old. I play other instruments so I know how to read music, etc. I also play the violin in my community orchestra. Some of the music is over my head right now, but with consistent practice I should get there. You’re never to old to make your dreams come true!

[@vanessagoin6425]

I am 63 years old and learning to play my first instrument. I’m encouraged!

[@nancywomack3810]

I'm with you!

[@Helz777]

Me too. Similar age too!

[@21rooms1willdo]

How’s it going?!?!?

[@daverandall9963]

Just turned 64 and just beginning to learn myself. Was happy to find someone else doing the same thing - good luck :)

[@rennyschweiger]

I'm 61 and just starting my lifelong dream of learning violin. We should all band (hah) together and start a 'old farts on violin' club!

[@DoctorLazertron]

As a pianist and guitarist, it’s so frustrating to pick up an instrument and it just doesn’t make the sound I want… but it’s so satisfying when I get something right and improve bit by bit. Same reason I stuck with other instruments, improvement is addictive. Thanks for the video!

[@April.Lillie]

Thank you so much!!!! This has been beyond helpful. I’ve been struggling with my sound for years and this clarifies so much.

[@eskandarmokhtari8791]

سلام خوبی دوست عزیز⚘🌺🥀🌺⚘ چهره زیبا⚘ میخوره به این دوست⚘ عزیز اروپایی چه کنسرت هایی بسیار بزرگ اجرا می کنم⚘ صورتم خیلی شبیه به هم هست⚘ نمیدونم فامیلتون هست⚘ خلاصه چهره دوست داشتنی داره هنرمند عزیز همچنین شما باعث افتخار⚘ جامعه بشری است⚘ متاسفم که اسمشو نمیدونم⚘ خدانگهدار شما⚘ بنواز⚘

[@analisaruiz6846]

I've been playing violin for 7 years, and I took private for 4 years. I have almost taken a year off playing because I struggled with that step by step hierarchy of learning that stressed me out a lot. I would polish at the end but would beat myself up for polishing as I started a new piece of music because it wasn't what I was taught. Going back to the basis of learning violin, I suppose you shouldn't forget or ignore the first building blocks even as you grow as a violinist or musician no matter the level you are at. This video has sparked my motivation with new things to look forward to and change when it comes to my practice regime. Thank you so much!

[@eliskatesarova3104]

Incredible. I didn't even know I needed this video... I'm glad that these aren't "typical beginner tips", like how to hold the bow. I used to play when I was younger, so I know the basics, but now I really started to consciously think about playing. I have bad habits from the past and have hard time getting rid of them - especially muscle strain. I bought a better shoulder rest and it's already helping a lot. And I'll try to use my back muscles, didn't know about that either! Anyway, thank you for this video, it's amazing that you provide this advice for free & don't even have tons of ads on your video like many others.

[@deadmanswife3625]

Eliska 🎻❤👍

[@duncanandrew3307]

Never too late, as long as you are physically able to pursue you dream. Started at 49, but still learning, and hopefully improving thirty years later. Go for it.

[@lionbearcat]

As a 40 year old woman who just bought her first violin ( it comes next week!!), I feel like a light bulb went off with a lot of these tips. I wish you were the one who had taught my elementary violin class. Ah well, no better time than the present ❤️

[@MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

So Aweosme. I just got the bug last week to pursue learning the violin when I was on a cruise listing to the string trio on board. The "String Trio Polaris" was a huge inspiration to me. I just ordered my violin today and I hope to receive it soon, BTW, I am 53 and never had any type of musical instruction. This will surely be a journey :).

[@505371]

Amazing teacher! I'm trying to learn violin during this quarantine, and these recommendations were just what I needed. Specially the one regarding bow pressure and tension, it was very illustrative and it helped me understand "why" my playing was so bad (besides me being a beginner). It takes a good teacher to explain well something as complex as this instrument. I'm gonna watch all your videos and hopefully make this 2020 the year were -also- I learned to play violin.

