Top 10 Most Common VIOLIN Mistakes!

[@jackccrofootjr7228]

Alison, how very nice of you to make this available free of charge. There are a lot of kids out there that cannot afford Lessons. You are gracious to provide and share your knowledge base with so many people.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

+Jack Crofoot You are welcome :)

[@crumesd]

agreed

[@samsungphone8361]

:)

[@robynn6395]

late but agreed 100%!

[@banjiddle]

I am learning from your easy well versed teaching style. My first violin teacher had me hold an uncooked egg in my left hand as I held the violin without dropping it. Of course I dropped it with the lesson subsequently being over! Thank you for your many detailed explanations!

[@basmamohamad6354]

I don't know how to thank you! I live in Saudi Arabia which most people there believe that music is forbidden for religious reasons, So I could not find a teacher at all and I almost lost hope! But I really wanted to learn so I started watching your videos until I found a teacher and now I take classes with her. I hope you do realize how great person you are for making these videos available for free!

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

Basma Asseeri music forbidden? What? That's Insanity.

[@colina58]

Basma Asse

[@0Black0Moon0]

Saudi violinist

[@bakusya96]

yeah i heard about that i hope you wont get into trouble for this???

[@mathewomolo]

I started learning from you 5 days ago I cannot go to a school for the pandemic. Thank you for having these lessons available.

[@terran236]

As a guitarist i can say the best way to hear your self is to record yourself. Many people dont know bad they are until they hear them selves recorded. That goes not only for intonation(on guitar when bending a string one can be out of tune) but also timing.

[@pearpearsnpeaches2862]

So true, I record my own practices every so often and didn't even realized how out of tune I am until I heard myself playing.

[@nicolemassie576]

Yeah I think she's right about many people not being able to fully hear everything as theyre playing. It definitely seems like we're just too focused on playing and can't hear every little nuance so it's a good idea to sit and just listen to yourself play.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

unset the fine tuner and start again... sometimes when the fine tuners on my students violins a fully down and cant turn anymore, i occasionally 'reset; them so i unwind them to a reasonable length then re tune best i can with pegs.

[@sarahtoombs7465]

Thank you so much for this! I have been self-learning the violin for one month now and I'm loving it! I can't get access to lessons at the moment due to the pandemic so I am very grateful for your videos. I played as a saxophonist professionally for a few years but the job I was in made me very unhappy and sadly I lost my love for music as a result. After several years of not playing, I haven't had the heart to pick up the saxophone again, so thought I'd try something different. I have to say, the violin is a wonderful instrument and I haven't felt this excited about music in a long time.

[@jonasjonasmusic]

I love you teacher! i actually don´t have enought money to get violin leassons ( on my place are very expensive) and many times i wanted to give up, but i am in love of the instrument, and your videos have been like a glass of wather on desert, so i thank you! im so gratfull my beloved teacher! God Bless your life !

[@TheGhostQuarter]

I am a total beginner who's never even seen a violin in person. I am teaching myself how to play though by watching youtube videos and getting the basic fundamentals down. I like your videos because they don't put me off from wanting to learn.

[@andresilvasophisma]

I play guitar and totally agree with the practice at slow speeds part. When you practice slow you're practicing consistency. In other words, you're just trying to play everything in time, every time you play it. If you can play a piece consistently at slow speeds then speeding it up is just an exercise on relaxation. Clear your mind and it just becomes muscle memory.

[@dustymew]

when I chose to take the violin up as a hobby/long time interest, I was petrified that I was making the wrong choice because I couldn't afford lessons/biting off more than I could chew, but your videos have helped me become more confident that I'm making the right choice in picking it up!

[@basingstokeborn]

Having bought a violin for my 7 year old grandchild I started going through all the videos on learning and preparing the violin before she went to school. I was giving up when I cam to Alison. Alison you are the best. I managed to prepare the violin and my Rebecca.

