How To Learn The Violin As An Adult?

[@altolows7635]

Thank you and all the KZbinrs who are my teachers on beginning viola. I use a microtuner to keep on pitch while my ear learns. That slows me down but will be worth it. To keep from getting bored I have collected a dozen beginning viola method books, many of them vintage, cheap on ebay. Every day I grab a different book to play through and it becomes an adventure. I'm learning laterally rather than forcing myself to advance.

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, I'm sure with all the playing that you're getting in, you're improving every day!

[@hamwhacker]

I recommend buying a violin stand. That way you don’t have to put the violin away in the case.

[@KennedyViolins]

Ya, that's a good idea as well. Keep it off the floor!

[@LizbethStringer]

Thank you. I picked up the violin at 68 years old during COVID. With little background in music, I always had in the back of my mind, that someday I would play. I have absolutely no talent, just learning the notes and reading the music, as I am dyslexic, has been very frustrating. I continue to struggle, but I preserver. Every once in a while I like the sound I manage to produce which drives me on. So note to other adult beginners, the advice given here is spot on.

[@KennedyViolins]

Wow, it's great to hear that. Yes, I try to consider all age groups and levels when I'm explaining things, so I'm glad it has worked for you. I'll continue to try to be helpful. Keep plugging along, as talent has very little to do with it. It's 99% perseverance and consistency. It's a slow process but the end is always better than the beginning. It's worth it!

[@CC-hl5zj]

I'm a 60 years old beginner and have been playing about three months, mine is hanging on the wall and find it hard to resist picking it up several times a day.

[@KennedyViolins]

That's good to hear. Just keep picking it up with INTENTIONAL PRACTICE and you'll be surprised at how far you can get!

[@LucaShephard-rw2cr]

@@KennedyViolinscan a 16 year old beginner actually become amazing at the Violin in the eyes and ears of a professional

[@KennedyViolins]

@@LucaShephard-rw2cr Well....... if you practiced really hard and had a good teacher, you could certainly impress a professional with your high level of playing, in relation to starting so late... 😉

[@LucaShephard-rw2cr]

@@KennedyViolins I’ve seen 20 year olds become as good as professionals so I should be able to become amazing

[@LucaShephard-rw2cr]

@@KennedyViolins I saw someone say they started at like 50 and are now playing in an orchestra so if I practice like 2 or 3 hours a day until I’m 25 or older then I’ll be able to become as good as real musicians

[@nadianoelcontreras1529]

Always adored listening to violin. Whenever it was played on a movie or television etc. never played, nobody I know has played either... Yesterday , I leased a violin and cannot afford lessons.. this morning found this channel , so here I am. 🦋✨✨✨

[@KennedyViolins]

Welcome to the channel! I'm here for you, so let me know what kinds of questions you have. 👍

[@nadianoelcontreras1529]

@KennedyViolins thank you I appreciate that. My first concern right now is about the bow. I find myself feeling afraid that I might break it it's so fragile. And I'm kind of freaking out about what if I end up breaking it accidentally because I pushed too hard or I hold it wrong, and the resin or rosin little block that came with it, it seems very hard and I don't know if it's really doing anything or not is there a too much or too little how often? How do I know that I'm doing it correctly? As you can see why I am grateful that you mention that about asking questions.

[@KennedyViolins]

@@nadianoelcontreras1529 Well, I've done quite a few videos on rosining your bow etc but here is the one that is most applicable to your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXamg4xnlLqnbposi=8LMFQLU6_DKVYgZb The biggest thing about not "breaking the bow", is don't overtighten it and don't wack it on it's tip. Other than that, bows are pretty tough because they are generally made out of really dense wood. Hope that helps!

[@pilotpeego1820]

I have been playing the violin for 2 years now, and your tips are spot on. Excellent video!

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, thank you very much! Let me know if there are any other videos I should do that you can think of. 😉

[@KimberlyOurlian]

im 65, i have been playing on and off since i was 11. i was strict about lessons till i was about 20, then life happened. but i always keep going back to my violin, it was my first love. im trying to practice "right" and i want but cannot afford lessons right now. im trying to be my own teacher. ive had 10 years of teachers so i think i am going about the right way. like in allegro arpeggio and scale runs ill start out slow and even play them in different rhythms and it really seems to help solidify these otherwise difficult passages. even with my daily scales and arpeggios i practice in diff rythyms too

[@violaracer8168]

Ya that's a great practice technique that a lot of people don't know about. It works great!

