Hello all, I have just started learning to play the violin at the age of 31! So far I have had three lessons and I love it

I have no prior musical experience, can't read music and remember hating music at school! I don't know why though because now I find it fascinating, I love reading the theory books and discovering new things.

Before I had my first lesson I wasn't sure if I would be having any so I just picked up the grade 1 book assuming that was the place to start and muddled through the songs. I enjoyed learning those, but the problem is that because I can't read music it takes an age to play through the first time and then I just remember it.

After reading through the posts here you seemed like a friendly bunch so I thought I would introduce myself and maybe head over to strings when I get stuck!

Well, that's me, I look forwards to getting to know you all

hello Alisha hope you find the Forums useful, there are a lot of very knowledgeable people on here so don't be afraid to ask questions. Sounds like you're really enjoying learning an instrument, long may it continue. Do you have any future plans? For example, ensemble/orchestral playing, exams......? Clarinet is my main instrument although I blow a couple of others and scrape a bit on the violin.

Hi, thanks for the welcome

As for future plans, I would quite like to do exams and join an orchestra. There is one that meets within cycling distance of me but I shan't be checking that out for a few years yet I should think!

I would also like to be good enough to convince my husband to let me buy a better violin! Mine was a starter set with case and bow and only cost ?30 new!

Hello Alisha,
I'm new to the forums too, although I have been lurking for a while getting bold enough to post!
I started playing piano from scratch eighteen months ago. Its a bit like learning to drive at the moment, so many things to think about and try to coordinate, hopefully one day it will all fall into place and I'll be able to trust my fingers to find the right keys in the right order.

to the forums, Alisha : hope you enjoy your time here!

Welcome and congratulations on choosing a wonderful instrument

Hi Alisha,
You've picked a wonderful hobby to get involved with, which is going to give you hours of joy (and frustration!) Have fun, and maybe we'll meet you at an event or course one day

Hello

Don't rule out an orchestra - thee are ones aimed at getting beginner's going. The one I attend on Saturday mornings has a beginner session before hand. It's made up of a mixture of youngsters (7 - 14 year-olds) to adult beginners (some in their 60s) to others (like me) who are playing a second instrument (or third or fourth!).

It gets you used to playing in a group, ensemble playing, keeping time etc. And, it gets you in the habit of having to read some music you've not seen before.

Hello!

I got my viola on valentine's day (purely coincidence, it wasn't a romantic gesture and I bought it myself) and I have had 6 lessons so far and I adore it!

I've never played a bowed string instrument before (I taught myself to play the guitar when I was 12 or 13 and played bass guitar in a few bands but they're not similar) so I was worried about not being able to cope with controlling a bow and moving my fingers around the finger board but so far so good.

I hope you get on with the violin and love it, I love music so much.

Please keep us informed as to how you go, I'd love to hear from someone going through similar things to me.

Good luck! Excellent choice of instrument.

Hi Alisha, I was the same - only older. Welcome to the forums. Alcie-Ruth and Hiraeth too - more newbies.

I'm sure you'll find us a friendly bunch. I've received lots of support and help from the forumites and I'm sure you will too.

PS Hiraeth - I'm guessing from your name you have links to Wales. Is that right?

Yes BadStrad, I am typing this from Wales. I have many Welsh connections; my Grandad was Welsh, we now live in Wales and my children are at Welsh medium schools. I learnt the language as a grown up but my written Welsh isnt as good as my spoken Welsh.

Welcome to the forums Alisha, Hiraeth and alcie-ruth!!!

Lovely to have some new stringy faces


I started violin at age 40 (although I had some experience as a child on other instruments) so you're definitely not alone at starting out and we have lots of experiences, and some bits of knowledge, that we happily share I now play the Viola and love it to bits

Come on over to the 'Viva Strings' section too for special stringy info but it's lovely here with the Adult Learners (and try out the Cafe for some chuckles).

Welcome to you all

So glad we have more stringy beginners, there are definately not enough in the world

I am a violin veteran, having played for over 30 years, but have gone through a technique rebuild so definately feel like a real learner sometimes. And I'm a true adult learner of singing and flute....and a bit of clari. There isn't much spare time in my day!

I hope you all love it as much as I do, and have lots of fun with your music, it's what it's all about

Thank you all for the warm welcome hi to alcie-Ruth and Hiraeth, nice to know I am not the only newbie!

It's funny how most other people think I am completely crazy for wanting to learn to play violin!

After three years people still tell me I'm crazy and "it's the most difficult instrument to learn" and so on. You just have to ignore them. Some people think they're being helpful (warning you how hard it will be), some secretly (unable to admit it to themselves) envy you for following a dream, some just really do think you're crazy. What ever their motivation for commenting don't let it discourage you.

....and some of us have stringier faces than others!

Greetings from another very late returner (mid-50s) to violin!

A very warm welcome to the newcomers! I've noticed over the years that good string players often mature into good singers, so there's something else to think about...

Yes, even my teacher confessed to me the other day that when I first approached him (age 39, complete beginner) he thought I'd last a term and then give up once I realised how difficult it was. A cellist friend of mine also looked at me strangely when I told her I was beginning violin, and nowadays still expresses surprise that I'm still at it, as if she expects me to fail or give up too. OK, violin does ask alot of you in terms of time and commitment, but it gives so, so much back! Spend a little time most days working on technique, and you will make satisfying and enjoyable progress.

Greetings Alisha! I have recently taken up the violin in my 50's and now can hardly imagine life without a violin.
Well, when you start the violin at my age, you have few illusions about becoming a virtuoso. But I'm just thrilled to bits like a little boy at being able to play the simplest tunes- I mean tunes like Auld Lang Syne, the Skye Boat Song, the NZ National Anthem etc. I strive to play them with the best possible tone and intonation, as well as working on my scales and etudes, so bit by bit I make progress.

You are most welcome!

How wonderful. Welcome to the violin and to the forum.

I took my grade 1 at the age of 57, (although to be fair I had scraped through grade 2 at the age of 12, before I gave up, didn't even listen to music for 45 years and forgot the whole lot. My life pretty much revolves around my violin playing now. I only wish I had taken it up again when I was 31.

Hello!

It is lovely to meet someone else starting violin. I have booked my first lesson for May. I haven't got a violin yet. I am learning to play the flute as well and when I started I couldn't read music either. I am very excited about the violin.

LearnerFlute xx