[@StitchGV]

I've owned a violin for about 1 week now, and I'm finding the hardest part about self-teaching is not knowing you're making a mistake until you find a video on it... Then you have to go back over something you thought you've already nailed because you've been doing it all wrong and need to nip it in the bud before you develop a bad habit that hinders you in the future. For example, I really didn't know how important it was for the 4th finger to sit directly on top of the bow, or why the thumb needed to be bent in and not out. So after learning to bow (mostly) straight and (almost) not hit the other strings, I'm back to square-1 re-learning it with the proper hold. (...and oh my poor hand... 😖😰). Luckily when my hand needs a break, I can just fill the time with practicing fingerboard positions and the wrist movements for vibrato, even though I'm still only on the open-string practice sheet. No harm in getting a head start, right? (Or is there??)

[@kenshinvang643]

StitchGV yes! I agree with what you say.

[@larrywmayes1561]

Excellent! I am self taught since about age 52, but haven't practiced for a long time about 64. I am striving to restart as it was fun for this old cornet player. One of the things you mentioned in this lesson was to press the string "to" the fingerboard! I have a "C" tuning fork. It has nothing to do with the violin, but when you strike it, it vibrates and moves the air and the sound is so faint. When you press the vibrating fork to wood, it sort of grounds the vibration and the sound resonates loud and clear. The part about the student not listening to what they are playing is like trying to improve their bowling score by throwing the ball down the alley, turning your back and walking away only to look back after the pins have fallen. If one don't see or hear the most important parts of either activity, then the only difference between the violin and a bowling ball is that one is lighter!

[@studentoftheword6115]

Fantastic Advice. I am an Advanced Piano Student performing Rachmaninoff Preludes and so many of these steps I remember when I practice the piano even now with new Harder pieces. Everyone listen to her; She is correct, take it from me who has been there. Only the first few Common Mistakes listed here are JUST for the Violin. The others listed here are for ANY instrument, including the Violin.

[@dudejayfood]

I would have LOVED to have you as my Orchestra teacher/conductor. Not the one I had...Basically ignored all the guys in the orchestra. And basically expected us to be brilliant and top notch. IN PRIMARY SCHOOL (5th Grade) >.< Turned me off to the whole idea. Now, I am back into the swing and want to pick up the violin again and these are helping. :) Thanks!

[@franciscocota6440]

As an amateur in violin -with capital A - I find these tutorials very useful as it helps me think about how I'm doing in my classes.

[@ckh57]

Alison you are truly class act, love your accent and you dedication to help others with great advice , very beautiful as well.

[@pamj6420]

I'm 61 and just started learning violin! Loving your inital lessons teachiung the basics and I hope to get good enought to pay for the further lessons soon. Thank you for your empathy and patience.

[@celestialcreationsxi513]

I can attest to the slow practice being the best way to improve. I just had a great (boring) practice session yesterday in which I went incredible slow to insure all the technique was accurate, I picked up my violin today, and oh my word! the difference! My bowing tone has finally found a sweet sound, not just a scratchy sawing sound. LOVE IT! Thank you so much Alison, you tips are the best!

[@5CapriCe5]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I always wanted to play violin for myself and when I was in secondary school they refused to let me because I had a background in flute. Your videos make me remember that I can do anything I wish to if it makes me happy.

[@christoperfect]

I love that not all of these were literal physical aspects of playing. Our minds and habits are our biggest advocates or our worst enemies and it applies to musical studies as well as life! Love these videos, thanks so much.

[@SusanSteckov]

This is a great video 'check list" people shoud go through each tme they pick up their instrument when first learning, and thsi can be applied to any instrument being learned! Especially NOT trying to play up to speed when thesound quality is lacking, fingers are misplaced, and pitch is entirely off! Running over mistakes is another fantastic point....when I FIRST picked up my violin - just to get posture, fingering, and bowing, altogether and smooth, I played only "Twlinkle, Twinkle Little Star" for MONTHS, along with very slow scales to get my fingers to learn their positions and begin to fall naturally by listening for the absolute proper pitch. I think you are absolutely correct when you state that "if it is only one bar of music" wherein lies the mistake, keep practicing that bar and fingering, then being to combine it with the bars around it-- AGAIN - at a very slow pace so the brain, ears, and fingers get the memory imprint - repetition and rehearsal are the key to perfect performances, and people staritng out need to be kind to themselves by allowing their brain to get the "imprinted memory" of muscle coordination combined with hearing the correct pitch., and feeling as this is coming quite naturally. The violin is NOT a forgiving instrument as are others, any slight mistake is very noticeable, so your advice to slow it down, learn the notes, fingering, and hear the correct pitch and sound - without timing, to begin with, in some cases, helps to make progress on a piece much easier, and actually makes progress faster when one starts slowly. The entire process far less frustrating!! After watching the video covering practice guidelines, one point for beginners is that 'over' practice can sound horrible as it progresses because of muscle fatigue, then the violin droops, or fingers get tired.

