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What motivated you to start violin?
Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 Topic Rating: 5 (50 votes) 
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Fiddlerman
Fort Lauderdale
May 6, 2022 - 3:52 pm
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RDP said

Fiddlerman said
I really enjoying reading why you all started learning to play the violin. Thanks for all the great stories.

I for one started after a teacher came by with a bunch of instruments and I was able to hold one in my hand and pluck the strings. Didn't know what I was getting myself into did I? 😂

It could have been worse, you could have chosen the viola.  tongue

Can't stop laughing. Good one @RDP 🤣

For those of you not familiar, the Viola and Violists are frequently the butt of all jokes. The violists are frequently the ones telling them too. ROFL

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LinDee
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May 15, 2022 - 2:00 am
Member Since: March 8, 2022
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 We always had lots of music around the house.  My parents had quite a collection of country music, lots of stuff from 60's and 70's.  My older sister had a collection of rock music.  I even watched a lot of old, classic cartoons which featured classical music and big band music.  My mom watched tons of musicals.  To this day I love many types of music depending on my mood I guess.  (The exception being heavy metal and hip hop/rap music.).  My parents and the neighbors even had a living room band for a few years (country music).  All the kids were expected to go to bedroom or yard to play while the parents played - but I used to sneak in and sit out of the way - always preferred listening to them to playing.  Even though they never played anywhere they went all out and had mic's and speakers.  My dad learned to play guitar (our neighbor already played and taught him) and my mom and dad both sang.  Anyway, I always had the heart to learn music but we could never afford lessons when I was a kid and my parents just did not encourage me to follow up on my thoughts on this. 

So, I always hoped to learn several instruments.  I did get a guitar but for some reason I could never feel like I could play it.  I bought a piano but was not allowed to practice it (I had moved back in with my parents and the only place to put the piano was the living room - couldn't play during the day as my dad had a night job and slept during the day and my mom watched TV in the livingroom at night, so...)When I moved out I went to an apartment up 3 flights of stairs and no way to take the piano so my parents sold it. 

So, why the violin? Well, one of my favorite forms of music is bluegrass.  I often thought I might try the banjo some day - the fiddle just looked to hard.  But when I realized my granddad had played a little bit of fiddle (I only remember hearing him one time) my interest in it increased (was VERY close to my granddad).  I also realized I love ALL the music forms played with this instrument.  Eventually I inherited one of my granddad's 2 fiddles (another story). WISH I would have not given up on learning more instruments over my life.  WISH I had not put off learning the fiddle after I got it - lots of regrets and not sure why I still put off learning it for SO LONG, but, here I am now.  Can't make up for lost time, but hope to enjoy it as long as I can. 

Sorry, this is way too long - guess I am NOT good at "short" stories!  I've really enjoyed reading your stories - and, @Mouse -that's just too funny!!  and, btw, also love the cello - do any of you remember that scene in 'Fame' where the girl is totally into playing her cello? First time I ever even noticed the cello --  Wonderful instrument, beautiful sounds....

LinDee

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ELCBK
USA
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May 15, 2022 - 3:08 am
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@LinDee -

GREAT story - loved it! 

My Family had a big influence on me, too - not quite as involved with music as yours, though.  My Grandmother loved to play Show tunes on her Baby Grand, my Father made a big deal about listening to different music and he picked around a little on the piano and accordion. 

The stories I heard about my Grandfather were amazing - he died when when my Father was a teenager.  I was told he felt right at home playing the piano, as well as ANY string instrument he got his hands on - ukulele, banjo, guitar, mandolin, accordion, and harmonic, too.  But, for some reason, I don't recall anyone ever mentioning who played the 'Family' violin. 🤔

In my case, my parents wanted me to have lessons, but there was only one piano teacher nearby and a violin teacher in Elementary school - both soured me on learning.  I regret my parents didn't just try to find me different teachers...

Did you see this thread?  Can help you start thinking about sitting in on a jam with your fiddle.

https://fiddlerman.com/forum/m.....v/#p126816

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d8/5f/e1/d85fe146b2c4ae87264f7dd3813582ee.jpg

 

- Emily

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LinDee
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May 15, 2022 - 3:36 pm
Member Since: March 8, 2022
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@ELCBK - yes, our families and childhood experiences no doubt influence us - my other Grandfather played the spoons - most people probably don't think much of that, but he was really good.  He was a very interesting character LOL.  My step-grandfather has less influence on me, but he did play the accordian.  So, yes, lots of music around even though I was never encouraged to play anything myself.  Though I now live with my Dad and he is very encouraging and is happy to see the old fiddle in use.  He wants me to learn how to play chords and be able to accompaniment to singing. We still have the handwritten song book from his and my mom's singing days where my mom listened to songs over and over to write down the words - all old country hits. 

Anyway Emily I am sorry you had bad teachers or at least teachers  that did not work for you - a lesson for parents everywhere that want to encourage their children in music or other endeavors - not every child learns the same way...

LinDee

ps, will check out that video link, thanks

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