Last month I bought myself a violin, and so far am really enjoying playing it!! I haven't had much of a chace to play as I'm not allowed to play when my mum is at home - and most days recently I've been going in to work with her to help out at the school.

So far I can play Twinkle Twinkle and Frere Jaque, and London's Burning!!! Just out of interest, how far off of grade 1 standard might I be?! I can also play G, D and A major (1 octave) scales

I'm probably going to buy myself a grade 1 ABRSM book when I next go shopping to see how I get on, but I just wondered really if anyone could offer any opinions as to how far off I am!!

I'm going into year 12 (first year of a-level for those who might not be aware) in September, and am hoping to achieve a good enough standard at violin so that I can play in an orchestra in university. But of course the piano and voice would still be my main instrument.

Thank you very much in advance!!

Laura

Good start!

As well as your one octave scales and arpeggios of A & D, you'll need to get your G major scale (and arpeggio) going up 2 octaves, which means getting the hang of your second finger in its 'low' position, and understanding from the key signature when you need to use that finger position.

Also - nice smooth slurs and you'll be well on your way.

K.

I think it would certainly be worth getting some lessons if you are not already doing so, just to get the basic technique sound.

It's hard to say without hearing how your scales sound, to be honest.

Get the book, find a teacher and have a consultation lesson, I reckon. You might get a pleasant surprise!

Allan

You reminded me of me - When i first started last year i was exactly the same age as you and was always like 'flute would always be my main instrument and career im just playing violin as a hobby'
Now i'm obseeeessed with violin and hoping to be a violinist (do love flute equally though - thinking of doing a double study )
Btw i'm not trying to suggest that'll happen! Not sure whether it was a very good thing to say either... Just you sounded exactly like me

I'm not allowed/can't afford lessons as I already have piano, singing and theory lessons, and (as discussed in a post in the strings forum a while ago, don't know if you've seen it) my mum is againist me learning the violin so wouldn't pay for lessons etc. BUT! I've just got a theory teacher who teaches grade 6+ (woohoo! ), and she plays the violin, so I'm hoping that in my fortnightly theory lessons I might be able to bring my violin and get a few tips etc to make sure I'm getting techniquey thing right.

Haha that does sound like something I'd do actually!! Although I don't think I can get that good at the violin in time to have it as my main instrument now...for university at least, that is.

Good luck with the being-a-violinist goal!



Okay, thanks for that. I'll have a go at the 2 octave G major scale and arpeggios

without some leassons, 1 a month at least, you are going to get nowhere.

Sorry to burst your bubble. No lessons=never gonna get into a decent orchestra playing violin.

If she has some lessons/tips/instructions off her theory(+violin) teacher, then considering violin isn't her main instrument, i'm sure she'll do fine.