[@EmilyShan2012]

I use "Da Tuner Lite" to tune my violin and it works really well. I tried tuning my violin with my piano, but if I use the tuning app on my phone it seems like that the sound is more exact. I hope it's a good idea.. Thanks for your videos though, they help A LOT!!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

You're welcome.

[@michaelschenk5151]

Hi Alison! I just wanted to drop a comment to say thank you!! I played violin from when I was about 7 or 8 until I was 14. I gave it up because my teacher was an old grump and never was satisfied with my posture and constantly changing his mind about it!! Anyway, I've started picking it up again with a new set of (hopefully more mature) eyes and your videos have helped me remember everything I was taught as a child. Thank you for producing this wonderful, insightful videos for the Internet!

[@STRRene]

hi allison being an adult from south africa that started learning to play the violin a year ago i often get slack holding the violin properly bowing correctly and make the basic and common mistakes. i got so disheartened lately because when i was playing it just never sounded good anymore. while playing it sounded scrathy and i seldom could avoid brushing over the other strings. you are one of my favorite online tutors, especially this video and another where you motivate us not to give up when one are not coming right in the beginning.i have lots of patience and preserverance but wont lie that learning to play the violin has tested stretched that patience to the limit. thank you for giving me hope to to try again.

[@phoenixclairsentientempath2119]

I love you Alison. You are so kind. Because of your kindness now I can play violin after one year following your lesson. My very long time dream since my childhood. I hope you will issue the book 4 to study the advanced level.

[@velvettism]

hello Alison. i just wanted to say this is one of the videos that motivates me to correct my playing.its been 8 months since ive been playing, learning on my own mostly referring to your videos as lessons its been so helpful to my progress. So thank you so much.

[@sauravlilke5015]

I have just started learning the violin(self-learning) and your video lessons are the reason that I am getting better and better every next day........thank you so much

[@davidfields923]

Approaching 50 this year dear sweet neighbor across the pond!!! And I am just starting out. I am so incredibly thankful for your sharing!!

[@PCPSavedMyLife2013]

Found this video today gonna do some learning for the the violin, which I'm already realizing i'm in for a difficult time (every thing about the violin is extraordinarily awkward feeling to me). The thing with music and starting an instrument for me was in the beginning is it always was more tedious than fun and it's easy to feel frustrated and more so discouraged by your inabilities at the time. If you can push through to learn the basics you'll slowly build yourself. The fun comes like a savings account, the more you put into it the more you'll later receive back. Four things worth mentioning: 1:I find that if you play an instrument, if you decide to learn another, your experience with whatever instrument you play will help you. 2:Quite frequently there's times where you'll practice constantly with your instrument/play and your skill level is just hanging about and you're not seeing yourself get better, after some time though you'll notice your improvement and feel rewarded. 3:This may be personally be only for me but quite frequently when you think you're getting better and are feeling satisfied,.I find that i'll get discouraged when I see someone else abilities/skills/technique and realize my skill level is still garbage. Just when I thought I got better I learned I'm still inadequate. If you feel like you'll never be that good, keep striving for greatness, you'll soon make up for your dissatisfaction. 4:If you quit playing for a good while, when you come back you'll find that you are sucking, however everything that you once were able to do should come back to you within a short period of time. When I stop playing for a month or more I'll be horrible but it comes all back to me 3x as fast (I'd estimate).

[@PCPSavedMyLife2013]

+PCPSavedMyLife2013 - My main reason I want to learn the violin is so I can create greater more orchestral sounding compositions. I'm afraid I'll never be satiated I play guitar, keyboards, learning tin whistle, however I want to play violin and trumpet. Until I'm proficient enough to be a one man band lol.

[@waitwhatareyouasking]

GO FOR IT! A old dog can learn new tricks. (Even though you're still young). It doesn't matter how old you are to learn an instrument, it's said to be pretty tricky to learn but if you keep practicing you'll get it. I'm starting lessons next week.

