Hi everyone,

I used to play violin at school for 6yrs (primary & secondary) but got out of it as I left school.

Now and again I pick it up and have a go and I can still remember tunes I used to play at school and in the orchestra.

For the last 3 - 4yrs I have played piano and sat G5 theory G2 practical.

I would very much like to take up violin again but when I learned to play years ago, it was all by finger numbers i.e 2nd on D, 1st on E etc. So this is how I was taught to read violin music - without knowing the notes on the stave other than G, D, A, E.

Why on earth were we taught this way ? Madness !!!

Anyhow, I'm a little wary of taking it up again as I'm not sure how difficult it would be or if by playing piano, it may help.

Anyone with any ideas would be gratefully apreciated.

Hi Fiona

I recommend the books Fiddle Time Joggers/Runners/Sprinters, a fab collection of pieces which I find teach reading effortlessly. They come with a backing track CD which is loads of fun and keeps the pulse constant.

Good luck!

Jane Jackson
Manchester UK

Hi Jane,

Thanks for the info.

I noticed you are in Manchester. I am too.

Wondered if you knew if I can get these books at Forsythes ?

Is it just me, or do most violinists hold back a little at home with the environment being a little quiet i.e like a cul-de-sac like me ?

I do cringe a little when I play because you can hear everything just outside the house and believe me, it's not something you want to hear being very basic an all.

It's not so bad with piano. If you play a wrong note, it's still in tune if you know what I mean so I don't tend to mind too much.

Any tips for over coming the violin thing anyone ?

Thanks,

Fiona

Hi Fiona, I understand what you meant abouth 2nd finger on a D string etc. This subject has interested me.

I try to have a map of the fingerboard in my head so I remember where the notes are, it's a skill I transfered from learning to touch type.

However, I used to got to a folk fiddle and those who did not read music and played by ear remembered where to place their fingers to make the sound they wanted.

I think perhaps it has to be a combination of both, because if you don't remember the sound, how do you know if you are in tune

I hope this helps

I think you are right amati.

I can still play a piece from memory and nursery rhymes by ear. So I assume I must have a feel for where the notes are on the fingerboard without music.
One thing interests me. How do you go on practising at home ? Do you find that everyone hears you outside and if so does it really bother you ?

Thanks for the reply,

Fiona

This is for amati.

Any tips on how to stop the tuning pegs from slipping ?

In tune at start, then slow loosens towards the end of a session.

Hi, when i began praticing violin, i am scared my family and neighbours would hear the terrible noise i made, i even practise with little pressure to get the least sound, but that's of course not the right way to practice.

Then, i used cloth pegs to clip on the bridge, it does help a bit, but the sound came out quite different. Besides, i used the mute but finds the same thing.

Then, regardless of what people say, i had no choice but to practice as if no one can hear, that's how i get improved.

Thanks Happygirl.

Sorry if I sound a little naive here but whats a 'the mute' you mentioned?

Thanks Fiona

Hi Fiona, it is a little thing (mine is black) that can be clipped to the bridge, it costs me Singapore $4 to buy it.

Ah right. I see !

As I said, we were taught violin by finger no's. So its hardly surprising that I only know the bridge, chin rest, tuning pegs, bow !!

I must read a little more about c/o violins etc if I'm to take it up again !

Thanks Happygirl !

Fiona