Hi Everybody, It's my first time writing to this forum. I am from Malta (Europe). I just wanted some opinions if you don't mind. I'm a very muscial person (at least that's what my friends and ex-piano-teacher say). I used to take piano lessons but i stopped about 9yrs ago at grade 6 theory and 7 practice. Lately i had a crazy idea, i.e. to re-start lessons but with violin. Since i have a good ear i thought it might be a challenge. by the way i'm 29yrs old. Is it that difficult to learn (not talking about age but about instrument difficulty)? Also, i've been juggling about this idea and i cannot seem to decide. Just wanted to have some opinions and thoughts from those who had the same experience. i'm just scared of committments... life is pretty hectic. pls answer!!! the more the merrier. i'd like to have some experience from adult students. plsss!!!!! Oh one more question. Is violin more epressive than piano? being held so close and moving about, i think it's more easy to express feelings.

I'm biased but I say do it!!!

Take a look at the adult learners forum too!!

Welcome to the forum! Have visited Malta - lovely island

If you want to have a go at the violin, go for it! There's a few other forum members (janexxx is just one) who started on the violin in adulthood, so it's quite possible. Do get yourself some lessons to ensure you start out with good technique/posture etc.

All the best!

Hi thanks for the replies. I'm going to tour some music shops today. But i cannot decide what to look for. I simply don't know anything about violins. I know that the cheapest aren't recommendable because of quality of materials and sound. Let's hope i like something!!!!

I say go for it ! I started violin as an adult (28) and now at 33 I wonder how I ever managed without it! I love my fiddle. I started on piano, too - you'll find the change to one line of music easy, but there are a whole load of technical challenges on the fiddle that you'll need to prepare yourself for - just getting a sound is difficult enough - then you have to make it be in tune! If you can see each challenge as something enjoyable, you'll love violin.

On the instrument front - can't you rent from a luthier rather than buy to begin with? It would be a much better idea to see if you like the instrument first and, of course, you'll get a perfectly set up and playable instrument with a reasonable bow, rather than some cheap beginner's fiddle from a generic music shop. Lots of adult beginners start out renting - and some luthiers will take the rental fees into account should you decide to purchase a fiddle from them.


Whatever you do - enjoy yourself immensely and let us know how you're getting on over in the adult learner's forum.

Allan

"On the instrument front - can't you rent from a luthier rather than buy to begin with? It would be a much better idea to see if you like the instrument first and, of course, you'll get a perfectly set up and playable instrument with a reasonable bow, rather than some cheap beginner's fiddle from a generic music shop. Lots of adult beginners start out renting - and some luthiers will take the rental fees into account should you decide to purchase a fiddle from them."

Hi thanks for the comment. i need a lot of encouragement cause i'm losing hope every now and then. i'm pretty nervous if i think i might buy. i want to but i'm scared. As with regards to rent, here it's not that easy. And i'd prefer buying even just for the thrill of owning an other instrument!! I'm battling against anxiety. I've been suffering of it for the past few years and it's making it more difficult to just decide and make the step. Also, i want to get out of the insecurity i'm in. I cannot cope with after-work committments i.e. i simply refuse to take up something. So it's a challenge to get out of the work-home routine and take up a challenge. So please wish me luck!! Till now i've just convinced myself to buy, i think that if i have one i'd get interested and pick up all courage to phone a few teachers. i don't want to reach any specific level, just being a decent player is enough. We'll see. I'll keep you posted!

Sorry i seem i did not get the hang of the quote thing.....

You would only use the quote button if you want to reply to more than one post at a time. If you use the reply button it will quote the whole post for you, and you can delete any bits you don't want in there.

Sorry to hear you are battling anxiety. I'm sure taking up violin would help, but if you found a teacher first they might be able to recommend or help you choose your instrument. It's difficult to choose an instrument you don't play, as you don't know what to look out for. Violins are particularly tricky, as they are all different, and the bows are often bought separately.

If you really feel that you must buy a violin before getting a teacher, I'd suggest getting something fairly cheap with a view to choosing properly when you've learned to play a bit.