[@46anna1995]

Totally true about the practicing. Before high school, I didn't practice at all. But during my freshman and sophomore years of high school when I had free periods and nothing to do, I would spend a little time practicing. I found that frequently playing a lot of new music (which also helped with my sight-reading) made me want to practice more. Now that I've reached a higher level, I spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours each day on my viola.

[@jayygonspazz]

I have just started the violin almost a year now in middle school and we are already play full music pieces.Appalachian Hymn,We will rock you,Beethoven's ninth and already thinking of a fourth for piece for a spring concert

[@praburamperumal4991]

"Anybody can do anything" very motivated words..... Thanks madam

[@deekuehner8386]

I am sharing this with my string class students. It's everything i say but it always helps to hear it from another teacher!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

So true yes! :)

[@Unidentifying]

You had a few good tips. But I think a big mistake you make is that there CAN be different techniques (like bow holding) and what works for one doesn't necessarily work as well for another, and forgetting to practice more efficient (opposed to just a longer time)

[@OHMSdev]

"if you wanna play a D, You hit the D" 4:50 lol

[@earlecarlton9298]

I am 47 and on week three of my violin journey. Your videos are invaluable. Thank you. Let us know when you get something like Patreon set up again.

[@bbbb27272]

Just love your videos. They seem very intimate as if we are just sitting around with our violins and chatting. You're so detailed too. Thanks so much.

[@davidmiller1063]

Thanks for the tips. I have not even gotten my violin yet. Cant wait to learn more, and get to playing.

[@corinahernandez1322]

When I first saw ur violin lesson 1 video I kinda forgot all my violin notes because I stopped plAying the violin when I was 6 for a while and when I turned 9 I was like.... maybe I should keep on playing and practice and I watched your video and I'm like what the!? Now I'm 12 and I know all my notes and I'm learning second and third position. .... if it wasn't for your video I wouldn't be able to believe in myself and keep on going! Thanks u mean a lot to me

[@henrytudor8537]

I get so inspired listening to you and watching your tutorials. havent been taiking my violin practise seriously for a while now because I feel am not progressing. but will have to use that discouragement to practise more. thanks a lot.

[@bizarrefruit]

The negative attitude or 'can't do it' point spans across all instruments. I blame one word: Talent Like any musician got to be great without years and years of dedication and practice.

[@hongankuang4690]

bizarrefruit d

[@nicolemassie576]

Yeah. Musical talent and the practice that goes into being able to express your musical talent are two different things. Just because you aren't a virtuoso and play the moment you pick it up does not mean you aren't talented.

[@tiffprendergast]

bizarrefruit yup

[@cnderyne8705]

hahaha I'm very late but when I was practising with my teacher some people I know walked pass the room I was playing and it was my 2 lesson and he said to my other friend that I was terrible. when I have to go to my lesson I never say what instrument because I'm scared that people would expect too much of me. sorry that was a bit sad

[@overtime77]

I cannot express to you how much I appreciate your time and effort you put into teach us about the violin, I do not own a violin yet, but I watch your videos over and over. I hope to buy one this next week. I am buying a hand made violin from a reputable local musical instrument maker, I am taking what I have learned from you and what he recommends for a beginner/intermediate violin in his shop. Thanks to you I know what to listen for and see in picking a violin. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

[@1969theblack]

I love the video i play six instruments and i always say to people if you don't put anything into it you won't get anything out of it.And being discouraged is a beast you have to keep plugin away with it.And when you start putting the time in one day you will be like that sound's pretty good and then you will get the inspiration leaving discouragement in the dust.

[@boogiewoogie9770]

Playing for a week now. I find the metal clips that keep the chin rest on body incredibly uncomfortable on my bony clavicle. Watching this has helped as I was positioning the body too low. Thanks.

[@MichaelStephenLordReserei1987]

Self-producing really teaches you where your mistakes/imperfections are. I compose/write my own music; lots of recording, playback, and takes. As for tuning, if I'm in a rush and don't have the time to tune by ear, I use Pitch Perfect Guitar Tuner for Android/iOS/Windows/Mac/Linux--although it has tunings for other stringed instruments (including violin). Great list/tips!

[@truscorpio13]

Pano Tuner works good too.