[@johnsee7269]

Love that vibrato liberally applied! Magnificent! Paul McCartney brags about not being able to read a note and BB King (probably not a "sight reader"...) advocates reading music because, "It's better to know and not need than to need and not know." 🤘

[@maleehaafzal2167]

Ive just started. I’ve been playing only open strings for a week now. And that tension pressure was the first thing I noticed myself by just trying to experiment with getting a clear sound . All your points are very helpful

[@Leon.fazore]

You’re a brilliant violin teacher, I as a newbie learned quite a bit. These tips seem basic and obvious but they are fundamental and very helpful.

[@moondog50002000]

I have had 7 surgeries in my hands and elbows from practicing guitar hours a day for decades. Bach, Paganini, Shostakovich and all that. I have always wanted a violin ,and I just ordered my first at age 53 . It may be easier on my old hands to play . I have a mandolin ( same tuning ) which will help me a bit. Wish me luck

[@_M3gh]

You have tremendous power in you! Wish you the best of luck :)

[@mjavaid]

Reverb Twang, Hi. I use KZbin a lot to learn violin, watching this video I started reading all comments searching for an answer to what is being played at 24:40 and came across your comment. You are lucky that you already know so much about music and have been playing guitar, another instrument of string family for such a long time. You will feel very blessed if you compare with a 55 years old taking up violin with absolutely no knowledge of music or any instrument. That is me, now at 70 and feeling that my hands are younger than many young ones who started with me. I feel that adult beginners of violin gain much more in any span of time in order to cover up for the time lost. Best of luck and you will do great.

[@moondog50002000]

@@mjavaid 7 months and reading chaconne some, love it i need easier sheet music , just got suzuki book 3 , violin bends my hands the opposite direction and is lighter to carry around

[@fingerhorn4]

For me the biggest barrier was realising that however musical you are, the violin requires very fine control of everything: bow smoothness, totally accurate tuning, decent vibrato, dexterity and above all total comfortablility with making a decent sound. I feel most teachers let students get away with terrible intonation right from the start, and set far too difficult pieces in intermediate stages. The most important thing is to encourage a beautiful sound, good intonation and a sense of CONTROL over what you are doing way before you attempt difficult pieces.

[@miaaa2009]

i have been looking all over youtube for violin lessons and i finally found a great one!

[@ArakakiCC]

Beth is a superb instructor! I am so thankful to have found Violin Lab, I have made so much progress on my violin playing. I had tried a different teacher on KZbin but that didn’t work for me. Beth’s lessons are a lot more thorough and organized.

[@ViolinAround]

The instructions on how to mentally practice (moving the focus muscle) is SO crucial and I've never heard it taught online! Great job! ☺️🎻

[@juliaengel4207]

I have wanted to learn how to play the violin ever since I was little, but never was able to convince my parents to get me a violin and lessons. I now have my grandmothers violin and want to try and learn how to play it. Hopefully one day I can and I can go to her grave and play a tune or two for her.

[@cassandraloki2846]

Go check out the online piano and violin tutor on youtube. She has beginner violin lessons in her playlist !

[@theviolinblogger]

I started learning violin at age about 2 1/2 years ago I am 29. I discovered the violin when I was 17 and was told I was too old to learn.. I wish I wouldn’t have listen to that. Violin is a hard instrument but if you put in the time and practice you can play beautifully! Don’t give it up :-) cheers!

[@letsmakemusic6472]

That’s lovely! Have you been making progress?

[@jasonestrella7878]

@@theviolinblogger I always wanted to learn to play violin since I was a kid but my mother wasn’t able to pay for lessons for me I bought my first violin when I was 19 but unfortunately I couldn’t afford a teacher at that time now I’m 29 and I can afford a teacher on my own and I just enrolled in lessons never give up your true dream because if you dream it you can do it cheers

[@jasonestrella7878]

Don’t give up I’m 29 and I will start my lessons in September this year your grandmother will be proud of you you will visit her grave and play for her many many times 😢

[@lorrenaelliott161]

16:30 science is everything. I haven’t seen a better explanation demo with such exquisite classic excerpts

[@janiebryant4905]

you are the best...I'm trying to learn at the age 59. I love what you have showed me. Thank you so much.

