The Violin

The violin is a strange musical instrument. It has almost an air of exclusivity surrounding it as a choice of many individuals yet the numbers are hardly perceived to be high. There could be some reasons to that which will be considered later on. But make no mistake about it - the violin is a popular musical instrument of choice, and produces music of such beauty, clarity and variety that its presence in our world cannot be discounted.

There are basically two types of violins that one can choose to learn to play. There is the ever present acoustic violin, which is what most violins one sees. The electric violin is a distant cousin of the electric guitar, with pickups inserted to allow the acoustic version's sound waves to be picked up and amplified for larger sound systems. For the budget conscious, there is some bad news. Both forms of violins will set you back a sum of money. They do not come cheap, and that is also why many consider violins to be a mark of a highly skilled, professional or a musician with high standards and demands.

It is also quite difficult to learn how to play the violin. The most popular choice is to sign up for lessons with a professional violin teacher. This is not always the best option though. Many beginners have given up after doing so, as the teachers and lessons are often strict and boring. Professional violin teachers also teach with the aim to get students passing official music exams, without encouraging exploration, experimentation and diversification of their musical education.

How hard is it to play the violin? For one, knowing how to hold the instrument itself can be complex and takes time to master. There are several key areas that has to be taught and practiced for many hours to perfect them. Placing your chin on the shoulder rest is one main sticking point. Holding the neck in a proper manner is also critical and difficult to learn at first. Even techniques such as vibrato must be practiced, although this particular skill is often a matter of personal style and preference.

There are other areas that has to be studied with great dedication. When it comes to playing the violin, music scales are the first and foremost that is taught and learned. Violins are usually viewed as lead instruments, although they are a main and fundamental part of any backing section of an orchestra. Scales have to be practiced for endless hours before one becomes comfortable with them.

If learning from a professional teacher can be restrictive, how else can a beginner learn how to play the violin? There are some who recommend being self taught, but that solution is most suited for the most disciplined and passionate aspiring violinists. There are actually many violin DVD titles available that can show you the ropes, or strings. But some might feel there is a lack of a human presence and guide.

Trying to master violin via lessons on DVD has its advantages and disadvantages. For one, you can do so in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This is highly suitable for busy people or need some flexibility in their schedules, which music schools cannot provide. Also, it is one price for a lifetime of violin learning, and the ability to revise and rewatch the DVDs at will which saves one a lot of money and problems of forgetting something they might have learned previously with regards to various violin playing techniques.

Another method of picking up this highly cultured musical instrument is through the increasingly popular online violin lessons. With the advancement of Internet technology, violin lessons can be taught online in every form possible, from video to audio, to a mixture of both. This is very much better than in the past when only static graphics and theory could only be taught via the computer, or through some violin music software. Using violin online lessons has also been used to complement both beginner and professional violinists in their neverending desire to improve their skills and techniques.

With the improvement in online technology, there are also available reviews of both online resources and violin DVDs. These are provided by violin players who have either used or bought these resources, and are sharing their opinions through online reviews, for the benefit of other aspiring violinists who might be considering spending their hard earned money on these. It is a great way to share, grow and improve with the introduction of highly advanced technology through the Internet for the benefit of musical progression.