[@miolu]

Thank you, Joel. I watched your video when I started learning the violin a year ago, you teach to put all fingers on the fingerboard that's help a lot.

[@KennedyViolins]

Glad to help and thanks for hanging in there long term with the vids! If you think of any other videos that'd be helpful, let me know! 😉

[@pruettstephen1413]

Great video! In a few days I will be starting beginning violin lessons at the local community college through continuing education. The teacher is somewhat young but has, in my humble opinion, excellent credentials. At 67 years of age I will be showing up with my new Kennedy violin that I purchased from Amazon but wish I had purchased directly from Kennedy violin. One advantage for me I believe will be that I do play acoustic guitar on a dedicated level. I have developed some bad habits with one being keeping my fingers down on the fretboard. It is one that I am working to correct but it takes constant awareness. All the points you made are so good and I will keep them in mind. Thank you for making these quality videos that are so very helpful. Scales scales and more scales. Whoo whoo!

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, that's awesome to hear, and thanks so much for sharing. Even though the teacher is young, as long as they don't let you get away with bad habits, it'll probably be a big help for you in your violin journey. BTW, even though you bought the violin through Amazon, we're always there for support and we can get you a better deal for your upgrade in the future as well. Happy practicing!

[@eric87892]

Love your videos Joel. I'm an adult beginner and I enjoy learning but sometimes it is really tough. This video is encouraging. Thanks!

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, that's good to hear. That was the point of the video, so I'm glad that came across. Thanks for the reply and have fun practicing!

[@Jss766]

Im only 25, starting violin today. Total beginner cant even read music but I want to it so badly.

[@KennedyViolins]

You can do it! It starts very slow but gets easier. Just a little every day....

[@Jss766]

@KennedyViolins thank you. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to learn. I have a bad track record of starting this and that (instruments), this time I have scheduled lessons and a rental fee for instrument until I am sure I want to stick with this violin.

[@maudbaabaappiah-nyarko7569]

Me too ...I’m 24

[@folkchick1]

Thanks - this is really helpful. I am trying to learn "Scotland" from Georgia Rae's video.

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, good luck and have fun!

[@Jeff034]

Yep, 66 yo - all good tips, and no 1 is a TEACHER. Then commit to your national examinations syllabus. It focussed your learning like nothing else! I like classical, but I love jazz and blues violin. But I need to get the formal training done (walking) so I can run!

[@KennedyViolins]

Oh ya!!

[@TheKat430]

Thank you!! Your videos are the BEST! In my later sixties and you are very encouraging and SO HELPFUL!

[@KennedyViolins]

WOW, that's so nice to hear! My goal is always to encourage, so that makes me feel good about the vid. Happy practicing!

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

That is a good idea! Leave it out!

[@KennedyViolins]

Ohh, the tricks we must play....

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

I live in Oklahoma, and while we keep the house warm, doens leaving the violin out harm the instrument long term with change in humidity? If it is just the tuning, I tune every time anyway.

[@KennedyViolins]

@@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436 More than likely, any temp or humidity conditions in your home will be exactly the same outside of the case as the inside of the case, since violin cases are not airtight. The most important thing is that the violin is never around continuous airflow (open window/HVAC) of any kind or is left directly in the sunlight. 👍

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

@@KennedyViolins Ok, thank you. I need to find a good place to leave it out so the kids don't get it damaged.

[@joyceyang6976]

I just started leave it out today 😁

[@MachaMongRuad]

I'm a little sad the links to the other videos mentioned didn't make it into the description. Ah well, time for a dive into the archives, i suppose!

[@KennedyViolins]

Thanks for commenting! We just added the links to the description, enjoy!

[@trujuancamilo1]

Thanks for the video. I'm starting the violin as a lifelong dream but I'm getting my 2 4 6 and 7 year old to start as well since we all listen to classical music. It will be a journey so lets see..we'll be watching you and I will find a teacher to come over for a few hours a week.

[@violaracer8168]

Wow, sounds like you'll have your hands full!

[@molotulo8808]

Great video. Love a violin today.

[@wongsoon-n2f]

At present self learning any instrument is more easy than before ,which you learn from cd or book only, you will get great teacher from youtube but I agree that learn from actual teacher is better. I do self learning saxophone and I want to learn violine (again ),as I have it since last 10 years ago.I stopped practice cause sicked of string torn out due to wrong tuning system.