If you really feel that you must buy a violin before getting a teacher, I'd suggest getting something fairly cheap with a view to choosing properly when you've learned to play a bit.


thanks for the msg. I'm going around today, just to see different types and also for the fun of it. As for buying a cheap one, that's what i thought i should do but i think it's more worth if i buy a moderatly-priced one than a very cheap one. i'm not going for the conservatorio type for sure!!!!

Definitely give the violin a go!!! It is a technically demanding instrument (probably as with any other) but once you start, you can't give it up. It's my favourite of those I (am learning to) play and personally, I find it the most expressive.

I started off with a really cheap violin until I decided I was going to continue and then I upgraded when that violin decided to break. There are times when it is immensely frustrating when your fingers won't do this and your bowing arm won't do that but there are also times of pure magic.

Give it a go and enjoy

Definitely give the violin a go!!! It is a technically demanding instrument (probably as with any other) but once you start, you can't give it up. It's my favourite of those I (am learning to) play and personally, I find it the most expressive.

I started off with a really cheap violin until I decided I was going to continue and then I upgraded when that violin decided to break. There are times when it is immensely frustrating when your fingers won't do this and your bowing arm won't do that but there are also times of pure magic.

Give it a go and enjoy


Thanks blackbird. i'm still juggling with mixed feelings. i'd really like to experiment but the price of a good violin is quite scary. Unfortunately i did not find a shop that rents or sells with hire/purchase. At least, not the one i would like!!! I'll just ask someone that teaches (i still have to get detais etc), and ask also how much lessons cost. then will use a little maths and see!

Hi to everyone,

i'm happy this morning as i think i've reached my final decision. I think i'll have a go. Just have to find a good seller for what i want to buy (at a reasonable price....!) and a good patient teacher. Today i found a company that delivers worldwide. Let's hope it's safe and i'll place an order!!! Keep fingers crossed for me!! Will keep you posted if i succeed. I'm excited!!

Go for it, ilovebunnies! You say you have details for a teacher - they may know somewhere locally that is selling or hiring the sort of violin you are looking for. They may even have a pupil who has upgraded who has just such a thing 'going spare'

Well done for taking up the violin. Hope you enjoy it! It's really fun. I've met many adult string players and they all love it. Let us know how you get on.

Well done for taking up the violin. Hope you enjoy it! It's really fun. I've met many adult string players and they all love it. Let us know how you get on.
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I will let you know as soon as i manage to buy something and start lessons. i can't wait!!!!! poor neighbours!

I think it is an advantage that i have up to grade 6 theory and a good ear and rythm, but with regards to playing, has anyone switched from Piano to violin with no previous 'strings' experience? i want details please please please^_^ I want to hear more!!!!

And thanks to whoever created this forum, it's really a nice place to share all sorts of musical experience! Being able to write in this forum and read your answers has really helped me decide, so thanks to you all too!!!

You can get a practice mute that fits over the bridge of your violin. But it flattens the sound a bit, but at least you can practice later in the evenings. At first you should get use to the notes on the violin first before using the mute.

It's good that you're up to grade 6, so it would help cos you don't have to spend time learning about music theory. But the violin is a very technically demanding instrument - it's all about technique such as bow hold, different types of bowing, shifting up and down on the violin, fingerings and using different positions. So you can't really compare it to the piano cos they're different instruments, each instrument has it's own challenge. I'm teaching myself the piano, personally I find it a lot easier to progress on the piano than on the violin. I've been playing the violin for nearly 3 years and my teacher still goes on and on about my bowing cos I get into bad habits. I have a lesson once or twice a month cos I can't afford more regular lessons, and I somehow get into bad habits without realising! So I definitely recommend having a teacher! The violin is fun, it's very rewarding and like everything else, how you progress depends on how much you practice. I use to be obsessed with getting up to a high grade on the violin, but now I just take it easy and have fun playing. Once you can play a few tunes and feel confident enough, you should see if you can join a local amateur orchestra. It's great fun!

