Violin Lessons in Grants Pass
Violin Lesson Options
The violin is one of the most popular instruments to play, and it's not hard to see why. It is a versatile instrument that is at home in any setting. The violin can be heard in rock, pop, country, folk, Broadway, and contemporary Christian styles in addition to classical music. It is enjoyed both as a solo instrument or in an orchestra, band, or string ensemble. Either alone or with other musicians, as you progress in your lessons the beautiful sound of this age-old instrument makes playing the violin a deeply satisfying experience.
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A Little Bit About the Violin The violin is a string instrument that is nearly 500 years old. It is the smallest, highest member of the orchestral string family which also includes the viola, cello and double bass. There are more violins in the orchestra than any other instrument - there can be up to 30! The violin is used in many styles of music including classical, country, blue grass, movie music, and contemporary Christian music.
What About the Fiddle? The violin and the "fiddle" are exactly the same instrument, but represent different styles of music and different playing techniques. The term "fiddle" is associated with folk and country music where it is played in a less formal style than the classical violin which is associated with orchestras and chamber music.
What Your Child Will Learn in Violin Lessons. In their first violin lessons your child will learn proper playing position and bowing technique, first scales, and classic songs with a focus on playing in tune. As your child begins to master these foundational skills, they may choose to explore fiddling or playing in contemporary and popular styles in addition to the traditional classical genre of violin music.
Your Child's Violin. Your child will need a violin that is the correct size for their height. Renting with the option to buy is a good way to purchase an instrument for your child's violin lessons, since rental plans usually let you trade your child's instrument in for a larger size as they grow. We recommend Great Northwest Music for violin rentals - they will be able to tell you what size is best for your child and get you set up with everything you need for your child' violin lessons. If you are interested in purchasing one or if yours needs repair or a new bow, we recommend Holst Violins, a home based violin-family instrument shop. . .contact Brad Holst at 541-622-3540.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of violin will my child need? Here are some guidelines:
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The student should be able to wrap their left hand comfortably around the curve of the scroll?
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There should still be some relaxation to the student's arm with a slight bend to the elbow.
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If student's arm is extended straight with fingers barely touching the scroll, the instrument is too big.
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If the student's left arm is bent at a 90 degree or smaller angle, the instrument is too small.
What accessories will my child need?
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Rosin
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Shoulder rest
How much will my child need to practice?
It will be important for your child to play the violin regularly to make progress in lessons. We recommend that beginners practice 15-30 minutes every day.
Playing the violin can result in sore fingers at the beginning, so it is may help to practice time into two sessions a day for 10 minutes with several hours in between to give sore fingers time to rest.
As your child practices regularly, they will eventually develop callouses on their fingers so that they no longer hurt. At that point, they can play for longer periods of time. The more time a musician practices, the faster they progress in their playing.
Jennifer Farrugia
Jennifer is an accomplished violinist and experienced violin teacher who loves to encourage, inspire, and share her love of music with her students.