[@sm9846]

you mentioned very important subjects ! thank you so much ! you are unique ! Greetings from Iran

[@amypineda9588]

Thank you! I came across this wealth of information. I just got my first violin and I am a beginner at age 47.

[@angelaangela6393]

Me too! Just got a violin yesterday 🤩

[@andreemcloving3530]

Congrats! Never too late to start.

[@emilyclark9018]

thank you i’m just starting to play the violin and this video helped a lot!

[@sues3218]

Our family homeschools, and my 16 year-old-daughter has been taking "Violin Labs" lessons this past year (both beginning lessons, along with the note reading course). She loves Beth's lessons, and I have watched her improve greatly over the past 9 months. We will definitely be taking the intermediate courses next year (cost's us $20 a month, and a one time fee of $39 for the additional note reading course, which are worth the cost). In the meantime, my daughter will practice everything she learned over the summer in order to perfect her technique. We love the fact that you can print out a lot of sheet music with this course, and Beth also has audio practice piano accompaniments to play along with. We have two binders that are full of printed sheet music, in order to keep practicing over the summer break. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the violin. My daughter has even taken off her finger tapes because she has got that confident over the months. She even started messing around on her own with trying vibrato, before we have even got to that lesson (which is after you finish all four levels of the beginner course). She is itching to get to that one, we are almost there and she can't wait. Beth has kept my daughters attention over the entire school year, and my daughter never complains each day when needing to do her violin lessons. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning the violin. My daughter has even ventured out to print sheet music outside the course, like "Never Enough" and she can read it no problem on her own. This course is definitely worth the money.

[@M_SC]

Playing the violin is a physical endeavour and you need a physical teacher. Can’t understate how much it helps for the teacher to move your hand a smidge and then boom suddenly you can do the thing. At least at some point. Not saying don’t use the online course.

[@sues3218]

@@M_SC Some people have a natural ear for music and can hear their mistakes, thus trying different positions until you get the desired sound. In addition, there are also online tonation devices that help too. Violin Lab does provide zoom sessions, so if you want to then Beth can see and hear you, then give you instructions on where to improve. Times are changing, you don't necessarily need an in person teacher these days with the new technology we possess.

[@pacoadell64]

I'm already a subscriber of Violin Lab and so far is great. Very educational, practical and slow for adult beginners like me (57 years old).

[@smithent701]

Thank you very much...I'm just getting back into stringed instruments, recently bought a Cecilio cvn 500, and I'm really enthused about getting started. Your beginning tips are very helpul...greatly appreciate the lengthy insightful explanations. Clayton Austin, TX

[@prajay1775]

I started learning the violin when i was 14 years old.after 4 years i stopped learning the violin and after 8 years i started learning the violin and still going..❤ i love it..one of my dreams is become a good violinist one day..😊😊

[@ddcermack]

I’m 59 and wish I would have taken lesson when I was young. Thank you for all that your doing. I hope I’ll be a good student.

[@xxquanxx]

thank you, mam. i'm a 33 yrs old male who had 20 yrs experience of mastering guitar and now just recently started to learn violin. boy, god knows how many hours i've spent self taught with so many videos and theory but none of em even light a bulb in my head and make me go anywhere -with my practices- just like what you did on this particular video. again, this is madly incredible and helpful. god bless u, mam. ure amazing! 💙

[@kcald9891]

I love the way you explain things, and I truly just love listening to you play; it goes beyond skill alone, it's like your calm, patient, sweet personality channels right into the strings themselves. I always get inspired after watching your videos, where other online teachers often make me feel overwhelmed and confused. I'm currently working through your vibrato course and am excited to see how my technique progresses in the coming months. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@EmilyTienne]

Wow, so much good advice here. Many experts have been doing their craft so long that it becomes automatic and they forget what they originally went through to get to a comfortable level. Therefore, they can’t relate to the beginning player. You, however, never forgot all the pitfalls along the way.