The violin is fun, it's very rewarding and like everything else, how you progress depends on how much you practice. I use to be obsessed with getting up to a high grade on the violin, but now I just take it easy and have fun playing. Once you can play a few tunes and feel confident enough, you should see if you can join a local amateur orchestra. It's great fun!
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What i'd really like to ask is, is it rewarding cause it's difficult or simply because it's nice to play? What regards to the amateur orchestra, i don't think i'll have the time for that but if i do succeed in playing a few tunes, then, maybe i'll have a thought about it. Thanks for the suggestions.

About piano, yes i think it's easier cause there are the keys and you just press the notes, no adjusting of the fingers but you have to get used to reading music on 2 staves and having to exercise the left hand if your a righty!! Good luck in your piano studies too.

Yes, you'll love it!! I also switched from piano and I'm a few years older than you, it's doable. My teachers always says that I have good ears, (my dh who has perfect pitch does not agree ), and I think I am somewhat musical. I think, this is strictly from my own experience... the violin initial learning curve will be faster than your average student, because of your background in music, (can read music, feel the music, etc), but keep in mind that violin involves ALOT of technique, and you have to practice everyday. I took a 10 day vacation, came back and was completely out of tune for a few days.

However, being a poor sightreader, I find, at least the beginner music, alot easier to read than piano. I can't stand reading two clefs and coordinating them at the same time. I can't do, refuese to, and still cannot do those 2 against 3 stuff, i pray that nothing like that in the violin world will come to me.

But knowing how difficult this instrument is, I know the difficulties are waiting to come, very very soon!

Good luck, you'll have loads of fun!

Oh, btw, you will be learning a concerto sooner than piano repertoire allows.

Thanks Fayewolf. The fact that it's 'doable' is good to hear. And yes a former theory teacher told me that you'd have to practice for at least 1hr a day. I'll do my best to find the time, but still, if i don't succeed, at least i would have tried and no regrets about that. I can't wait to have a violin and start lessons!!! Any more experiences plsssss!!!

When I first started, the first 2 weeks or so, I cannot practice more than 10 minutes per session, i would say at most, I did maybe 30 minutes a day. But you'll get used to it in no time.

I had the exact mentality you had, my husband was somewhat discouraging initially, he said i'm wasting my time and money. Being stubborn, I ignored him, what is it there to lose. I was absolutely clueless about the instrument before I started, so at least I learned what those four strings are, how to hold a violin, how to bow, etc. You never waste anything that you learn!

And here I am, only 5 months down the road, I'm playing with a community college orchestra (I'm REALLY stretching it, most of the time I can't keep up at all).

Good luck!

Thanks Fayewold. Any more experiences? Right now i'm confused what to buy. I'm getting discouraged by the prices...... Here i Malta everything sells for so much more than in uk, it's nearly double the price.... uffff

Have a look on the Yitamusic website which you can access via ebay.

I'm normally VERY wary of anything that involves a combination of web shopping and musical instruments but the experience I have had with them (as a teacher and player) makes me very happy to recommend them. As a full size starter instrument you probably can't beat one of their M19 or T19 violins for sound or money. If there is something that you are interested in but it is not currently listed as a 'buy now' item, if you email them saying that you are looking to buy a particular violin now, could you please order one directly from them rather than bidding, they will usually email you back in a couple of days with a very reasonable buy-now price which they will hold for you for a few days.

This is purely a personal opinion but as you are not on the mainland I hope this is helpful if you do not have easy access to a violin shop.

I know you've read it before - DO get yourself a good teacher from the start so that you can build up good habits from the beginning and make the best progress you can as quickly as possible. The violin is a very physical instrument insofar as how you hold it and move your fingers and bow EXACTLY makes a huge difference to how well it works and so the sound you produce. It's at the earliest stages that you need to make especially sure that you have everything correctly in balance otherwise unfortunate habits can be very hard to correct later. I'm not trying to put you off - honest! - just look through the threads to see how well other adult learners, especially Lottie and Jojo have got on.