[@wingspanbig]

Thank you so much for these videos! I recently rented a violin and only practice for about 30 to 45 mins a day. I can't take lessons now so these vids are super helpful. I'm being careful not to try to move on too quickly without mastering the basics. I have to stop regularly to re-position my fingers or stop myself when I'm scratchy. Thank you so much =)

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

you should in theory play one now stroke for each note unless the music otherwise dictates. it dont want to get all complicated on you, but at very beginner level, this will be the case and by the time you come to worry about it, you wont find it a problem,

[@CheyMarie24]

This was good to watch, I'm going to be getting a violin in 10 days for my birthday, and it was great to know the common mistakes so that I know what to look out for as I will be self teaching, I have taught myself piano since age 4 also

[@thesally86]

Don't worry! You can do it! Just start practicing again from the beginning and go at a pace that's reasonable for you. I stopped playing when I was 21 (started when I was 15) and I'm now 27. I had a year (2009) where I did take a few lessons on a beginner level on purpose to help myself get rid of bad habits. It will require lots of practice but you can totally get back to the level where you were before in time. :) Good luck!

[@TaranJHook]

I'm so guilty of #6. I have a bad habit of trying to jump right into things but I think I'm getting good at holding back and starting slow,especially with an instrument I just started.

[@derrickford8727]

I have been practicing too fast. I constantly have to remind myself to slow down. that was a good one in this video.

[@bretpurvis2360]

I play some piano and I played trumpet in school, I always wanted to learn violin so I am going to try using you as a resource! You have great videos and good explanations. Wish me luck!

[@mediocrefunkybeat]

Videos like this make me very glad that I've learned other instruments beforehand! Most of these tips are fairly universal to other instruments, it's a good watch. I'm trying to pick my violin up now and it's a challenge. I could definitely do with a teacher but resources like this are really helpful. Thanks.

[@heathervisser9749]

I love your attitude towards playing violin! You are so positive and you have inspired me to play my violin.

[@crzyinzan3]

I’m glad i came across your videos. I was learning violin back in elementary when I was playing the xylophone as well unfortunately I never finished and after 5th grade I stopped with music classes all together fast forward to me at 31 and deciding to give it another try lol...I regret quitting it so hoping this time I can learn it.

[@hershmysson]

Just a note here "the pactice leads to perfection" I'm learning to play recorder right now, I'll buy my 1st violin soon, but I was having some problems playing the recorder like, blowing to hard or something and some weeks later I can play the 1st ocatave (or dunno the simpliest octave that there is on the recorder" I think perfectly so, realy if something is not going good, keep trying it will become good soon or later :')

[@ajthelingerer]

Thanks for the tips!!! I also play guitar, drums, keyboard, and a couple of other instruments- ALL of which I've learned the same things... all of which you've covered: correct form, speed kills(it will come with time/practice), PRACTICE, don't get mad, practice slower and then try at the speed you THOUGHT you were at, and you'll get there, etc. It seems the same rules apply to everything I've played. Thanks for your help... have watched many of your videos to help guide me through hard times like this and, of course, your reviews!

[@ryancrane6142]

Alison. I play drums and try to mess around with guitars. Acoustic, electric, bass, banjitar. I just bought my 1st violin and found your videos. Thank you for them. I've got to say, and not rudely, you're beautiful. I can't concentrate on anything wise. you're pretty, your accents hot and you rock on violin. I'm sure you know this, but can't resist saying so.... Thank you...

[@steve9178]

I am just starting as an adult violinist and love your videos! Great accent and have to say quite fetching. Thanks for your time you put into these videos. Very high quality advice.

[@southPARKfan1995]

Glad I watched this video. I'm extremely guilty of practicing too quickly. I just got a violin 2 weeks ago and I've only been playing for a week due to having to get it repaired, but for some reason I refuse to start out slowly (I guess I'm just impatient). I'm trying to teach myself to play a few Epica songs (a symphonic metal band with a professional orchestra) before I even learned to play "Hot Cross Buns". Then, of course, I get discouraged because I'm not picking it up right away and give up and try to play another equally challenging song. I'm really going to try to slow down and learn the basics first.

[@crumesd]

who are the people disliking your vids lol your vids are outstanding!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I cant please everyone obviously! :))

[@crumesd]

haha apparently

[@crumesd]

Well thank you again for your time.