[@martatessi]

Thank you very much. I have been playing the transverse flute and soprano saxophone for years, but I always wanted to play an instrument that did not require the same air pressure and that allowed me to work on chords, so a little over a year ago I started playing the violin. I have the difficulty of being small in build and I find myself in the dilemma of choosing between my small optimized 3/4 violin and the 4/4 which is a bit difficult for me in works like the Allemande from Bach's Partita II. At those times I resort to 3/4. I came across your channel because of your video about the switch between viola and violin. It turns out that I still haven't decided on one violin or the other. I also wonder if I have to choose. One teacher tells me no (he plays viola and violin) and another tells me yes. I find myself oddly placed on both. However, there are pieces that sound very good on one and others very good on the other. What do you rhink? Thank you!

[@KennedyViolins]

If you are able to switch back and forth, then that's great. Most people are not really able to "successfully" do this. Usually switching back to violin, means that you'll have a tendency to play sharp, and switching to the viola, means a tendency to have more tension and pain. The best way to increase the probability of success, is to make sure you take the time to really warm up properly (scales, arpeggios etc) before playing any kind of songs. 😉

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

Thank you for this excellent video!

[@harikaran9218]

I'm a 21-year-old who developed an interest in violin music last year. I was exposed to a wide range of violin compositions, from classic Western to Indian Carnatic recitals. Despite having no prior knowledge of music, I was eager to learn. After much effort, I finally acquired a new violin just a week ago. Initially, I was enthusiastic about learning on my own, so I searched for tutorials. I knew I had to tune my violin first, but unfortunately, I snapped my E string on the very first try. I was being careful, but I guess I wasn't careful enough. To make matters worse, I also broke my rosin 💀. It was a discouraging start, and now I'm too hesitant to touch my violin 🙃. However, I'm determined to learn despite being in a rural area and unable to afford a teacher . I'm seeking confidence and motivation. Can anyone offer tips and tricks to help me get started?"

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, first of all, don't worry about the E string and the rosin. It's a very common experience and just part of learning the violin, so no big deal! If you are just starting out on the violin, find a good beginning book (like the Suzuki series) and make sure you always warm up with scales. Good luck!

[@harikaran9218]

@@KennedyViolins thanks

[@KennedyViolins]

@@harikaran9218 You're welcome!

[@j-5851]

Thank you for this video, Sir! This inspired me to finally consider learning the violin. I’m in my early 30s but really wanted to play the violin since I was a kid. We couldn’t afford it as I grew up poor but as an adult I can finally finance this dream of mine. Is it alright for me to start learning with a silent violin? My living arrangement does not allow me to make too much noise/ sounds and I probably couldn’t learn with an acoustic violin. Thank you and more power to you! 🙂

[@KennedyViolins]

Absolutely, you can start learning with a "silent violin". Of course, at some point, you're going to have to lose the mute because a big part of the violin is sound production and you'll never achieve all that you can with a practice mute. But for now, you can learn the mechanics of it bit by bit and you'll get better and better. Just remember, it's a slow process but every day it'll improve!

[@Ciaccona255]

Thank you Joel! Quick question....did you have corona virus flu? And if you did how did you manage it? I had to stop playing for a year cause my body was in excruciating pain.

[@KennedyViolins]

I did but fortunately for me, it was very mild. 😀 Glad to hear that you're back on your feet though!

[@missbeans]

I have long covid and had to stop playing for a couple of years. On top of the exhaustion and brain fog, I also had this weird neurological thing where loud sounds really disoriented me. So violin was really bad for me for a while there. So heartbreaking and frustrating. I'm just getting back into it now, so far so good thankfully!

[@Ciaccona255]

@@missbeans I understand. Post covid almost killed me. I'm still dealing with it. I don't think I will ever recover fully. I have lost family members to covid.

[@BugabeHerbert]

I am 21 years old I have been trying to teach myself but I still need a lot of practice

[@KennedyViolins]

Well, don't fret. Most people need at least 4 years of solid practice to sound halfway decent, regardless of when they start. Violin is hard! 🤣

[@Practicalmusicministryskil4906]

Thank you for this video! I share a free bite by bite “learn to read music” program on my KZbin channel in the hopes of making music literacy accessible to all!

[@KennedyViolins]

Sweeeet.

[@haruharu4344]

Im 39, got my first violin as a gift. I want to learn😢

[@KennedyViolins]

You can do it, absolutely!

[@vanessachiunda7262]

Im 30, and want to learn

[@KennedyViolins]

You can do it!

[@bambeexo7048]

Could you suggest a great online only classes for violin ?