On the subject of teachers; here in the UK teachers tend to have good relationships with their local violin shops/dealers/repairers as we are often in contact concerning our own or pupils' instruments. I would imagine that violin teachers on Malta do likewise - If you have no idea what to look for in an instrument or where to go/how much to pay, your teacher may well be the best person to advise you.

Perhaps it would be helpful to find a prospective teacher first and use their knowledge and experience to help guide you in choosing a suitable instrument?

Hi Minstrel, that's what was thinking too. but i'm finding it hard to phone!!! can you imagine!!! I don't know the persons of whom i have the tel nos and it's blocking me. I'll just leave some time, and if i just wake up in the morning and feel like i can do it i will. Also, here at Malta the instruments cost double the amount they cost in England. So i'm really confused since i could be buying something that in england is nearly basic for a price where in england one buys a pretty good one. (hope this is understandable enough)

However, thanks for the suggestions!!

You know what.... i've just called 1 of the numbers i had - i'm so stubborn that i had to do it!. The teacher seems to be ok and not very expensive too!!! Now it's all up to what instrument i choose. Wish me luck!

Good luck! And well done for making that call!

Thanks for the encouragement and thanks to my stubborness i dare say!!!

I wanted to ask an other thing, is it possible to ask comments about a certain brand of violins? i just cannot find any previews and here at Malta they're not cheap. I'm talking about a brand that has an english name but it seems it's worked in china workshops if that can help identify the brand (cause i don't know if i can mention it).

Can anyone tell me if i can mention and if they're good? i don't want to spend good money and have an inferior product.

Thanks!

If you search the archives for the brand name, or new violins, you may find that they have been discussed before. Now if only I knew how to post links to old threads ...

*goes to try*

This one

This one

This one

This one

This one

You will see that many makes have been discussed before, so if you want to mention the one yuu are considering then I'm sure that will be OK.

You wll also see a bit of a trend in what forum members recommend

Thanks for the threads. it worked. However, no one had comments on the one i want to check. I'm talking about Stentor Student II, i was thinking i'd buy that since according to their website, it's more advanced than a basic one and of good quality material. However, i'm just a bit scared. Here in Malta they sell for about 209 or 210 Euros equivalent to £164 which is not cheap, and sincerely i wasn't thinking of spending so much for now, so i browsed and found someone on the internet (a shop) who could send it to me with even less. Also, i don't like the idea of purchasing a cheap china one. My drawback is that i don't know anything about violins apart from what i've read on this forum and even if i try them out, what i get is a little of a hesitant squeeky sound!!! so i can't even try the best ones cause it would be of no use!!! It's hilarious!!!! haha! Has anyone had this violin and was it good? I wasn't able to find any reviews online, that's why i want some experiences from whoever might have had one. Pls pls!! HELP!

Also, has anyone ever tried a giuliani or a hofner?

By the way, my teacher hasn't got the time to come shopping around with me for sure (also, i did not book my first lesson with him, anyway, so he's not officially my teacher...)

Don't buy a stentor, they aren't very good. For a few hundred euros, you can really only expect a very basic instrument, but you should be able to get something that is suitable to keep you going for a couple of years. In that price range, I would recommend Yitamusic again - one of their T19 violins will probably set you back 200 euros, or even less if you buy it in auction on E-bay and the quality is exceptional for the price. There really is no comparison between that and a stentor.

Don't buy a stentor, they aren't very good. For a few hundred euros, you can really only expect a very basic instrument, but you should be able to get something that is suitable to keep you going for a couple of years. In that price range, I would recommend Yitamusic again - one of their T19 violins will probably set you back 200 euros, or even less if you buy it in auction on E-bay and the quality is exceptional for the price. There really is no comparison between that and a stentor.
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Hi that's true but i don't afford that much. i'm a beginner so i don't really what is going to happen. Why are nice instruments so expensive!! i want to cry!!!