[@kendallgreiner7278]

Thank you for the reassurance! I've been playing for almost 30 years and teaching for 14 and every tip you gave are things that I tell my students! I actually watched your video to see if I was missing something for my beginners and I'm so encouraged that I'm teaching these lessons to my students! Thank you for your knowledge and willingness to share!

[@LeghrandDeJesus]

this is superb! Thank you maam for your inputs. I think I just found the best channel as my guide to playing good in violin.

[@joshuajackson6567]

These are really excellent tips and recommendations. Thank you for sharing!

[@itsnlee]

Your 8th tip took me back to when I was 11 playing the violin for the first time. I remember seeing a classmate at 9 yrs old who suddenly brought a violin into school and fell in love with it immediately just from looking. However, I never liked the lessons and stopped only after a few months. First lesson consisted of playing pizz and a bit of bowing afterwards with no introduction about the instrument etc. I was never taught how to read music, or what that soap looking thing was that the teacher scrubs on the bow hair. It was just showing up, play, but there was rarely any guidance, or any demo of what the piece or note should sound like. Thinking about it now, it was appalling. When I got home and practiced, I never put rosin for lack of knowledge, and the scratch was so horrendous I assumed I was just terrible at it and stopped. The violin felt out of tune but I wasn't taught how to tune it either. It was also a school loaned violin and was probably a cheap one too. Even now, despite the poor experience, I'm still gravitated towards this instrument. Maybe this video is a sign to go for it again, the correct way. Thank you for the video Beth.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Sorry for the late response. I’ve taught many children to play the ukulele. I’m appalled at some of the things other teachers don’t tell kids. I’ve found that it’s a great gateway instrument, once a child learns some fundamentals, they can move on to other instruments, if they so choose. Of course, many students come in with horrible USOs, and we loan them a good one that is setup right. It makes all the difference in the world.

[@LouisYungling]

As a teacher I appreciate the way you approach the word “perfect” or “perfection” …as an attitude of awareness of all our moving parts and the sounds we’re making. Being fully awake.

[@linkwa3826]

Listening to some of your tips will help me play my bass guitar much better. So it’s good to know I’m on the better path learning the notes!! I started learning the bass a few months ago. I want to learn the right way or the best way, this is why I stayed to listen to this video. It’s very helpful. I wanted to learn the violin. It is my favorite instrument to listen to, but I want to be able to sing while playing an instrument. However, I will continue to watch your videos. Thank you! 1/1/2024@ 0830am Happy New Year!!

[@violinlab]

Im' glad my messaging was applicable to guitar!

[@erikhiga]

Trying to teach myself to play the violin. I've had it for about four years but I haven't practiced much in that time. This video was helpful. Thanks.

[@roddrodriguez6990]

you have a nice tone and good bow control

[@luisandredeoliveirajayme9552]

Thank you so much for your help, you're the best teacher I've ever seen!

[@LouisYungling]

“…because it is a worthy pursuit.” Thank you for bringing personal comfort to the forefront of music making!

[@thenaturalmd]

Your explanations are wonderful! The whole friction and vibrating of the string helped me even to figure out why one of my ukuleles consistently had a scratchy squeak - I was strumming too low on the string!!! I am signing up for your lab!

[@Wethreefish]

You are great. I love these tips. I have played flute for 60 years, guitar for 20 and mandolin for just a few. You are the best teacher Ive seen. Thank you

[@ScaerieTale]

I stumbled across your vibrato video from 2011, which led me here, and, oh my gosh, this was so helpful! I've been getting a lot of harmonic overtones on my G and D open. Due to COVID in person lessons are kind of impossible, and online resources were all saying it's a wolf tone, it's unavoidable, get a new violin etc. when I *knew* it wasn't a wolf tone, but an overtone (I play saxophone, guitar, and piano). But I didn't know how to stop getting the howling higher octave G tone until now. THANK you so much!

