Violin Forum/Message Board

[lovetheviolin]

So as mentioned before in a previous post, I am planning to start the violin now in about three weeks with a tutor; however, I've been reading that online lessons or a series of DVD lessons are valuable and very possibly better because you can watch the videos as many times as you want, it's a lot cheaper, you can learn at your own pace along with learning pieces that you want to learn (rather than what the instructor wants you to learn). I was wondering if, as an ABSOLUTE beginner (meaning I've never picked up a violin before, though I have had 5 yrs guitar experience) if a tutor would still be best or would videos be good? Should I move to videos after a tutor shows me the ropes for a while? What are your thoughts on the matter. I honestly feel I have talent in the area of music, so I am very optomistic about learning the violin though I still respect it's difficulty. I just don't want to be "slowed down" by a tutor (is my main concern). Thank you all so much!!
_________________
That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you... Haven't you ever felt that way about music?
-Andy Dufresne; The Shawshank Redemption

[caeman]

You will probably learn a lot from the DVDs. But, you might want to consider one lesson with a teacher, just to make sure you have your hand position correct, etc. Things that having a second person there would be good for.

Otherwise, I have 99% used the internet to learn to play Harmonica. Same for bass guitar. I will be trying the same route when my rebec is finished. There aren't many sources for playing rebec, and I doubt any teachers in my area.

[Shirley]

Hello again, LTV: Good to see you back!

The web and DVDs are indeed a marvelous way to review things you have learned from a real live teacher, and sometimes you get some nifty tips on line (I love to read and hear everything I can about playing).

However, you have to carefully screen the info you get that way. One can learn many things on one's own, and if you really don't care what you sound like, or really don't want to learn quickly and properly, then DVDs or online is OK. I don't think you would be happy with the results, being the musician you are.

Stick with your original plan of a "tutor," at least for a while. You may well decide that you really appreciate personal instruction - it is extremely difficult to see the "mistakes" you are making yourself, where a teacher can spot them immediately - it's almost uncanny! And it will save you a lot of grief.

Playing violin is hard enough, without making it more difficult and frustrating for yourself.

It is, of course, up to you - it's just SO much easier and productive, having a teacher.

I don't mean to sound as though I'm issuing dictums from on high - just from experience

Good luck!! Shirley

[lovetheviolin]

Shirley! Good to hear from you...
thanks for your reply, it was very helpful, satisfying,...and determining: I'm going with teacher. I was going to anyway I think, but this convinces me even more. And I don't think you're, " issuing dictums from on high", but rather just giving wise counsel from experience. Hope things are well with you, God bless...and I'm so EXCITED! for my lessons!! woo-hoo!!!!
_________________
That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you... Haven't you ever felt that way about music?
-Andy Dufresne; The Shawshank Redemption

[Becky]

lovetheviolin, glad to hear you're sticking with a teacher. You made a wise choice. Shirley was absolutely correct in her reply.

[lovetheviolin]

thanks becky. it was good to hear it from someone else rather than just reading stuff; and though i've never met any of you, i trust your wisdom =) I'll let you know in a few weeks how the first one went. Take care!!!
_________________
That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you... Haven't you ever felt that way about music?
-Andy Dufresne; The Shawshank Redemption

[mshikibu]

>> I've been reading that online lessons or a series of DVD lessons are valuable and very possibly better because you can watch the videos as many times as you want, it's a lot cheaper, you can learn at your own pace along with learning pieces that you want to learn (rather than what the instructor wants you to learn).

I don't know where you read this but it is not, in my experience, accurate. IMO, there is no substitute for individual, private instruction. Cheaper? I don't think it's even cheaper, in the long run; you will have to discover this on your own, but if you were to take the advice of experienced teachers (pretty much all of them), you will find a private teacher.

[Shirley]

Caeman - by the way, are you yourself making a rebec, or perhaps having one made? Amazing!

And why would you think that it might be difficult finding a teacher in your area?

I sure would like to hear more about this - as well as finding instruction on line - is there any? Or a DVD? I wouldn't think such a DVD would be a really big seller!

Please keep us informed? And good luck!

Shirley

[caeman]

The rebec is being made for me. See the maker's part of the forum for pictures.

From the research I have done on the rebec, it was played in one of two methods: the butt held to chest, or vertically in your lap (like playing a cello). It only has 3 strings, tuned to DAE, so violin music is available for me, but I just won't have the low of a modern violin.

It seems to me a major part of a live violin teacher is getting hand position, bow position and such correct, so you can produce good sound. Given that the Rebec uses such a different position, I am curious as to how a modern violin teacher could adept to helping me.

[Shirley]

"I am curious as to how a modern violin teacher could adept to helping me."

Boy, Caeman, I'm curious, too! Are their other - perhaps eastern - instruments that are played on the knee? How do fiddle players do it, who hold the lower bout against their chests? Curiouser and curioser!

(I agree with you about the direction a teacher can give a beginner, and I find that advice on actually making music is invaluable - little hints that I doubt I could get from a DVD - but they might be available!)

I sure hope you come back to this part of the forum, and tell us how you like your rebec, and how the heck you play it!

Good luck with your project!!

Shirley

[mecqna]