Many adults who are interested in learning an instrument, specifically, learning the violin, aren’t sure if it would be worth the time, effort, or investment involved. They might feel like that it’s a task best left to the flexible fingers and absorptive brain matter of a younger crowd.
However, that is simply not the case. Sooner is not always better. Starting violin later in life offers a host of wonderful advantages and benefits for the student. And although certainly younger beginners enjoy the plusses of passionate oversight (through parental ‘encouragement’ and perhaps daily school-instruction), by starting violin later in life, you get to determine your own goals and measure your own success.
An Assured Decision
You’ve looked and compared, and weighed the pros and cons of learning to play the violin, so you know that this is something you want to do. But, many older students suffer from a bit of embarrassment about their decision. They think that perhaps an instructor will consider them foolish, or they’ll be stuck in a class with a bunch of grade-school age children and feel out-of-place.
However, there are many different ways to learn, and starting violin later enables you to take your time and choose the right method of instruction. One that will work with your schedule and offer progress according to your personal goals. Learn more about some of the best ways to learn to play the violin.
Bringing the Right Mindset
There are a few pitfalls that can plague older students when it comes to any form of musical instruction. Children have the advantage of less-firmly established perceptions, they don’t know how they will perform or expect themselves to advance in a certain time-frame. But, when starting violin later in life, you have to shed the pre-conceived notions you may have already formed concerning your ability.
Approach the entire process as a completely new experience. Don’t hold yourself to some impossible standard, or think that because you’re still having a hard time memorizing and learning to read music after a few months that you’ll never get it. This kind of mentality will only serve to diminish your enthusiasm for playing the violin, which can cause you to give up.
By accepting the fact that learning a new skill will require patience, you can help head off any counter-productive thinking that will hinder your enjoyment and success.
Physical Exertion
Know that playing the violin will not feel natural at first. In fact, it’s just plain awkward and uncomfortable before your body becomes used to the position.
Many people starting violin later in life think that their discomfort is a sign that they should choose another hobby. But, don’t believe it. It is hard for everyone to hold their body properly when first learning to play the violin.
The key is to take your time learning the proper mechanics of sitting, holding the violin and the bow properly, and bowing correctly. A little extra effort on your part to ensure that you get the method down appropriately will reap huge dividends in the level of proficiency you achieve. And don’t worry, you’ll get used to it quicker than you think.
Choosing the Right Instructor
Learning to play the violin on your own can be extremely difficult. Fortunately, there are many great violin teachers who are happy to welcome adult learners. Download our informational guide on choosing a musical teacher. Or just follow these guidelines to help you decide on the right instructor:
- Arrange for a meeting to discuss your goals. If you want to “just have fun” learning a new instrument, or if you’d like to be able to play song “x,” by “x” date, communicate those goals to see if the level of practice required will conform to your expectation.
- Learning violin later in life means that you’ll possibly need to set up a specific instruction schedule, see if the instructor can work within those constraints.
- Take your time. You may want to start by viewing beginner lessons online to make sure that you understand what’s involved.
- Choose a “teacher,” someone who excels at instruction and who enjoys it. You’ll learn better from someone who is passionate about helping others learn.
- Choose someone who you feel comfortable around. If you’re always thinking about something else or trying to act a certain way, actually learning the violin will be much more difficult.
Learning violin later, rather than during childhood can be a rewarding, expansive experience. The benefits you’ll enjoy are worth every exertion.
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