Sweetbeebie Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 My oldest has expressed an interest in playing the violin. We already have a large monthly for her cheer and private tumble lessons...so... Anyone know a good online or DVD course I could let her use to avoid the $50 an hour lessons:D A mom can dream right??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Do you play violin? If not, I'd really seriously suggest avoiding these. While there are a lot of DVD programs available, they're not going to be able to correct posture, hand position and the like, and not only can small mistakes there greatly affect playing and set up bad habits, they can also put your DD at risk for repetitive motion injuries. It's worth it to pay a teacher. Beginner lessons are usually 30 minutes, which helps to reduce the cost, and you might want to see if group or semi-private lessons are an option, which also reduces the cost. I'd also check with churches to see if any of them have music programs as an outreach ministry-such programs are usually less expensive, and some have really, really good teachers, especially for beginners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I just got this a month or so ago after attending their Fine ARts camp and it is FABULOUS. Now it is really made for ages 4 to 6 or so. There are two DVD's where Annie actually works with a little girl and it shows you the EXACT position. They are very, very picky about this. They go step by step on how to make a bow. There is a workbook as well. Then there is another DVD ( It is a 2 DVD set) that has the child play with Annie. It has such cut things like the Cheerio Bow. You make the correct bow hold and then put a cheerio on top and sing the song while you do motions using the correct bow hold. It is so fabulous. It may seem too young if you have a high schooler, but if you have an early elementary student, I cannot recommend this enough!!! http://www.lifeway.com/e8/shop/?N=4294882943&nru=1 Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 Perhaps you could also consider fortnightly lessons instead of weekly if you can find a teacher who will work with that. My DD and DS have lessons once a fortnight and we work hard while we are home to keep the skills up until the next lesson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtsmamtj Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 What about a high school student who plays and takes lessons looking to make a few dollars each week. This is what we have done for the past two years. The young lady that teaches my daughter only charges $5.00 per week ($20.00/mo) - my daughter is now in intermediate band and learning to fiddle. HTH T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Togo Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 I agree that violin needs to be taught with a teacher, and I suggest weekly lessons. As someone posted, you could start with a high school student, but a better option is to look a local colleges for community music programs. They often have undergrad or grad students teaching at reduced rates. However, if your daughter becomes interested in the instrument (or you want her to learn it as part of her education), find a professional teacher as soon as possible. Since the violin is a complex instrument, the student simply cannot progress with solid teaching, and if the student doesn't grow, they become discouraged. Dd is a violinist, and we spent many years trying to find a skilled teacher. Last year we found a teacher, trained at Peabody, and it has been worth everything -- increased fee, hard work, etc. Not only has dd's ability soared, but she has matured because of her work with the violin. I sit in on dd's lessons and watched yesterday as she listened to her teacher's suggestions, asked questions, made notes, etc., and I could see dd's ownership of the work. The maturity and responsibility have transfered to her schoolwork as well. The violin is a beautiful instrument -- portable, challenging, nuanced. Bonita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 Do you play violin? If not, I'd really seriously suggest avoiding these. While there are a lot of DVD programs available, they're not going to be able to correct posture, hand position and the like, and not only can small mistakes there greatly affect playing and set up bad habits, they can also put your DD at risk for repetitive motion injuries. It's worth it to pay a teacher. Beginner lessons are usually 30 minutes, which helps to reduce the cost, and you might want to see if group or semi-private lessons are an option, which also reduces the cost. I'd also check with churches to see if any of them have music programs as an outreach ministry-such programs are usually less expensive, and some have really, really good teachers, especially for beginners. One thing I was going to say is that sometimes your teacher doesn't do this!!! I went to this camp and found out all the things my dd was doing incorrectly. It wasn't until I watched the video that I understood. Our teacher had never demonstrated it that well at all. And he is the conductor of the youth symphony!!! Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1Togo Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 (edited) We've had poor teachers who do not know how to help students solve issues with their playing or develop performance strategies. Being a conductor or even an accomplished performer does not equal good teaching. A good teacher needs education in the pedagogy of violin; they need to be passionate about learning new techniques for teaching; and they need to be willing to play with and for the student, which is demanding. When a student finds someone like this, it changes them, and when you watch this type of teacher, it changes you as well. Bonita Edited September 7, 2010 by 1Togo Addition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 It's really best if an instrument, any instrument, is taught by a skilled teacher. It's better to start out with a good beginner teacher, not just anyone who can play. Starting out with bad habits can be harder to break later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweetbeebie Posted September 12, 2010 Author Share Posted September 12, 2010 Thanks everyone, you were great help. What Penelope said really hit home,when referring to "bad" habits are hard to break. We have girls join my dd's team that received improper gymnastics coaching all the time. They end up spending the better part of a yr struggling and relearn how to do even the most basic skill. Some get so aggravated they end up quiting:( Since it's something that's she's shown the interest in I need to start her off with the right violin and teacher. I guess I need to start researching violins now:) I'm just so glad she didn't choose a really loud instrument:) thx! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahv Posted September 12, 2010 Share Posted September 12, 2010 Choirfarm, Is there somewhere that one can see a clip of the Annie Moses curriculum? I'd love to sneak a peak.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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