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Hi! I just found this forum, and it seems like it's a little more...laid back? then some of the other ones I have found, so I made an account.
I'm a woman in my forties who just finished her master's degree this spring. Finding work has proved difficult because I was a stay-at-home mom for most of my adult life. I decided that I needed something to do other than obsess about my unsuccessful job hunting. A friend of mine who is around the same age as me has recently taken up the cello, and that inspired me to give the violin another go.
I played from 4th to 8th grade, and I never felt I got to where I sounded good. The students didn't really get any individual attention unless you were going to solo contests, and we were allowed to have a lot of bad habits and incorrect positioning, and as long as you weren't so bad that they could pick you out of the crowd, you were pretty much left alone. I've already learned that the way they taught me to hold the bow is wrong, that shoulder rests are actually important, and that you're not supposed to use your left thumb to brace up the neck of the violin like your thumb is the trunk of a tree, etc. (Although I must admit I like the wrong bow hold better.) We were never taught to loosen the bow, wipe the strings off, replace strings after a while...yeah, there's a lot I never learned.
I'm hoping to sound good this time, and I'm looking for a teacher. My adult daughter has been wanting to take violin lessons for a while now and it just hasn't worked out, so we're going to do it together. I can read music better than her, and I have a lot more experience with fingering, but with all that, we're pretty much on the same beginner level. 
Sorry for the long intro! Anyway, glad to be here.
~Sara
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Welcome to the forum, nykteria. You have come to the right place for help, encouragement and fun. You might find creating a blog might help you stay on course. Many of use have started blogs in the forum section. Here is the forum link for you:
https://fiddlerman.com/forum/f.....ers-blogs/
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great intro @nykteria, glad to have you! dont be a stranger..stick around!
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nykteria
Good to have you here, enjoy learning the fiddle.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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@nykteria Welcome! I started violin in my 40s (now in my 50s)—although childhood is a good time to start the violin, I think sometimes getting involved with music later in life just makes more sense. As a mature adult, you’re seeking it out—that makes you more focused & motivated.
Glad you found us—congrats on starting your new musical journey 
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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@nykteria Welcome! My family summer vacation was the Pacific Coast Highway. We flew to Seattle, drove to Vancouver, Canada, then back to Seattle and down to San Diego. I am a huge fan of the Pacific Northwest and would love to go back and spend a lot more time there. Pike Market is one of my favorite places.
Your story is similar to mine. I played 4th through 9th grade. I then moved schools and put it away until my son was in the 4th grade, so about 6 years ago. Then I picked it back up to see if I could play again. I also went back to school and got my Masters degree, I finished that about 7 years ago. Congratulations on that, it isn't easy. Good luck on finding a job.
This is a great place to learn. Everyone here is super nice and very helpful. Your journey will be enjoyable from here on out. Your sound will improve and you will find joy in a great instrument. Best of luck!
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@nykteria -
Welcome to the Fiddlerman Forum!
I think it's a GREAT idea to give the fiddle another go along with your daughter - you'll be wonderful support for each other!
Wish I could've done that with my daughter, but she's too busy with 7 youngsters - I'm 4 years into fiddling now & still feel lucky to get a few minutes of her time. 😊
What kind of music do you want to learn?
- Emily
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ELCBK said
Wish I could've done that with my daughter, but she's too busy with 7 youngsters - I'm 4 years into fiddling now & still feel lucky to get a few minutes of her time. 😊
What kind of music do you want to learn?
- Emily
I have seven kids! Mine are ages 11-22. They live with their father, so it's not like I'm trying to practice with seven kids around me, but I can relate to your daughter's busyness.
I'd like to learn probably more modern music, although there are many classical pieces I love and hope to learn. When I think of what I would play if I could instantly play any piece I want, the first pieces that come to mind are from anime, video games, or movie soundtracks. I played in jazz band (trombone) in high school and I really enjoyed jazz music, so I'd like to learn some of that, too.
~Sara
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That's wonderful!!!
We have threads here on all those types of music!
I can relate because I was always hearing anime, TV, or film music that either was played on bowed string instruments or I couldn't help but feel like they 'should' be played on a bowed instrument. (lol)
I have seven kids! Mine are ages 11-22. They live with their father, so it's not like I'm trying to practice with seven kids around me, but I can relate to your daughter's busyness.
Yep, you definitely know what it's like 🥰 our oldest Granddaughter just turned 11!
...now, just tell me you have a cat & we'll be instant buddies. 😄
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...now, just tell me you have a cat & we'll be instant buddies. 😄
I do, and a black kitty at that!
~Sara
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