Iona Catherine
Beginner Violin Hacks: DO's and definitely DONT's
So you want to learn how to play violin. Perhaps you've checked out YouTube and followed a few tutorials. Learned how to hold and rosin the bow (ish) and how to assemble the violin (sort of). But what next? Check out this DO's and definitely DONT's from professional violinist and tutor Iona Catherine to avoid a few classic beginner's mistakes and get ahead in your violin learning quest.
#.1 DO
✅ Set out your goals...
Why do you want to play the violin? To hit up your local folk club? Jam in a band? Join an orchestra? Learn that cool Beethoven Op.5 theme? Or the intro to Britney Spears' Toxic? Or even Oh Danny Boy? Whatever it is, have a goal in mind. Write it down and stick it on your music stand to remind you why you're spending all this time learning scales and exercises and bring positivity back into the room.
#.2 DON'T
❌ Put this (or any other version!) dreaded fingerboard sticker on your instrument...
This 'handy' (NOT!) finger placement sticker for your violin fingerboard seems too good to be true... and it is. Unfortunately every violin neck is a little different in length. So it is highly likely your sticker will be totally inaccurate meaning your muscle memory will at some point have to be completely relearnt. Oops! I am surprised how many of my students turn up for their first lesson with this on the neck. And it's not easy to get off either. AVOID. AVOID. AVOID.
