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Hi Guys,
Glad I found this website. I really want to learn the violin, but everyone keeps telling me no and learn the guitar instead, cause it easier, violin it the hardest instrument to learn and do not waste my time.
The problem is, the violin is the only instrument that makes my hearts sings when l hear it play. I found great independent artist to legendary artist be it they play classical or current pop song, they makes me feel that the instrument is the best out there and able to sing beautifully because of the vibrato technique.
My goal is just to play my favorite songs, not for performance or other people. Just for my own amusement. So how long can you reasonably expect to be ok? I am looking like practice an hour or 30min a day, if I am not too tired from my job.
So any thoughts on whether a 28 year old like me should pursue? I have no musical background, i dont read music, I cannot distinguish c to c minor, I just want to learn.
Is there hope for me? All advise are welcome. : )
Stay Awesome Gotham
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If violin is what you want to play, then it would be silly to get a guitar instead.
When you play an instrument that you *want* to play, I think it is always more fun, even if it is a bit of work to learn. You don't notice the work so much when it is something you want.
I play several different instruments, including both violin and guitar.
No instrument is actually "easy" to play, if you want to sound really good on it. They all take some real work to get good on.
And no instrument is really too hard, if you are enjoying it and just wanting to get to the point where you can make some nice sounds and have fun. After you get to that point, well then you can decide if you are up for the work to get really good on it. Then you'll know better what it will take and if you are willing to commit to trying for it.
But if violin is the sound you want.. Go straight for the violin. Guitars are good instruments too, I like them both. But the one you want to play is the one where you'll enjoy the learning process the most and find easier to keep motivated on, i think.
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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Hi Daniel B,
Thanks for the encouragement. It helps making the decision easier. Guess I will sign up for the beginner class and take it from there.
Just out of curiosity sake, how long do you estimate 'good' will come to a new player to play a decent song, like Jason Mraz - I wont give up?
I am thinking like 6 months - a year, is my expectation realistic or should i aim longer?
Stay Awesome Gotham
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It really is impossible to say for sure. Every player is different, and progresses at their own rate.
But if you can manage to take lessons or a class, I think that almost always helps. If possible, let your teacher know what sort of music and songs you are interested in early on. It can help when the two of you are discussing setting reasonable goals.
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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Thanks for replying. Will inform my teacher about it.
Stay Awesome Gotham
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Welcome to the forum ysckyler.
It's better to begin working at learning to play the violin and set goals as you go. Really impossible to predict how long it will take to do anything. The path is more important than the destination. Hopefully the learning process will be enjoyable and you will get a lot of help here from a lot of great people.
Be sure to let us know how your first lesson goes. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
ysckyler said
The problem is, the violin is the only instrument that makes my hearts sings when l hear it play.
Welcome ysckyler.
Go for the Violin. It sounds like you have the passion to work through the process. And I would say start with the basics, then start setting your goals. Break them into small goals, and just learn one step at a time. Most of all have fun with it!
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Welcome to the forum ysckyler. It's better to begin working at learning to play the violin and set goals as you go. Really impossible to predict how long it will take to do anything. The path is more important than the destination. Hopefully the learning process will be enjoyable and you will get a lot of help here from a lot of great people. Be sure to let us know how your first lesson goes.
I will. Also I saw this in the internet, I will use his theory to see if I can learn to play the violin in 20 hours It will be a cool experiment lol
His name is Josh Kaufman, i found him on youtube. Thought it was an encouraging message to learn how to play.
His video in Ted Talk
Stay Awesome Gotham
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Welcome ysckyler.
Go for the Violin. It sounds like you have the passion to work through the process. And I would say start with the basics, then start setting your goals. Break them into small goals, and just learn one step at a time. Most of all have fun with it!
Basically yeah, I will start my lesson 26th of October, due to work reason. Once I am done with the project, I have free'er time all the way to new year. So can't wait.
I will continues to use the free lesson here to supplement what I learn in those class, once I am down to it. I will post a video to share with everyone.
Stay Awesome Gotham
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I can only echo what others have said. If the violin is what you really like and what you want to learn then by all means go for it. As far as being "hard" I wouldn't say it's particularly hard. Like any instrument it takes time and patience. Follow Fiddlerman's advice, learn the fundamentals and build on them and set goals for yourself Also, different people progress at different rates so don;t be discouraged if you don't seem to progress as fast as you might want. Just stick with it and you'll get there. We were all beginners at one time or another and you will find this group very courteous and helpful.
