Ohdanigirl Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I know this is probably on some thread somewhere, but have any of you used The Violin Book? My ds 10 is interested, but I'm not sure. I hear children should start playing violin much younger, and doing the math it would be very pricey since we would have to buy the violin, no rentals where we live. I have had no luck finding a private music teacher or school and I have been looking for some time. Ideas? Maybe point me in an other direction/instrument/program. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellogirl Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I started violin when I was 9. You could probably find an appropriately sized student instrument for $100 or less. However, I would not suggest violin as a learn-it-yourself instrument. It would be far too easy to learn incorrect technique, causing complex problems later on. Instead, I would suggest you start with piano lessons (though you could also go with guitar or something). It's a great introduction to music and it is much easier to pick up another instrument with a piano background. If you can't find a teacher, look for something like the Bastien series that can easily be used without a teacher. Of course, then you would need a piano, but every house should have one of those anyway. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohdanigirl Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 I was thinking the same thing. I was concerned that he might learn bad habits and then I would be scolded if/when we found a teacher. I think Guitar would be a good option. I've been told his fingers are too short and chubby for piano, although I don't know if that is really true. I will dicuss it with him and see what we come up with. Thanks again. Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in WA Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 For violin, lessons from a teacher are a must. My children have been taking Suzuki violin for the last few years and I am constantly amazed at the minute details needed for correct hand and wrist position for holding the bow, holding the violin and finding the correct note. Part of Suzuki is the parent taking lessons along with the student. I did this for awhile and it showed me that it isn't as easy as it looks. A book or DVD would help me remember the correct posture and way to play, but a teacher who knows what he/she is doing, it vital to learning! We purchase from a local music shop and also online at Shar Music (they have great prices). I would waiting to purchase until you find a teacher. He/She can help you make sure you have the right size violin and bow. Can your child take lessons at the local public school? My dad is an elementary orchestra teacher and always has a few homeschool kids in his class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohdanigirl Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 can your child take lessons at the local public school? My dad is an elementary orchestra teacher and always has a few homeschool kids in his class. I'm in Mexico, they don't offer that. The private schools do have extra classes but they are only for students (I tried). My husband found a local conservatory today, and is looking into a student or teacher from there giving lessons. The thing is that even if a school has a teacher, they do not want to give you any info because they want the money to go through them, yet my son can't take advantage of this unless I were to fully enroll him, which I won't/can't. It's like hitting our heads up against a brick wall. I hope we have luck with this new idea though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.