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Question: Tips for a starting e-violin player!?
Hi everyone,

I've have been fascinated with the sound of violins ever since I was young but due to the lack of funds my family would never allow me to learn or own a violin!. I do not blame them or hold a grudge because they really wouldn't be able to afford it back then!. Right now I am 22 years old and I am starting to gather my own funds from working and I would love to start playing the violin!. I'm very dedicated and really want to learn how to play properly!. Of course I'm a total newbie at this so I wouldn't even know how to start so I have a whole lot of questions for you all!.

1° How hard will it be for me to become good on the electric violin at the age of 22!. A friend of mine said I shouldn't take it up anymore since I started way too late and I will probably not have developed the talent needed to become a good player!. I have never ever played an instrument before except for the mandatory flute lessons in elementary school!.

2° I am planning to get an electric violin because I won't be able to practice except for in early morning and late evenings/nights and I don't want to bother my neighbors or roommates!. I have no idea which violins would be right for me though, I don't even have an idea of good brands for electric violins!. A violin playing friend advised me to get a very cheap one (Stagg EVN 4/4 PK Electric Violin Outfit in Pink) to first start out with!. She said it's a great practice tool and will be more than enough to master the basics!. Does anyone have experience with the same violin who can give me some feedback!?

3° Is it possible to learn the basics by yourself or online lessons!? I won't have enough money to start taking professional lessons right away but I don't want the violin to just lie there to gather dust until I can afford it!.

I hope you can help me out on this matter!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Yes it is possible to self-teach, even at the "advanced" age of 22 -- but if you want to play classical music, you should probably start with lessons with a classical violin instructor, just to make sure you're not inadvertently developing bad habits or poor technique that will hold you back later from being able to play as well as you want!. To play classical music properly, the "correct" technique is essential!.

OTOH, its been my observation that a lot of folk and bluegrass fiddlers are self-taught!. I taught myself to play the fiddle (Southern Appalachian old-time square dance tunes, and bluegrass) starting at the ripe old age of 33 (I'm now 50)!. I had several years of experience with old-time music before taking up the fiddle, however -- I already played guitar, banjo and some mandolin, and knew a lot of tunes in the old-time repertoire!. I also knew a number of old-time fiddlers and other musicians and participated regularly in jam sessions!. So I had a very good sense of the sound and style I was trying to emulate, and even though I didn't take any formal lessons, still I had the opportunity to play with, listen to, and watch several good fiddlers on a regular basis, and they were very gracious about answering my questions about fiddle playing!.

If you're going to teach yourself to play folk or bluegrass fiddle, I would strongly recommend you find a local fiddler who plays the style you want to learn, or a traditional Irish music jam group, or a local folk or bluegrass or old-time music association that runs open jams where you can listen, watch, ask questions, play along, and use them as a resource to help you learn!.

As for the electric violin, I don't know the one you mention but I have heard good things about Yamaha's Silent Violins -- you can play them through a headset so you don't disturb anyone while you're practicing, and they sound good enough that you can eventually plug them into an amplifier and play them out loud, so to speak!.

Eventually, though, if you're playing either classical or folk styles and want to play with other people some day (one of the most fun reasons for taking up any musical instrument!!), you'll need a regular acoustic violin as your electric violin with an amp won't be acceptable in classical or folk, bluegrass or old-timey circles!. Although if you have your heart set on playing rock or jazz violin, an electric instrument with an amp will be a perfect set up for you!.

FWIW -- I live in a second-floor apartment with neighbors on either side of me and downstairs, and play a regular acoustic violin!. I practice with a heavy brass mute on my fiddle, and it quiets down the instrument so that I never get any complaints from my neighbors!. You might want to consider getting a regular violin with a good mute, instead of investing in an electric practice violin and then having to buy an acoustic fiddle later!. Just a thought!.!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I've played violin for a few years, and I still take lessons from a real professional!. I don't think you can learn violin with out a teacher!. Everything about it is difficult, and to make it in tune, and everything, you will probably need instruction!. Starting up an instrument at age 22 is not bad, although it will be more difficult to begin not being a 7 years old- the best time to start an instrument!. You will be able to play, if you practice!. I have never played the electric violin, but playing the regular violin is definitely not easy and will take a lot of work, but being able to play is very rewarding!. Good Luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com