[@jaymazi6519]

Thank you so much ! Very useful information especially for a adult beginer like me...

[@poppyviolinstudio]

Very nice tips. I have been trying to work out some tension in my bow arm and I appreciate your comments about supporting the bow from the back!

[@mtnfmly]

I purchased my first violin yesterday and I am so excited to learn from you. What a wonderful teaching style. Thank you for these lessons!

[@LouisYungling]

I’m only half through your video now and feeling very grateful for the details you have taken the time to share. THANK YOU!!

[@ariskazis4663]

this is perhaps the most important beginner-violinist video you can find out there.

[@lifewithjimmy4389]

I have a bad learning disability which prevents me from learning to read music. I play by ear and by tablature and after 2 years I’m getting pretty good!🤗👌❤️

[@3Torts]

I might transpose this into a viola lab 😅 Great video thank you!

[@ramibostaji3443]

Indeed…100% I agree with you on step 1,2. Because It’s a realistic things that happened with me when i was playing with my 1st violin which was china victory made. And Now i have 2 high professional hand made Germany and Italian violins there’s a big difference

[@tyronefisher5723]

You explain everything VERY PRECISELY WELL and you're a Fine, Beautiful Woman too...........(Smile)..........Hahaha...........Right Onnn!

[@meshellesumpter335]

Thank you so much for sharing, we all love you so much.

[@FreeCatVideos]

i am a guitar person and its my first day to fully own a violin then practice with it and i am extremely hooked up with it., Nice details by the way all of it especially the bow friction. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us beginners.

[@peterdixon5713]

Great tutorial! Thank you so much! Your very detailed instruction has no pier!

[@鄭仁魁]

U r helpful as always. I am so so pleased to learn from ur insights in this video.

[@_M3gh]

Perfect video for a beginner! Thank you so so much

[@koig8393]

I was not expecting the tips to be *This* good wow, tysm

[@rundemcheeks1639]

Your hair looks majestic!

[@markkulyas2418]

I have watched many videos on learning to play the violin and they all have one annoying problem, the violin is so much louder than the person talking. So you have the volume turned up to hear the talking and when the violin gets played you get your ears blasted out. Maybe if a practice mute was used it would equal out the volume. I also know they have editing software that will keep all sound at one consistent level. This video was very helpful and taught me alot, thank you. Hope you don't mind the constructive criticism.

[@cathiwim]

This is EXCELLENT! I play guitar, and sing in two choirs, and can use these tips for those, as well as teaching myself piano! Thank you for working so hard to put this content out.

[@lifewithjimmy4389]

I started about 4 yrs ago n still going !!! ❤️😃

[@geekynewz]

Ok, heading over to the website.

[@Lacrimarumvalle7]

Thank you for share us your knowledge. You're the best! Greetings from Mexico! 😊

[@sidX-CEO-IS]

prossimo domasso

[@wendyshell8679]

Thank you! I need to exercise my back muscles . I have a short attention span, but am very determined to learn, ❤️and do well!

[@molhamkeman7902]

Thanks you teacher🌹🌹

[@jeayae4941]

This was excellent 👍🏽 And you are very articulate 👍🏽

[@divadbat]

Thank you! Waiting for my violin to arrive.... Im both encouraged and inspired! Will be seeing you soon!

[@Jesseannec]

Thank you!! I just fell in love with the violin.

[@stevenlittle5954]

Could someone please identify the passage played at 24:40? I'm 51yrs; a complete novice; playing for 1 week on a borrowed violin. If I could play even a snippet of such wonderfully melancholic music I would be very satisfied! And thank you for very sound but subtle advice!

[@koig8393]

Im pretty sure its Bach 's Partita no.2, also good taste m8

[@stargirl369]

This was so useful. Thx so much! I especially feel the point about learning everything but slower and correctly rather than unlearning everything that was set aside for polishing later. Makes a lot of sense and I will try to apply this more to my practice. I think over time it will help to improve my techniques as well since I'll be practicing them much more frequently. Also I now wonder about my violin set up 🤔 I didn't know I could have it looked at, but I think it's a great idea.

