More often than not, people would ask me how long it would take them to master the violin. I usually answer them back with a series of questions: What kind of lessons are you taking? How often do you practice? How do you feel about your instructor? Does your instructor inspire you to be better or is he/she taking away your motivation because of his/her methods? Are you getting frustrated?
These are only some of the questions that you need to ask yourself if you want to assess when you will be able to play confidently in front of a crowd (You might be already comfortable playing alone in your room but it will be a lot different to play for an audience.). There are a lot of misconceptions with regard to .
1. Some people think that if some of their family members are very good at it, playing the violin should come easily.
It may be true that some of us are equipped with genes from our musically inclined forefathers but this should not put an additional pressure to those who think they should master the violin as fast as their other family members. When it should serve as a source of inspiration, it is unfortunate to see that many people are being demotivated and are easily frustrated because of their family’s success in the line of music.
Please note that learning how to play the violin takes time and dedication. I am certain that our relatives who are violinists would attest to that.
2. Buying the most expensive violin in the market would make it easier for a beginner to learn how to play.
Many people think that the more expensive a gadget, the more effective and easier to handle it should be. They tend to forget the saying: “It is not the violin but the violinist.” Like in photography, many aspiring photographers are lured to buying the most expensive lens they can get their hands on. They do not know that looking for good photography lessons (from a known photographer) would have been a better option if they want to start right. That being said, beginners should invest a bit of time in looking for the appropriate violin. It should feel right and the violinist should feel comfortable using it. Ask around first, do some web research, make a shortlist of the models you want to try, then go out and ask again for the advice of the shop’s owner.
3. Skipping some of the exercises in an online violin course is alright.
This is what many people think and actually do. It is such a pity because they paid for the entire course but might probably miss on many important points. Unless you really know some sections 100% or you have tried the practice lessons elsewhere, you should never skip any lesson. Besides, if you are taking an , you can always do it anytime you want. So why not enjoy the whole course if you paid for it?
These are only some of the few misconceptions that I’ve heard from other violinists and aspiring violinists. If you have any tips, please free to use the comment section below.
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