When you go to a concert, have you ever wondered how to learn to play the violin to be as professional as the violinists out there? Perhaps you may need to take violin lessons from a dedicated and experienced teacher in order to achieve this.
You may think that this is difficult but do not worry.
Many people like you want to learn to learn to play the violin and they have achieved this goal.
In this article, I will share with you some time for you to learn to play the violin.
First tip: correct posture First of all, you will need to be aware of your posture when holding the violin and the bow in the beginning.
If possible, lean to play the violin with your teacher in a music room or studio that has a mirror.
During your violin lesson, face the mirror to ensure that you are standing straight.
Some people hunch naturally and this causes them to cramp up after some time when they learn to play the violin.
Second: hold the violin bow correctly The violin bow is a natural extension of your hand as you use the violin bow to play on your violin.
As such you need to know how to hold the violin bow correctly.
Place your thumb at the groove of the frog of the bow and your pinkie finger at the top of the end of the bow.
If you are able to balance the violin bow using only your thumb and your pinkie finger, you are half way there.
Next, close your second, third and fourth finger around the bow.
You are now ready to bow your violin.
Third: use a violin shoulder rest It is essential to use a violin shoulder rest so that your neck does not cramp up when you play the violin.
Good violin shoulder rests include FOM and Wolf brand violin shoulder rest.
There are different type of shoulder rests for people with longer neck so ensure you pick one that suits you.
After you purchase your violin shoulder rest, fix it to the base of your violin.
You should be able to balance the violin between your chin and collarbone if positioned correctly.
Fourth tip: hold the violin correctly As a beginner, you need to be able to hold the violin correctly.
Using your left hand, position the neck of the violin at the crook between your thumb and second finger.
Do not worry about knowing how to finger the strings to product the right notes yet as here, I am guiding you to bow your violin properly.
Fifth tip: bow your violin Finally, bow your violin right in the centre between the bridge and finger board.
Play a long up bow on one string, followed by a long down bow on the next string.
Move your arm straight up and down when you bow.
There you have it, you have learnt the basics of playing the violin.
Now you need to continue practising and look for a good violin teacher to guide you.