[@benzo430]

local violin teachers?

[@crumesd]

haha maybe, haters

[@dianedunham655]

Thank you so much for this lesson. I am new and it helps me a lot to see someone show how to do this and it's great I can play it over and over again.

[@happyjam1171]

These videos are fantastic! I started playing two months ago with no previous experience, and it nice to see the usual obstacles explained clearly. Thank you!

[@lincolngrove5740]

your videos are so helpful sweetheart, wouldn't expect to be able to understand this stuff so quickly. keep making them!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

the Stentor II is great for beginners. For me, there are no brands as we are talking thousands so it goes waaayyyy beyond brands now.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

you are welcome and glad i could be of help :)

[@BeautifulImpactLive]

Thank you for posting these great videos. I have always envied those that could play violin, and I tried once to play but had a super cheap violin. So I'm using what you have posted to hopefully try and make a dream come true!

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Fiddle Time Joggers is an excellent book to start with.

[@darrenmaybee9639]

I started early december with an instructor half hour a week. I got my self a stentor harlequin cherry red. in the process of putting fingers in right place. . I thought about using strips but my teacher hasnt mentioned it, he wants me to know with my ears. I struggle to keep my 2nd and 3rd fingers tight together but its slowling getting there. Ive banged out a few nursery rhymes with my little daughter lol oh and happy birthday as it was my friends 40th on saturday :-)

[@chloeruth9001]

thanks so much, im teaching myself violin (im diploma standard piano), and your videos really help me with little habits/mistakes that seem to occur in my playing. I've been playing a couple of weeks now, and I'm able to do a titch of vibrato, a little double stopping, and some carols in first position.

[@KatG23]

I even make myself go back and redo finger exercises when I make a mistake, not just musical pieces. This way, I know I've mastered the technique the exercise is trying to teach me.

[@paulrichard7226]

Thank you for helping me with my violin studies. You have been helpful.

[@durdlelot]

Hey youmenly, I'm 23 and I've been playing for a month with some lessons but most of my time is self-taught and just a lot of practice. I play about 1.5-2.5 hours a day and I can play the first 9 songs in the suzuki 1. You can absolutely do it, it's about time commitment. Practice every day, practice with purpose go in with a goal in mind and check bad habits frequently. If you want to do it, do it and be serious about it! (A teacher helps if you have the ability, prove that teacher wrong)

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

Yes, I have many many videos with me playing in them. Some video do not require me to play and if i did it would be out of context. Have a look at the videos on my channel page and you will see loads.

[@alohakikadude]

+Sasashi Yoshida I apologize for interrupting your question, but I am 55 years old and just beginning to learn to play the violin. Have fun, practice much, and have fun. Music is a rainbow.

[@honouredam4860]

Thank you so much! Thank you so so much for your wonderful videos. I really enjoy learning and listen to your playing. Just wondering if you could you do a short video playing etudes in fifths, 1st position A 2 please? Suzuki position etudes book. Thank you so much and God bless you

[@Kiransen100]

i always wanted to learn violin but couldn't due to some problem or other but now i have some time and thanks to you to teach us please keep this up

[@markkoenig7957]

I find this video very helpful in looking out for errors in my playing.thank you

[@dodimcnelis453]

I liked the video. I'm learning traditional Irish music, I love it and the tutor s are the best at what they do. this is first video I have watched.

[@banjiddle]

Laughing at playing your mistakes! So true. I do correct my mistakes, because I want music to be perfect. This video is inspiring for us all. Thank you!

[@bandaraelliyadda2174]

Thank you so much for this Alison ,you're proving those Two set violin quotes , GO PRACTICE !!!💐❤

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

bowing is better as plucking the string means you wont hear the full effect of the sound and no harmonics coming off the violin afterwards.

[@StevenChisham]

While I agree that you should go back and fix mistakes, I also believe that developing improvisational skills is a major plus. Basically "picking up the mistake" this is useful in a concert situation, but is practiced before. It drove my uncle mad that my dad would get higher marks in the accordion competitions they were both in, because my uncle always stopped and went back to fix his mistake, so he had no improvising skills. My dad on the other hand B.S.'d his way through mistakes from learning to improvise. But again, yes, go back and be proficient, but I also recommend, learning how to keep going.