[quote name='ilovebunnies' date='May 30 2008, 01:21 PM' post='703869']
Don't buy a stentor, they aren't very good. For a few hundred euros, you can really only expect a very basic instrument, but you should be able to get something that is suitable to keep you going for a couple of years. In that price range, I would recommend Yitamusic again - one of their T19 violins will probably set you back 200 euros, or even less if you buy it in auction on E-bay and the quality is exceptional for the price. There really is no comparison between that and a stentor.
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Hi that's true but i don't afford that much. i'm a beginner so i don't really what is going to happen. Why are nice instruments so expensive!! i want to cry!!!
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Don't feel disheartened! The Yita ones on Ebay will be more than sufficient! Here, for example, is one that is currently being bidded on - it's at 70 euro now

http://cgi.ebay.fr/An-Amazing-Flamed-T19-V...1742.m153.l1262

It will be WAY better than the stentor and is worth a good few hundred euro more, so you might just get yourself a great bargain.

Good luck!

Allan

Thanks Allan for the thread on e-bay. However if my rusted french is ok, it seems that no insurance is available to Malta. Also, I don't think that there are any Luthiers available to check it if it is the case that i buy it. It's a pity though, cause it's well priced! Is this good quality (T19 since it's chinese too?). And sound? I'm kind of scared of e-bay, i know that the seller must be a good one with all the comments they have but there's quite an amount of risks in getting it here cause it can get damaged during shipping etc. Uff!! Now that i decided wanted a try, i cannot find a good violin with my budget! i don't want to buy a really basic one so that i can play it even in public, i.e. i want a nice pleasing sound.

Ohhh .... My first violin was a Stentor. I think (sorry Stentor) it was made of plywood and chewing gum. It saw me through Grade 1, and pretty soon after that I got a replacement. I don't think it was a violin actually but what is commonly known as a VSO (Violin Shaped Object).

I'm sure for the money you can do better.

Edit: if you search here for Stentor Violin you will find lots more threads discussing them.

That was one of the Yitamusic violins that were recommended to you - it would have been a HUGE bargain!

Keep your eye on their e-bay listings for similar fiddles - honestly, there is absolutely no comparison between that fiddle and a stentor II - none at all. Even the high grade stentors don't come near to it.

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That was one of the Yitamusic violins that were recommended to you - it would have been a HUGE bargain!

Keep your eye on their e-bay listings for similar fiddles - honestly, there is absolutely no comparison between that fiddle and a stentor II - none at all. Even the high grade stentors don't come near to it.
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Hi, good news. i'm considering buying a Gliga Genial 1. I have to stretch my budget in order to get something good. What are your opinions? I heard it play on YouTube, i wore headphones and it was an awesome sound!! Can't wait to have it shipped!!! Can't wait to play!!!!

As you can see, i'm happy again!!

[quote name='ilovebunnies' date='May 31 2008, 06:12 AM' post='704063']
[/quote]

That was one of the Yitamusic violins that were recommended to you - it would have been a HUGE bargain!

Keep your eye on their e-bay listings for similar fiddles - honestly, there is absolutely no comparison between that fiddle and a stentor II - none at all. Even the high grade stentors don't come near to it.
[/quote]


Hi, good news. i'm considering buying a Gliga Genial 1. I have to stretch my budget in order to get something good. What are your opinions? I heard it play on YouTube, i wore headphones and it was an awesome sound!! Can't wait to have it shipped!!! Can't wait to play!!!!

As you can see, i'm happy again!!
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A gliga genial is a great starter fiddle. Not as good as the Yitamusic ones, mind you - but more than adequate and still LOADS better than the stentor.

A gliga genial is a great starter fiddle. Not as good as the Yitamusic ones, mind you - but more than adequate and still LOADS better than the stentor.
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Why can't i seem to hit a good one!! however, i liked the sound of the Gliga on the internet but i hav second thoughts now. I don't think i will have to upgrade as i don't think i'll ever get to high levels. I hope it can last till at least a good level where i can play a good tune on it.

Anyone has had a Gliga Genial 1? What are the comments pls? However, the Yitamusic ones seem very nice but are riskier to get here - from china!! I'm confused again now. Sometimes i lose hope and i think i'd better do nothing at all.

