5 Things Every Beginner Violinist *NEEDS* to Know

There are so many things to know about the violin as you're starting out. And of course I have my thoughts on what you need to know as well!
These are my five things I hope are helpful to be aware of as you're starting out your violin journey. These are meant to be encouraging to you and to help give you a clear picture of what it will be like to learn the violin.

Are there any I missed? I'd love to know your thoughts too!

MY INSTRUMENT

VIDEOS I MENTIONED

[barriereid]

I have breakfast...I practice with my cello for four hours, with breaks Mon-Fri. Sunday is a scales only day. I am here because I now have a viola to be able to compose for cello outdoors...🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. I am taking it rather tentatively as I can sense a different angle of my finger tendons...which can manifest as points of discomfort further up my arm. I asked my luthier about bows and although he could have sold me one, said that my cello bow would suffice. 🍧🌹

[Skinny_Karlos]

I studied classical guitar performance at Sydney Conservatorium Aus, and took up the violin about thirty years ago (starting at about 25, I'm 58 now) and have prompts in my phone - scales for x mins, old pieces, x new pieces etc at different times on my phone still to remind me and help me not get lazy. It's the best instrument and though I've been playing as long as Corrie I didn't start when youg so had to work hard to get it right. I'm about 6-8 grade AMEB and I feel pretty happy with my repertoire and sound etc I just wish to keep on improving which is why I'm subbed here. Corrie gives great adive and has helped me a lot. Thanks Corrie, Mark, Australia.

[TheNumerologyNook]

Love this! Thank you! I'm 6 months in and though I'm very happy with my progress, this was a perfect reminder that grace is definitely needed. I'm so glad you said about 5 years to put it back into realistic perspective 😅🙏🏼☺️💖 Also, just bought that Kennedy Violin upgrade from one of your links. 🙏🏼

[ladjazzz]

Violin requires patience. As a beginner I got my violin 2 months ago. I try to practice slowly... Takes time to see results, a life time work which I find interesting kind of discovering hidden side of yourself...

[violinwithRosemary]

Your videos make me so happy Corrie 😊 Have a beautiful day 🌤🌞🌤

[GlxwMain]

I'm no beginner, I've been playing the violin for around 3 years now (this year will be my 4th), i'm an intermediate - advanced violinist, but this video still helped a ton! I also recently found out that my soon to be high school orchestra teacher has resigned and I will be getting a new one... :( I was so excited to have him next year but that will not be happening, he was the best....

[Catelynmeow]

That Kennedy Violins link for a beginner violin is spot on! I bought my first violin from Kennedy Violins four years ago when I started, and they did an amazing job setting it up and ensuring it was perfect before it shipped out to me. Two years later when I purchased a new violin, a local violin shop offered me 100% of its purchase value as a trade in towards my next violin.

[denisecheng]

Good advice! Found a great teacher and moving forward at a good pace!!🎻❤️🎻

[daniellannadi]

Helooo, im a beginner, started about a month or so ago and I dont have a teacher. I like to think that im progressing at a steady pace (one im satisfied with) but I tend to hyper fixate on the fundamentals you mentions in the video. I always have them in mind when I practice: standing with a good posture, keeping my left wrist parallel with my elbow, relaxed shoulders, a good bow hold ... all that good stuff, but I always feel like there's smth im leaving out. Could you pls list out the fundamentals if there are any more? It'll also be helpful if you link or tag me in any online course you recommend bcs I keep jumping from course to course. In addition to that, ive been looking for beginner songs that aren't twinkle twinkle 😭. I really enjoy learning ode to joy bcs it feels like practicing scales and I love the music. THANK YOUUU

[ogstopper]

Great advice. I joined on online violin academy and have made great progress - I think. That said, I think that one-to-one lessons with a teacher would really be of benefit. If only you lived in England! 🤣

[Isaactheviolinistandviolist]

Hi Corrie thanks for the advices in this video your so amazing and your so beautiful ❤️ and you are a beautiful star violinist ✨🎻 and you play so beautifully on the violin 🎻🎶

[turtlelover]

Hi Corrie, this video helped so so much. Thank you for your effort of making these videos for us. I love how you explain everything. I have been playing the violin for 2 years now and you have helped a lot. I would love to keep in touch with you.
❤😊

[trigionozoid]

I play guitar so I really need for my nails on my right hand to be long. Will it interfere with my bow hold?

[brianarmstrong]

Having a teacher will make it faster and it is safer to develop the proper basic

[pianodesu]

How much one needs to spend for 'carbon fiber bow' so the quality per price factor is the highest? At which price there is not much drastic quality improvement anymore with increased amount of money? Is $300 ok or its better to invest more for best quality per price factor?

[barbara]

What do you think of Evah Pirazzi strings?

[Granbug]

Is your practice journal for sale? And where do I find it?

[rainbows]

Stop lying I learned violin in a year it does not take five years. Everyone are not the same