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vivace	Nov 7 2010, 03:22 AM Post #1
Newbie Group: Members Posts: 28 Joined: 5-November 10 Member No.: 148847	Hi everyone, thought i would join a forum. I'm learning the violin, well, trying to learn! Not sure why i choose the violin. Well i've been learning for about a year and a half. My bow still has a mind of its own --- don't know if this is common to most people in the early stages. I'm not sure about doing any exams! I have not done one yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/newHere.gif)

jojo	Nov 7 2010, 06:21 AM Post #2
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 5190 Joined: 18-December 06 From: Member No.: 8716	QUOTE(vivace @ Nov 7 2010, 03:22 AM) Hi everyone, thought i would join a forum. I'm learning the violin, well, trying to learn! Not sure why i choose the violin. Well i've been learning for about a year and a half. My bow still has a mind of its own --- don't know if this is common to most people in the early stages. I'm not sure about doing any exams! I have not done one yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/newHere.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.gif) Vivace! I am Jo and I chose the violin because to me it's the best sounding instrument out there and I knew it was going to give me the best time of my life! but 'boy is it difficult?????' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) when I heard people saying 'oh but the violin is SUCH a difficult instrument to learn' I thought they were all exaggerating, when I started learning it I picked it up fairly quickly and this reinforced my initial thought 'Oh but they are all just talking just for the sake of it, they haven't even tried, they don't know'. NOW I REALLY KNOW what they meant (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) almost 3 years after I started learning it I realised what they meant by 'how hard it is' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) and now 3 years and 10 months into my journey it's getting even more difficult (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) BUT it also gets more addictive as you go along too! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) so if one thinks 'oh well, so how come don't they all give up?' that's because as you realise how difficult it is, you also realise you're 'hooked' already (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) and can't let go! Anyway, I am an adult learner, I started at age 38 and have just turned 41, never learnt an instrument before, I have done a couple of exams but only because I wanted to experience them, I didn't have to do them, you don't have to do them and to be honest if you don't need you might even be better off without them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I am single mother to a 15yr boy who thinks I am 'mad' as all he ever sees me doing is: play violin, go on these forums, watch youtube videos of violinists, read violin articles and NOTHING ELSE (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) ps I also work as a Midwife 6 days a week, right now am off to work a 13hr shift on the labour ward, unfortunately cannot take my violin with me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Organistin	Nov 7 2010, 06:45 AM Post #3
Unregistered	QUOTE(vivace @ Nov 7 2010, 04:22 AM) Hi everyone, thought i would join a forum. I'm learning the violin, well, trying to learn! Not sure why i choose the violin. Well i've been learning for about a year and a half. My bow still has a mind of its own --- don't know if this is common to most people in the early stages. I'm not sure about doing any exams! I have not done one yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/newHere.gif) Hi and welcome to the forum. What an excellent choice of instrument! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Bows have a mind of their own for several years before they finally settle down. Mine still occasionally has a stroppy off day and I have been playing since I was 5 (ie. 29 years!)

lottie	Nov 7 2010, 09:56 AM Post #4
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 3891 Joined: 15-January 07 From: In among the purple heather of Scotland Member No.: 9057	Hi Vivace! Welcome to the forum. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I started the violin in the grand old middle-age because I was scared my brain cells were dying! I had heard it was difficult but actually it's quite rewarding fairly quickly as you make little improvements - the professionals make it look so easy! I already played another instrument so music was not new to me but the violin was such a beautiful sound I couldn't resist. I had all sorts of little niggles from bow shake (which I still get occasionally) to a naughty fourth finger (now under control). And learning vibrato is not for the faint-hearted but once you 'get it' its amazing - a real Eureka moment! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) As Jo says it's VERY addictive and great fun once you can start playing interesting pieces or with others. Yes, it gets harder but sooo rewarding! I switched from violin to viola but then took a 'career' break and just started playing again a few weeks ago so I'm very rusty but slowly catching up with myself. I took one exam each on violin and viola but it's unlikely I'll do any more just now because of lack of practice time - it's not essential at all. I don't play in an orchestra although I'm hoping to once I get up to the minimum standard (around grade 5 I think). However, I play duets with a friend and absolutely love that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Toscaviolin	Nov 7 2010, 10:20 AM Post #5
Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 106 Joined: 17-October 09 From: Berkshire/North Hampshire Member No.: 78226	Hi Vivace (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.gif) I started playing violin 9 years ago, when I was well over 30, I did not read music and had not played another instrument. It is the most challenging, exciting, wonderful, beautiful instrument to learn and to get close to, I am so glad I took the time and effort. I really am not a fast learner and there were times I could have given up but I have always wanted to play the violin and the more I do the more I love it and I think it is now beginning to love me too..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) The most wonderful part is when you get to a point when you can play with other musicians,and some people throw themselves in right at the start, some like me wait a few years but wish they had done it sooner, embrace it and get ready for a whole new world opening up (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Organistin	Nov 7 2010, 10:38 AM Post #6
Unregistered	QUOTE(Toscaviolin @ Nov 7 2010, 11:20 AM) The most wonderful part is when you get to a point when you can play with other musicians,and some people throw themselves in right at the start, some like me wait a few years but wish they had done it sooner, embrace it and get ready for a whole new world opening up (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) You are so right. It is wonderful to play in a group. I have had so many years of joy from being able to play in orchestras, quartets, duets, folk groups etc. I started the violin at 5 and joined the school orchestra on "3rd violin" at 6! Lottie I think you could probably find an orchestra somewhere or other that does not require grade 5 - there are many orchestras aimed at people who have not been playing that long. Being in an orchestra or group improves your playing no end as you learn all sorts of things along the way and pick up tips from other people as well as attuning your ear, improve your rhythm and so on and so forth.

