About Gill Expertise I can answer questions about the anatomy of the violin (aka. parts of the violin),violin technique and musicality as well as tips on performance preparation, repertiore selection, Royal Conservatory of Music exam requirements and formats, and other schools of learning such as the Suzuki method. I can suggest violin teachers in the GTA East and can recommend reputable shops for purchasing violins, parts, strings and books/repretoire.
Experience I have been a violinist for 18 years and have extensive experience in ensemble performance. I teach both private and group violin lessons, and have completed the Grade 10 Practical exam for violin with the Royal Conservatory. I studied violin (primarily under the education heading) at University as well.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts from an Ontario University (Music Minor).
Grade 10 Practical (violin)--Royal Conservatory of Music
Expert: Gill Date: 9/23/2007 Subject: I want to try to learn violin
Question I am a Spanish girl, 40 years old. I have no idea about any musical instrument, but it's some years now that I started feeling strongly attracted by violins. I want to make a gift to myself and I want to take some violin lessons. I do not matter if after one year I am not able to play anything, but as my feeling is so strong, I know I have to do it. My idea is to take lessons for one year. Then, I can leave it or go one. I read in the internet that during the first months you play nothing,but you get familiar with "cords?" sound in the air. I do not matter, I insist.
My question is: shall I begin by looking for a teacher or should I start by learning musical language first? Which are the steps? What do I need? Can you start the lessons without knowing any musical language?
Thank you very much.
M.Āngels
Answer Hello There!
Well, I am thrilled to hear that you are so interested in learning to play the violin. It is absolutely never too late to give it a try.
First things first...wherever you read that you wouldn't play anything during the first few months of learning is absolutely incorrect. There are many many different methods to learning the violin, but I don't know of any that would cause you to not play anything for months!
As far as your questions go, I don't think its really necessary to learn musical language before you begin to learn the instrument. You will pick those things up as you go along. I would suggest trying to find a teacher who teaches the Suzuki method. It is essentially a method of learning that teaches you to play by ear. In other words, you learn to play by listening and imitating instead of having to read music. There are a great many violin teachers out there who use this method...it is actually the way I first learned to play, myself. In addition, you don't necessarily need to shell out a lot of money for lessons. Very often advanced students (such as University students and even some High School Students) will offer lessons for a lesser cost than other professionals. Depending on where you are located, it should hopefully not be too difficult to find the right teacher. I'd say that you should just do a little research about the teachers in your area.