[quote name='ilovebunnies' date='May 31 2008, 02:14 PM' post='704135']
A gliga genial is a great starter fiddle. Not as good as the Yitamusic ones, mind you - but more than adequate and still LOADS better than the stentor.
[/quote]

Why can't i seem to hit a good one!! however, i liked the sound of the Gliga on the internet but i hav second thoughts now. I don't think i will have to upgrade as i don't think i'll ever get to high levels. I hope it can last till at least a good level where i can play a good tune on it.

Anyone has had a Gliga Genial 1? What are the comments pls? However, the Yitamusic ones seem very nice but are riskier to get here - from china!! I'm confused again now. Sometimes i lose hope and i think i'd better do nothing at all.
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I've had various gliga fiddles (I used to sell them in France) - they're very good fiddles for the money and a genial will most definitely get you started and keep you going a while. I can't in all honesty tell you that it will be as good as the Yita T19, because it won't - it's just a fact. But it's still much better than the majority of student fiddles out there and will do nicely if that's what you want to go with. Furthermore, if you're buying from Liz at Elidatrading (and if you buy a gliga, I suggest that's who you use) you will get excellent service.

As i said in the other thread, i'm so confused and unsure that i'll just leave it to that. I'm not buying nor having lessons cause i cannot decide what to do. And, i don't want to waste money if it were the case that i buy but then just leave it on a shelf.

Thanks very much for all advices but i did not win my battle with myself. i was so nervous about ordering that i got IBS, so maybe it's not the right time. i'll keep popping in everynow and then. Could i be of any help to anyone just let me know. Thanks to all for reading my posts and for all the encouragements. I'm my worst enemy and anxiety is the worst thing i suffer from, so i had to give-up.

However, i'm not feeling bad, just a little disappointed about myself but nothing big. so don't worry. Thanks again, hope we can still discuss more things, goodbye for a while and good night!

Well here i am again, in a better mood than last week for sure, still doing some research on what kind of violin i can afford, and what's the best i can buy with my budget. I've still not given up (mind you i'm a hard-headed-no heal-stubborn-person ). I was just wondering, is it possible to get a few lessons without owning a violin, just to see what it feels like and if i'm into it seriously? i'd dare say not cause you'd need to practice from one lesson to the other.... but just asking second, third and fourth or more opinions!!! I might sms the teacher i was in contact with to see if he's available to give me a lesson this week to see what it feels like... i'm kind of curious. I guess it feels pretty strange to hold a violin and get even a single note out of it for the first time! well maybe, not a note but a schreecy sound for the first time would be ok for me!! Please reply, the more the merrier, i love this forum so, even if i maybe don't start to play an other instrument, i'll still pop in and try to help with past experiences with the piano! I hope i don't bore anyone with my pessimist thoughts but that's how i'm made, so please, bear with me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, it seems that this topic is not being read anymore but however, if someone pops up, i just wanted to tell you all that today i've booked my first violin lesson. it's going to be next thursday evening. so if you remenber just say a little prayer for whoever might be in the vicinity so that no one thinks that he has a hearing disorder, it's just me attempting to get out a note out of a violin...!!!!!! will keep you posted.

Hi, I played violin for about a year in primary school and then quit. My daughter asked if she could have lessons 2 years ago and after I had sat in on about 2 lessons I was itching to have a go. I started having lessons again and 2 years later I am about to sit my grade 4 exam! So yes, I believe it is possible to learn to play at a good standard from a more mature age! I hope to reach grade 5 standard or above before my 40th birthday. One thing though ..... you do have to practice if you want to improve and it is often difficult juggling stuff to achieve daily practice but you do need the commitment if you want to succeed.

You should give it a go

Hi Fizzynoodlepot (funny name by the way!!), thanks i did give it a go today - you can read my other thread on Viva Strings entitled waiting for tomorrow- i had my first lesson today. quite a challenge but i did ok according to the teacher. I'm still excited!! but don't know what to buy. there's no shop offering rent here. I'll have a look tomorrow and maybe try something. i wanted to buy a gliga genial 1 which i know that sounds awesome but i'm afraid to spend much at a time without knowing if i'll really continue for long so i might consider a cheap one for the start.

thanks and i hope i'll get a good tonight!!