MollyB	Nov 7 2010, 01:15 PM Post #7
Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 442 Joined: 13-July 09 Member No.: 70370	QUOTE ps I also work as a Midwife 6 days a week, right now am off to work a 13hr shift on the labour ward, unfortunately cannot take my violin with me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) How nice it would be if we could be serenaded into the world by a musician (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) PS: Welcome to the wonderful world of the violin, Vivace!

jojo	Nov 7 2010, 02:14 PM Post #8
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 5190 Joined: 18-December 06 From: Member No.: 8716	QUOTE(MollyB @ Nov 7 2010, 01:15 PM) QUOTE ps I also work as a Midwife 6 days a week, right now am off to work a 13hr shift on the labour ward, unfortunately cannot take my violin with me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) How nice it would be if we could be serenaded into the world by a musician (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) PS: Welcome to the wonderful world of the violin, Vivace! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) yes, I wish there was a vacancy for a 'midwife violinist' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) to 'serenade' the mother and the newborn in this 'busy labour ward environment' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ps am on break right now, have to have a laugh before I go back to the 'mad world out there' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

Organistin	Nov 7 2010, 02:27 PM Post #9
Unregistered	QUOTE(jojo @ Nov 7 2010, 03:14 PM) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) yes, I wish there was a vacancy for a 'midwife violinist' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) to 'serenade' the mother and the newborn in this 'busy labour ward environment' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ps am on break right now, have to have a laugh before I go back to the 'mad world out there' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) Someone the other day asked me if I would go up to his mountain pasture and play the violin to the cows to make them calmer. They are in the byre for the winter now and not very amused. He was joking but it would be great (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) and he happens to be rather gorgeous too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) Gosh - I am naughty! Good job my boyfriend does not read the forum.

jojo	Nov 7 2010, 02:28 PM Post #10
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 5190 Joined: 18-December 06 From: Member No.: 8716	QUOTE(Organistin @ Nov 7 2010, 02:27 PM) He was joking but it would be great (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) and he happens to be rather gorgeous too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) Gosh - I am naughty! Good job my boyfriend does not read the forum. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif)

MollyB	Nov 7 2010, 02:48 PM Post #11
Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 442 Joined: 13-July 09 Member No.: 70370	QUOTE Someone the other day asked me if I would go up to his mountain pasture and play the violin to the cows to make them calmer. They are in the byre for the winter now and not very amused. What a fantastic job that would be!! Cows are lovely animals (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) QUOTE He was joking but it would be great (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) and he happens to be rather gorgeous too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) Gosh - I am naughty! Good job my boyfriend does not read the forum. What is my silence worth to you Organistin ?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ( HINT: A violinist can never have enough nice bows...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif) )

Fran*Piano	Nov 7 2010, 05:32 PM Post #12
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 3444 Joined: 26-October 09 Member No.: 79153	QUOTE(vivace @ Nov 7 2010, 03:22 AM) Hi everyone, thought i would join a forum. I'm learning the violin, well, trying to learn! Not sure why i choose the violin. Well i've been learning for about a year and a half. My bow still has a mind of its own --- don't know if this is common to most people in the early stages. I'm not sure about doing any exams! I have not done one yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/newHere.gif) Hi there Vivace! I'd say the bow thing is totally normal-I've been playing a little over a year and mine is still all over the place too!! Welcome to the forums (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

BadStrad	Nov 7 2010, 05:47 PM Post #13
Prodigy Group: Members Posts: 1512 Joined: 28-January 10 Member No.: 88756	Welcome Vivace. I'm also learning to play the violin. I'm a "mature" leaner - having been told by an arrogant pig of a guitar teacher at school that I had no musical talent. It's taken me a long time to get past that. Sounds like we've been playing around the same amount of time, well me a little longer. I initially was mad keen to do exams, but they have become a back-boiler aim. I'm currently enjoying being to play all sorts of different music - not just exam repertoire. Actually that's a fib - I'm playing like I'm wearing mittens at the moment - both hands - but it'll get better again one day (soon I hope). Do you have a teacher? I was told a good teacher, especially in the early stages is worth their weight in gold. That coming from a BA Music player, who is spending a fortune getting rid of bad technique as she can't progress any further until she does. Anyway - I'm rambling on now. Hope you enjoy your instrument and - you've come to the right place - people here are very supportive and helpful.

lottie	Nov 7 2010, 06:09 PM Post #14
Virtuoso Group: Members Posts: 3891 Joined: 15-January 07 From: In among the purple heather of Scotland Member No.: 9057	Talking of playing to animals: I have six dogs. Five of them leave the room when I play the viola and the one that stays is rather elderly and I suspect is rather deaf. My husband, on the other hand, leaves the house when I play!

Organistin	Nov 7 2010, 06:15 PM Post #15
Unregistered	QUOTE(lottie @ Nov 7 2010, 07:09 PM) Talking of playing to animals: I have six dogs. Five of them leave the room when I play the viola and the one that stays is rather elderly and I suspect is rather deaf. My husband, on the other hand, leaves the house when I play! One of mine (cat) goes crazy talking during violin practice and stands on her head in the violin case. She seems to like the violin.

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