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Well, I had a good run, learning how to play the violin on my own. Well, sorta. I did have the wonderful help of tutorials from this forum & Pierre's videos!
I actually think I need professional help. NO, not in that way! LOL But as in violin lessons.
I gave an Introduction to Music & Instruments Class to a bunch of kids the other day with hopes of bringing in new piano, guitar & trumpet students when something really cool happened! They all took to the violin and wanted to hear more! They seemed disinterested in the piano & guitar, I think that was because they're the most popularly taught instruments. But when my violins came out, the wild, young kids suddenly became perfect students & you could here a pin drop when I wasn't playing or talking!
I also had so many questions about violin and the biggest concern was cost. Once they realized that in some cases, it's cheaper & easier than piano or guitar, the flood gates opened & everyone wanted to know about violin lessons!
Most of these kids have no music program in their schools and come from a low income background. I told them that I would help them find the best deals on student violins in smaller sizes (simple referral to the Fiddlershop) and that I'd show them what I knew without charge because I'm still very much a beginner myself!
I want to get these kids started the right way because they've never had access to violin before and genuinely were interested in learning and having fun with it!
So, it looks like I have a lot of correcting to do on my own and need real lessons myself. The thing is, I have some challenges that I have to overcome. Lots of questions too! Maybe you guys can help me with your experiences!
1. I need to find an instructor that is willing to work with my spine injury
2. I need an instructor that will take my prior musical training into account. I don't do well with the Suzuki Method & I have more than 25 years of classical trumpet training.
3. I'm not sure about online lessons or in person lessons. How different are they & can online lessons be more difficult?
I did have an elderly lady, who had played violin for many years, come up to me and tell me that I had a lot of natural talent and that I should take lessons because I could be even better! She even said that violin was my true calling because out of all the instruments I played that day, I looked more natural playing it.
What do you guys think? The pickings are slim around here for violin lessons are and VERY expensive, but I think some sort of guidance is necessary now.
Thanks in advance!
~EJ
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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Hi there Buddy!!
I don't have the advice you need...but I am here to say..... GO FOR IT.
I can't think of a better thing... getting some lessons so that you can teach. It will be so fulfilling. I too have to get more lessons so that I can build a better foundation for teaching.
EJ if you get a chance to take "teaching the violin/viola" on Coursera.org it is a really nice free foundation for some teaching. (children). I loved that class.
I am thinking in five years to have a year 1-3 lesson plan worked out for beginners.
Go for it.
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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Thanks Toni!!
Everyone that has experience in violin keeps telling that I should....and that I probably should have YEARS ago! LOL They claim that violin is a natural fit for me and I took to it like a fish to water. And I did that in spite of the fact that it was physically hard because of my injuries!
But I have noticed that I'm stuck in 1st position, which is weird because I jump all over my bass guitar all the time! I've even done that on fretless basses, so frets weren't the reason! It's crazy!
I have taught lessons before, but never for violin & I don't feel like I'm qualified. But the best way to know if you've learned something is to teach it to someone else!
I'm starting to get more requests to play both private parties & public events, too. I even have a wedding next year! A friend, who plays beautiful classical guitar, and I, ran through Cannon in D and it sounded amazing! I just struggle with some of the advanced techniques.
I really feel bad for some of these kids, though. They've never been exposed to violins or other instruments an think it's sort of a rich mans luxury, to play.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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EJ... I am somewhat stuck in first positions still but I find songs that help me to move up the fingerboard a bit.
Even minor shifts as in FM's arrangement of We Wish you A Merry Xmas, Thaxted, Swan Lake. And the last verse of Sad Romance.
That is where I make a bit of my changes in learning to shift. As someone who plays from sheet, when there are shifts to be made, that the part that slows me down in the beginning and then I just go for it with notes on my sheet.
But I am a weakling out of First position and Not quite even a queen of the First pos. YET. But it's coming.
I to have had offers to teach but I refuse to do it until I have all the ducks in a row for teaching.
YOU can do it... I am so happy to see that you are playing and loving it. (ps.. I got an EV, you might have seen that on FB.)
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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With your type of injury I believe you could use some private lessons in person rather than online in conjunction with a physical therapist. I don't think you would need that many but a few where the two could work together and find solutions. I would gladly volunteer but you would have to travel to Fort Lauderdale. The lessons are on me and I may even be able to supply the physical therapist.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Fiddlerman said
With your type of injury I believe you could use some private lessons in person rather than online in conjunction with a physical therapist. I don't think you would need that many but a few where the two could work together and find solutions. I would gladly volunteer but you would have to travel to Fort Lauderdale. The lessons are on me and I may even be able to supply the physical therapist.
I think you're right Pierre and I'm honored that you would offer your time. That is something that I would love to pursue! I've had therapists work with me in the past, but never with someone familiar with violin.
I know my wife & I are in dire need of a vacation as well. We were originally planning on going to Orlando this year and staying with friends in Ocala. That didn't exactly pan out as Mr. IRS nailed me on my Social Security Disability return. That & my friends moved out of Florida.
But that gives me something to work for! Maybe I can raise some money by playing little corner "pop up" concerts and teach some basic music lessons on my good days.
I really believe that there's so much that can be explored and learned when putting music with and injury or disability. We always here about the mental & psychological benefits of music, but never the physical. Let's face it, playing an instrument is physical!
I've been blogging about it and seeing what others think & I'm starting to find people all over who are interested in playing an instrument but always thought that their impairment would keep them from playing.
I'm going to work my hardest and see what I can come up with, @Fiddlerman . It sounds like an amazing idea with nothing but good coming from it that can be shared!
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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