[@KennedyViolins]

When you say "class", are you referring to a group lesson or group playing of some kind? If so, I don't really know of any and I'm not sure that it would work very well, in consideration of some of the technical challenges with delay, etc. If you are referring to individual lessons, then I'd recommend lessons with KV but mostly because those are the only ones that I have direct experience with. kennedyviolins.com/pages/lessons/#violin I'm sure there are other nice online lessons you can take but I can't recommend any without direct experience. In case it matters, I'd highly recommend that you always choose individual lessons over group lessons because you'll learn significantly faster. Although a group experience could be fun. I'm not sure if anybody has really tried it successfully.

[@joyceyang6976]

I’ve tried but if you’re looking for proper techniques, I would say individual lessons are more helpful. Group lessons help in a way to make you continue going but for my personal experience, I struggle with not starting proper techniques in the very beginning. I do have a private teacher now, for the whole year, I was being corrected with basically everything! Even now, I still feel frustrated not meeting her standard, sometimes like today, I just feel like quitting 😬 So, I suggest anyone who wants to learn violin as an adult, make sure you find a teacher who can teach you proper techniques in the very beginning, just like KV says 👍

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

@@joyceyang6976 I agree.

[@violaracer8168]

@@joyceyang6976 I second that.

[@Shrinksjp]

Well, I started learning the violin with private lessons in my 60s. i am now on suzuki book 7, but i cannot grasp vibrato. i can do the exercises, but i cannot transfer it to vibrato.

[@KennedyViolins]

Yes, vibrato is not a technique you know or don't know. It's a slow process that takes years and most of the time, a person is never fully satisfied with their vibrato and always feels that it'll get better in the future. It's a lifelong process with vibrato! The most important thing is to practice it with your warm-ups, every time you play the violin. The more you use it, the more flexible your muscles will become. However, if you leave it for a while, your muscles will tighten up and you're back to the beginning. It has to become a consistent habit, to truly improve.

[@Shrinksjp]

@@KennedyViolins Yes, but I cannot get off the ground!

[@KennedyViolins]

@@Shrinksjp Does this video help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZyqY2Z4itJ-rNEsi=asT2UJd8sQV7YWCp

[@Shrinksjp]

@@KennedyViolins Thanks. I will try this technique. I have not been able to get beyond the basic exercises. The enhanced up bow speed at 9:57 of the above video is impossible for me. Of course, I cannot vibrate on any piece or song. Yet, I am on Suzuki book 7.

[@KennedyViolins]

@@Shrinksjp Yes, it is very common to get stuck at a particular speed. Usually, it's because of a lack of consistency in using the vibrato exercise as a warm-up up every time you play the violin. If you leave it out here and there, you'll constantly be taking 1 step forward and 1 step back. You have to be consistent and sometimes, one speed will take a lot longer to get past. The biggest thing that holds a person back is the lack of flexibility in your hand. Flexibility is especially more difficult the older we get, so consistency and rest are key. You have to know when to stop the exercise, rest, and then try again. Eventually, you'll get the speed up. You really have to get fairly fast on the exercise before you can realistically use it with a piece. When you finally try it on a piece, it has to be a slow song that uses whole bows and long notes. It's quite a process but it yields results slowly over time. 😉

[@christinemercado3458]

I want to learn at 48 too.

[@KennedyViolins]

No problem. You're a young'n!!

[@consumer614]

It is a big deception to say that an adult can learn violin. They can try learning, but they will never sound good, it is physically impossible to achieve good sound and pitch when starting as an adult. Show me one adult learner who sounds decent enough not to throw up listening to him. You won't find any, samy way as you won't find anyone who mastered gmnastics or boxing at 60.

[@I_NoahGuy]

You’re a prisoner of your own mind. Human beings are capable of anything. And yes, I’ve seen videos of adult beginners who make tremendous progress and sound quite pleasant after a few years of consistent practice. Your mentality tells me you’re undisciplined and unwilling to stick with something despite the challenges. With that type of thinking, I’m sure YOU could never learn the violin.

[@YROR]

Wtf are you talking about?🤣

[@sunnynatalie405]

Man, you’re delusional

[@patrickkearney1577]

I am 66 and started violin at 65. Also I have Parkinson's Disease. I began with some professional lessons and the points listed in your video are exactly those my teacher focused on. One suggestion is to use DAW software, which can be free or inexpensive, and program in scales for various keys. These can be played back at any tempo. Playing along helps enormously in developing good intonation. An electric violin through headphones is great for practice as it will not annoy neighbours. Also record practice sessions as what you hear while playing is not how the instrument really sounds, particularly tempo.

[@consumer614]

@@patrickkearney1577 There is no point in learning, you will never be able to play OK.