Welcome to the forum, ysckyler!
I'm really interested in that "violin in 20 hours" project! Please, keep us informed on it: how it goes, what goals You've set and how achieved them. Who knows, maybe others will want to try this theory....
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William,
I have always been told to follow my heart. I would give you the same advice.
To me, playing the violin is a continuous journey. I am sure Pierre is still learning things. I would say enjoy the journey.
I believe it is possible to learning what you need to know to get a tune out of your violin in 20 hours; however, in learning to play the violin, many things come into play. Muscle memory takes some practice and time.
Again, enjoy your journey. Welcome to the forums.
Duane
"Violin is one of the joys of my life."
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Crazymotive said
I can only echo what others have said. If the violin is what you really like and what you want to learn then by all means go for it. As far as being "hard" I wouldn't say it's particularly hard. Like any instrument it takes time and patience. Follow Fiddlerman's advice, learn the fundamentals and build on them and set goals for yourself Also, different people progress at different rates so don;t be discouraged if you don't seem to progress as fast as you might want. Just stick with it and you'll get there. We were all beginners at one time or another and you will find this group very courteous and helpful.
Thanks for the encouragement. I will definitely go for the violin now. I found a great learning center at my place, that charge reasonably and also able to rent out their violins for budding violinist. So cant wait to get started. I also bought a mute in advance, so I can train at night if i wanted to : )
Stay Awesome Gotham
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Mad_Wed said
Welcome to the forum, ysckyler!I'm really interested in that "violin in 20 hours" project! Please, keep us informed on it: how it goes, what goals You've set and how achieved them. Who knows, maybe others will want to try this theory....
Sure, when i started my lesson, i will create a thread that journal my progress. Actually i got this idea from the New York Times best seller Tim Ferris. His latest book is called "4 Hour Chef". Basically, his teaching you how to break down any skill, and learn them in short amount of time.
So i will use his theory, my expectation is 6 month to play a song i like. I choose bruno mars If i was your man. I like that song. Here a great violinist in youtube i found that the song to my opinion a perfection.
Enjoy!
Stay Awesome Gotham
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HDuaneaz said
William,
I have always been told to follow my heart. I would give you the same advice.
To me, playing the violin is a continuous journey. I am sure Pierre is still learning things. I would say enjoy the journey.
I believe it is possible to learning what you need to know to get a tune out of your violin in 20 hours; however, in learning to play the violin, many things come into play. Muscle memory takes some practice and time.
Again, enjoy your journey. Welcome to the forums.
Hi HDueneaz,
I agree with you the journey is also as important the destination. I will really like to play, and will be my life long hobby. And i too will take your advise and follow my heart : )
Thanks for the encouragement.
Stay Awesome Gotham
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Welcome Ysckyler
20 hours~~~~~~ Hmmm~~~~~ Now that's a positive attitude > a positive attitude is most important. Looking forward to your progress.
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I don't mean to scare you, but most of the estimate I've heard have been 10,000 hrs or 5 years.
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Who do you think came up with that estimate and based on what?
Some people can play simple music quite well after a month or less. Everything is relative. Expectations, how much (and the quality of) practice, and talent (plays a greater roll than people admit to).
In any case, plan on enjoying the journey.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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StoneDog said
Welcome Ysckyler
20 hours~~~~~~ Hmmm~~~~~ Now that's a positive attitude > a positive attitude is most important. Looking forward to your progress.
Yes i will. Even if i don't, i will enjoy it. I am looking forward to start my first lesson at October the 26th. Already order my violin mute, so i can practice till the middle of the night.
Stay Awesome Gotham
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screeeech said
I don't mean to scare you, but most of the estimate I've heard have been 10,000 hrs or 5 years.
Hi Screeeech,
I would strongly urge you to see the video i posted above by a guy name Josh Kaufman on - "The First 20 Hours - On how to learn anything", if you have the time and passion read Tim Ferris "4 Hour Chef" or The book : "Outliers". It would complete blow your mind on how you can learn a skill within 3 months to a year.
The 10,000 hrs rule or 5 years are referring to how long it takes to reach expert level or world class performance level.
My goal is to be good enough to play a song, in 6 month, and in a year I am able to read music fluently so I can play most song. So base on most material I read and video on youtube, and the encouragement i get here, this goal seems doable. It might be a little optimistic, but still i believe i can play a full 3-4 minute song within a year.
Stay Awesome Gotham
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