Welcome to our forum. A Message To Our New and Prospective Members . Check out our Forum Rules. Lets keep this forum an enjoyable place to visit.
Private messaging is working again.
Log In
Register
Home
Topic RSS
(0 votes) 
Offline
Please do not include video links or web links in this discussion. This is meant to be a discussion with your thoughts. To me, your thoughts are worth more than a video or web page.
Thanks for participating in this discussion.
Let's help new violinists, violists and cellist who have little or no line of support for encouragement or learning to follow their desire to learn and play.
What is the best advice, and why, that you can offer someone who has little or no means of support for encouragement or learning in his or her group of acquaintances, family or friends?
Why is this advice helpful and how would you suggest it be used?
Again, please no videos, Youtube or web links, your thoughts and words are important for this discussion.
Learn Violin and Fiddle
on
Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
Offline
For me, the best advice I can give is to search for a support group (ie forum) to assist and encourage you. The best would be in person and local, but this question assumes there is nothing available to the new violinist/violist/cellist. I think that is the case in a lot of instances. It should not deter one from following that dream.
I am not really big on forums or online groups, Facebook (I don't use Facebook), etc. I searched for help online, via videos, etc. The videos were nice, and helpful, but there was no interaction. I tried a couple forums. I stopped looking when I found this forum.
This is what I find helpful with this forum:
1. Friendly members
2. No snippy replies for common questions that have been asked frequently. It does not matter on this forum if a common question is asked over and over. You will get new, fresh answers. That is an excellent point to look for when searching for a forum on bowed string instruments. This may be what I find most important. I am not afraid to ask a question.
3. The owner of the forum takes part. The forum is monitored. The owner actually makes comments and answers questions. Some forums are there, but there really is no appearance by the person who started it. To me, that says, the forum owner is not serious.
4. A big part is that a forum is fun. This forum is fun. Keeps interest. Encourages members (badges for instance). Members are encouraged to share their progress or ask for help by sharing videos, but this is not a requirement. You can learn by watching videos posted by those of your level, or higher. There is great learning ability from this.
5. Many topics to choose from and join in on, some off-topic. Off-topic offers a chance to leave the instrument world and still be among friends. We all need a break to have fun with friends of like interests.
So, when looking for a forum, these are some qualities to look for.
This is not meant to be an advertisement for this forum, it is what drew me to it, and what has kept me here. I hope this helps in your search for support and encouragement. Both of these will be so important to your journey.
Learn Violin and Fiddle
on
Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
Regulars
Offline
I think the question has been answered above.
Personally bloody mindedness and perseverence, the will not to give up when it feels you are going no where, being inspired to learn as I was.
Above all you have to have a love for the instrument and celebrate every small success, what matters is the enjoyment that learning brings. for me the first time I learned a tune by actually reading the music was magical, the thought of being able to translate these dots, written hundreds of years ago into sound, is really something else.
Cant beat a sunny day
Offline
I like your answer @stringy. Perseverance is excellent, not giving up. Great advice.
Learn Violin and Fiddle
on
Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
Offline
Stringy, and anyone else, I was wondering, is there a combination of tools or formats a new learner can use that you find beneficial? Would maybe using an informative forum combined with people who have free online lessons be better than the forum on its own?
I am wondering if you think that maybe using too many formats, sites, books, etc, can lead to confusion or is there a happy balance that you find useful.
Learn Violin and Fiddle
on
Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
Regulars
Offline
I used the Applebaum violin books, and suzuki intonation method. Using too many different learning books in my opinion is pointless, you flit from one to the other, the Applebaum books cover most things until you get the basics.
A forum with frèe online lessons would definately be the best way to improve, but I dont know of any, and if any did exist I cant see how they would work, when would the teacher get the time, to do it, also would it have to be a class lesson, if so his would be difficult as most people on forums live in different ti e zones, great idea though.
Scales, scales scales, as well as arpeggios. and dominant 7ths.
Cant beat a sunny day
Offline
Never said no internet. I said they have nobody rooting for them, no way to get lessons. Just pretty much on their own. Just a discussion to help them find the encouragement they need, the information they need, etc, on their own.
Learn Violin and Fiddle
on
Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
Regulars
Offline
some thoughts..possibly just blather but the way I try and look at learning fiddle
too many resources can muddy things up, I think I agree with that feeling. Im the worst at getting tune books or stylistic books. Theres been some good buys but alot collect dust. Time diving off into another tune or style would probably be better spent concentrating on what i already have. I personally had to make a descision to just concentrate mainly on one style for a while and not worry about the other. Not to say I dont play others from time to time but the bulk of practice is devoted to one style. But, part of that process sorta led into the next point, so ...
Finding what you like and becoming immersed in that style can help. listen to alot of music in the style you want to learn. And when listening try and pick out phrases and ornaments ( if applicable ) not just listen as enjoyment...listen more sometimes to get a feel for more technical things..
Expect your gains to also be followed with setbacks and plataues.. understand that what may seem like a setback or you not getting anywhere is your ear getting better at picking out intonation and other issues.
Dont set your bar up to levels that are impossible atarting out. some of our favorite players have been at it for years if not a lifetime. They put in the work and sacrifice to get where they are musically. Dont think there is some timetable of progress you have to gauge yourself to. Like..oh by such and such month i should be doing this and if im not this must not be the right instrument for me. If you want to learn an instrument, youre on YOUR timetable not someone elses... and im speaking for the adult hobbiest mainly. The younger folks with professional asperations need other input. contradiction I know but I think there is some distinctions that make the situation different.
record often and listen back.. make mental notes of phrases or sections that need work..then actually follow through with working on that before moving on.
I think the forum is helpful in sharing your progress and getting feedback. nice place with people of similar interest. I think it can fill that need for bouncing ideas, likes, impressions off other people and getting input. But only if you use it. Dont be afraid to ask or share.
1 Guest(s)
ELCBK
Mouse
Fiddlerman
Jols
