Is Violin Hard To Learn? (11 Things You Can Expect)

Violin is a fiddle, an instrument that appeared in the 16th century during the Renaissance era. It’s an essential part of classical and piano since it is the primary instrument for string quartets, chamber music, and symphonic orchestras.

Playing this instrument is challenging to learn because it’s fretless, and it will require lots of learning time, patience, and effort. Ready to dig into how to play this instrument? Let’s check it out!

Is Violin Hard To Learn?

Violin is hard to learn because it differs from other string instruments and has no frets. Lifting your fingers to press the strings, match the bow to the string, and mute other strings is a lot of hard work and practice. It requires excellent coordination, as well as a strong memory and concentration!

Learning to play the violin can be a rewarding challenge if you love music. It’s different from any other instrument, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

There are many things to expect while learning a musical instrument like the violin, and here are the top 11!

1. Bowed Stringed Instrument

A violin is a stringed high pitched instrument played with a bow. 

It has a body with a peculiar spherical shape, narrowed in the middle, with four strings and two f-shaped sound holes.

Violin makers use mostly wood to make the violin’s body, neck, and bridge. However, makers can use steel, perlon, or other synthetic string materials to string a violin. Additionally, the bow consists of wood and horse hair or synthetic materials. 

Due to its unique construction, the violin is a much more flexible and agile instrument that can replicate the human body. Even the neck, ribs, and back are human-like features!

2. Violin is the Most Difficult Instrument

Learning a bowed instrument, particularly a violin, is highly challenging.

For starters, various factors influence the sound produced by a violin in addition to finger placement, including pressure, speed, and the bow.

Additionally, the absence of frets on the violin forces the musician to rely on muscle memory to know exactly where to place their fingers. Meaning you need to train regularly for years to become a fine violinist. 

It is reasonable to expect to be at a ‘professional’ level in ten years. However, you can continue to advance even after you reach a professional level!

3. History & Mastering the Bow Hand to Create Sound

Historically, the word “violin” comes from the Italian word “Violino,” which is a shortened version of the Latin word vitula, which means “stringed instrument.”

It is the most common string instrument in orchestras today due to its exquisite aesthetics, magnificent sound, and lengthy history!

However, violinists will tell you that getting the bow hand to create the sound you want is extremely difficult. Everyone is different, and the pressure you should apply using the bow hand is also variable. 

The notes spread far apart, and we have to press the bow against each string and mute the others with the fingers of our left hand. 

As beginners, it’s possibly the most challenging part to master. However, once you get this right, the sounds you make will move many hearts.  

4. Fiddle Instrument and How to Hold a Violin

In the classical context, musicians referred to the term fiddle instrument instead of violin. 

To play this instrument, wedge the violin between the chin and the shoulder. 

Typically it would be best if you used the right hand to hold the bow. Remember not to hold it too tightly; squeeze and pinch gently between the fingers.

Finally, remember that the other four fingers press against the strings while the thumb and base of the index finger support the instrument’s neck!

5. Symbols and Musical Notes

There are numerous musical symbols, but the staff, clefs, and notes are the most fundamental.

Since music contains these fundamental components, it is essential to understand them to learn how to read music.

Some students learning this instrument have trouble deciphering and reading the symbols, musical notes, and pitch noises.

As a result, it might take longer for them to master the instrument, and they will take more classes to comprehend the skill!

6. Understanding Music and Learning Another Language

Understanding Music and Learning Another Language

Some students find that taking violin lessons improves their understanding of music. 

Others say they can improve their understanding of the music and boost their musical development by performing new violin genres.

Learning and mastering the violin can also increase one’s self-confidence, not just involving the violin but also in other areas of life.

While some students view it as learning a new language that expands their vocabulary in music written languages!

Finally, practice consistently. You can start with a short period, 15 or 20 minutes, and gradually increase it until you reach an hour!

7. Violin and Accessories

Choosing the right violin and accessories can also be challenging. The materials used determine the cost of the violin. Start by doing proper research on pricing and purchasing the right instruments. 

First, find a suitable violin that often costs $50 to $500, produces a high-quality, great sound, and is simpler to play for a beginner. 

Second, spend between $300 and $500 on accessories like a Bow, Case, Rosin, Music Stand, Tuner, and Instrument Care Package. It’s essential to keep your investment safe, so take good care of your instrument and keep it in a safe place. 

8. Online Violin Learning Resources

Online violin classes are one resource that can help you learn the violin and teach yourself how to play. These resources include Violin Videos On Youtube, Music For Violin, Tools For Tuning, and Violinists In A Virtual World.

There are several websites where you can take violin lessons, and both paid or free, like Richard Amoroso Offers Artistworks Classes, Violin Lessons on Udemy, Online Violin Education, Piano Lounge, and Violinspiration.

As well as that, a well-known violin course is Lindsey Stirling Teaches Violin and Arranging. The 15 video sessions in this course teach you how to develop your musical identity and inventiveness at the beginner level.

In addition to receiving free instruction, you may also pay for private one-on-one lessons with a teacher from Violin Masterclasses!

9. Long-Term Commitment

Start slowly but commit long-term! Thirty minutes a day is plenty for a beginner!

In setting up your pace, establish a pattern so that you can practice at the same time each day while knowing what to do, what to emphasize, and where to put your efforts.

As well as that, in playing the violin, you need to have a long-term commitment due to the reasons we covered earlier.  

Lastly, take breaks and maintain your health. You won’t have any energy left when you practice for a long stretch. 

10. Become a Professional Musician

In some cases, students with a strong passion for music transform the hobby of playing into full-time employment. 

You can land a career as a professional musician. You could play the violin at weddings, anniversaries, and other such occasions. Additionally, there are corporate events and venues. 

Moreover, there are opportunities to travel globally as a musician on cruise ships or in a musical.

You can also prepare for a career as a composer by learning the violin and obtaining a degree in music, whether that career involves writing original music for movies and television!

11. Poor Posture

When learning the violin, it is essential to have ideal posture, arm angle, height, and head placement. Stance is critical in playing the violin. 

In most cases, some students tend to slouch, not sit up straight, and are stiff in playing the instrument!

You’ll need to remind yourself to focus on your posture first constantly. Then, remember that good posture will come naturally as your muscles get stronger over time!

To learn more, you can also see our posts on Guitar, Accordion, Mandolin, and Trumpet.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the violin is an excellent instrument to learn because, as you play, it helps you to develop coordination and dexterity. It will take a lot of time and patience, but if you keep at it, you’ll soon be able to play some beautiful music yourself.

And while there may be more practical instruments that a new musician might consider learning, the violin offers unique benefits and challenges.

The classical violin could be a great choice if you’re looking for something to inspire yourself or someone you love through music!