Starting violin lessons? Here's everything you need to know
Before your first violin lesson, there are several steps to be taken so that you are well-equipped for success! I am here to make this process as easy as possible.
To begin, here is a list of materials needed for your first lesson:
- Violin & bow
- Rosin
- Shoulder rest
- Suzuki Violin: Book 1
- I Can Read Music, vol 1: Violin
Finding The Right Violin & Bow
This process is easier than you may think! Head to your local string shop, where an expert luthier will get you fitted for the right size. Violins come in 4 sizes- quarter-sized, half-sized, three quarter-sized, and full-sized. It is important that you have the appropriate size, otherwise playing the violin will be much more difficult.
For young students who are still growing, I'd recommend renting rather than buying. Every few years, you will need a larger sized violin to accommodate your growth! Once you are big enough for a full-sized violin, you may consider buying or renting-to-own.
I highly recommend Westbank String Shop in South Austin for many reasons. They believe in providing good-quality instruments to students (there are many bad-quality violins out there!). Playing a nice-sounding violin will make the learning process so much more enjoyable. Westbank is a small business and they care more about their clients than the larger chain string shops.
If Westbank is not the right choice for you, there are many locations of Strait Music Company around Austin. I have never done business with Strait, but I have heard decent things about them.
Rosin
Rosin is needed to create friction and grip between the bow and the violin strings. All string shops will have rosin for sale, or may come with the rental violin.
Note: Do not touch the bow hair with your fingers. Your fingers naturally produce oil and will deteriorate the quality of the bow hair. If your bow hair does become discolored and loses the required friction, don't fret - you can head over to your local luthier to have the bow re-haired. Bows should be re-haired every year anyway!
Shoulder Rest
The violin shoulder rest is secured to the underside of the violin to lift the violin closer to your chin, making it easier to hold. Shoulder rests are also available at all string shops. Make sure you buy one that is the correct size for your violin - if you buy a quarter-sized violin, buy a quarter-sized chin rest or a shoulder rest sponge, which is secured using rubber bands. Take the shoulder rest off when putting the violin back in the case. Most will fit near the scroll inside of your case.
Music Books
I teach using the Suzuki Method and I Can Read Music, vol 1: Violin. These two methods combined successfully teach students to read music, as well as play enjoyable music.
If you are in orchestra or violin class at school, I am more than happy to help with this as well!
Tuning Your Violin
From the highest to lowest string, the violin tuning is E, A, D, G. I suggest waiting to tune your violin until the first lesson so that I may assist you.
Violins often have tuning pegs as well as fine-tuners. The tuning pegs are held in by tension and must be pushed in toward the scroll while turning or else the string will come loose. No worries if this happens! As long as the string isn't broken, it can be tightened and re-tuned. The 4 tuning pegs are located at the tip of the violin, wedged into the scroll.
Fine tuners are easier for beginner students to use. I'd suggest only using fine tuners when a string is within a half step of the appropriate note. The fine tuners are located at the lower end of the violin on the tail piece.
Bow Tension
The bow must be tightened enough to hold the tension required to make sound, but not tightened too much. Notice how the bow is curved toward the bow hair when loosened? Do not tighten your bow to the extent that the bow loses the curve! If the bow is too tight, it will be harder to control and there's also a risk of snapping the wood. The adjustment button is located at the very end of the bow.
Loosen the bow hair when you're finished practicing!
Final Thoughts
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be! I will assist you through this process. You'll be a violin pro in no time!
-Sarah
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