[@iamjane9628]

Thank you so much. You are truly wonderful.

[@wmccoy1960]

Outstanding overview about the art and science of violin playing!

[@samyahmh2584]

thank you for an awesome video i just want to also mention something that caused me a lot of discomfort lately since i got back to playing after many months, i noticed discomfort and tightness in my left forearm by observing i found out i was holding the violin in an angel that was close to my shoulder (meaning the fingerboard was like above my shoulder) if that makes sense that caused my elbow to be kinda squished compared to the right position, and causing the pain in the arm so i hope this helps always check the angel that you are holding the violin

[@susanrobertson2918]

I am learning incorrectly... This video has been very very helpful.

[@92keys524]

This is gold!

[@Hongchen1105]

Exellent work beth! If you have surface noise Is it good?

[@user-xh1yj6cd6b]

Thank you!! This is the most helpful video I’ve found!

[@MrSupersidewinder]

You are a wonderful teacher and a fine player. I could listen to you play or learn loads from you. Thanks, I am getting my 1st violin in a few days and watched to prep!!

[@becgedge7609]

This video helped me so much thank you!! Subscribed!

[@violinlab]

I'm so glad!

[@huamin4280]

Thank you so much for sharing your richful experience! I'm a beginner near to 50, but l believe I still can learn this well when I'm at 60s.

[@MsSemibreve]

Wonderful tips! I can't thank you enough!! Greetings from Brazil!!!🇧🇷🇧🇷❤❤

[@sarahkendall3313]

Loved the part about perfect practice! Im so guilty of playing and then polishing later!! - does the drone just help you to hear notes being out of tune?

[@dmartinbeltran77]

Thank you thank you thank you for this video i loved I wish I can have you as my teacher. Santa brought me a violin I want to learn how to play it. I can't wait.

[@jesusloaiza3032]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@lifewithjimmy4389]

Thank you you helped me with my chin rest I did not realize that they were interchangeable the one that’s on my violin right now is small and it is not in a good spot my chin wants to fall where the tail plate I guess you’d call it sits on the bottom of the violin where that button is so I found a chin rest that goes over that thank you so much you really helped me out a lot my neck was beginning to kill me and my jaw was out of alignment

[@kasrabahrami9948]

Thanks you so much ,It was so useful

[@katieisoffline]

omg, such a great teacher

[@ShantiTrish]

A million thanks. Love and best wishes to you and all the viewers, enjoy your violins. 😘🙂👌

[@ralfjonesChotu]

Wow super excited about yours teaching gradually.tnku so much mam &goo evening.🙏🤷👍💯🧠☝️😴

[@violinlab]

You're welcome!

[@cigarnationwarriors3981]

I have followed and enjoyed and benefited from your teaching over the years. I’m 74 and disabled but as a stubborn Czech I still try to play. Would you please share what model of chinrest you use. It’s appears to be unique. Thanks.

[@violinlab]

I use the Wave chinrest, however it was modified to my specifications. I asked for a deep cut edge to better hook under my chin.

[@cigarnationwarriors3981]

@@violinlab Thank you, Beth, for your reply. The Wave looks very interesting. I’ve become very comfortable playing without a shoulder rest and having a Wave with a deeper cut might add to my comfort level. Did they customize the rest for you or did you do it yourself?

[@annie5741]

Moc držím palce! :)

[@manojwilliam777]

This channel is awesome 😊

[@Mahi-vo3vf]

This is wonderful! Thank you :)

[@peterwerner651]

Valuable information clearly stated. And I believe this woman is a very good pedagog. I found this half hour a worthy investment. Thank you Ma'am.

[@tomterrif8503]

You are a great teacher, thanks

[@violinlab]

Thank you! 😊

[@nancmock]

great info, one clarification on good teaching/pedagogy is a teacher that meaningful helps you to improve day by day, the results.