[@AtticusStount]

I daydream about seeing an epic rap, Internet tutor battle between you and Professor V. Seriously, these videos are immensely helpful.

[@Isis-wm4po]

Thanks so much for all your videos! I plan to donate when I get the money, because I so much appreciate your very generous self. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge!

[@emmawilliams16]

Wow I'd always thought I didn't have enough rosin on my bow, and it seems I was putting on far too much! (A good amount four times a week) I don't play violin or viola any more but I play piano and bassoon. I find what helps correcting mistakes most is practising in rhythms. e.g if there are lots of successive semi - quavers make them dotted, then maybe accent random notes, slur in odd numbers... It works for me every time and it's a bit more interesting than just repeatedly practising the same bar! It means your brain isn't concentrating on the fingerings but thinking about the slurring or rhythms. This technique is also good for scales!

[@101braiding6]

I'm in need of advice and perspective: I'm 19, but from 12-16, I did my grades 1-6, getting distinctions in most of them. I wouldn't say I'm naturally gifted, but I've really taken to the violin and love it, and I'm very interpretative in my playing. I think that's what got me mostly distinctions, so I'm well suited to the system and instrument. Since my grade 6, I haven't done any more exams, but have played orchestral and solo music. Now, I'm a definite grade 8 standard, but I haven't got the qualification to show for it, and it would be much better if I did. I'm in 1st year at uni, so I no longer receive lessons from the county music service. I'm self-teaching, but am most likely going to miss obvious and crucial things which will impede me. I'd like to do my grade 8 this year or next year, but I'm worried I won't be up to date with ABRSM or the system, and I'm worried I've lost my mojo, basically. I believe I can get a grade 8 distinction, but I'm not sure how to get there.

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I would advise you to find a teacher to take you through grade 8. You cannot teach yourself to pass a grade 8.

[@ral848d]

thank you Alison, I'm just starting out learning to play the violin and I find your lessons very informative, again thank you and please keep teaching :)

[@stuartjones2812]

Hi Alison, I love your videos and have subscribed to your channel. I’m a professional composer/musician/coach (see Stuart Jones Symphony in F at Cadogan Hall, and Stuart Jones Remake). The only thing that I didn’t go along with was asking people to keep stopping when they make a mistake. I’ve found students are so hung up about a wrong note that they become nervous, hesitant and never reach fluency. Just my experience over the years. Keep the superb vids coming 😃

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

no, but i have seen other students do it. I just keep shouting at them when i see them do it lol - but it does eventually work if you train yourself....

[@rmcbeigh]

THANK YOU for your time!! I really Appreciate it!!!

[@tylerziemer2613]

Thank you so much for these videos! I played violin as a kid, but stopped playing by the time I hit high school, and I'm playing again now! One of the problems I'm having is when I have to skip over a string (for example, going from the g string to the a string, I'll hit the d string sometimes). Sometimes I'll have problems squeaking just going from one string to the next, but especially skipping over strings. Are there any pointers or special exercises you would recommend to improve on transitioning between strings?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

When transitioning between strings - especially when jumping, the key is to stop the bow, re-angle it, then carry on. This should happen within a split second though or it will seem like you have actually stopped the bow. You will also hear a slight scratch where you have stopped the bow if you are not quick enough at doing this.

[@Thecoolrobloxian]

Love all of the videos so far. Just to say it out there, I always hear your intro as "online violin cheater" haha! keep up the videos! Checked out your site as well and is very helpful so far for beginners.

[@MusicWarrior147]

Started 3 days ago. I must master it. Thank you for the vids!

[@Chrisentiae]

"The mistake is not a mistake, but part of the music." ... haha love it !!! :D

[@lrauerbach1]

Thank you so much for your clarity of common mistakes.... You are terrific to listen to. do you use a shoulder rest? If no, what do you use instead. If yes, what would you recommend for a 4/4 violin?

[@TheOnlineViolinTutor]

I don’t use anything. I made a video on this last week.

[@matfish2]

Great video. As a beginner myself, I would add an 11th mistake: gripping the neck of the violin

[@aidy006]

So glad i found you!! Really helpful and can't wait to get practicing. Have my violin a long time but want to improve.