VIOLIN
The violin is a very popular instrument for beginners,
and is one of the most widely used instruments in the world.
AGE TO START
The Suzuki string method was designed for pre-readers as young as age four, with family involvement as the critical component, since the children are so young. Parents attend the lesson with their child so as to guide their practice at home. Children are fitted with a violin that suits their arm length and play a larger instrument as they grow. The initial Suzuki technique teaches the violin without actually reading music, however, some violin teachers segue into note reading as the student’s interest and readiness dictate.
Other students are given the opportunity to start violin, viola, cello or bass between the fourth and sixth grades in school programs. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin instrument study, as their learning will take place in the context of the full orchestra of sounds. Not only are they experiencing a rich musical environment, but are experiencing the immeasurable benefits of being a part of a group that feels like a “musical family” during that vulnerable pre-teen time of life.
The Suzuki string method was designed for pre-readers as young as age four, with family involvement as the critical component, since the children are so young. Parents attend the lesson with their child so as to guide their practice at home. Children are fitted with a violin that suits their arm length and play a larger instrument as they grow. The initial Suzuki technique teaches the violin without actually reading music, however, some violin teachers segue into note reading as the student’s interest and readiness dictate.
Other students are given the opportunity to start violin, viola, cello or bass between the fourth and sixth grades in school programs. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin instrument study, as their learning will take place in the context of the full orchestra of sounds. Not only are they experiencing a rich musical environment, but are experiencing the immeasurable benefits of being a part of a group that feels like a “musical family” during that vulnerable pre-teen time of life.
ABOUT THE VIOLIN
The violin is the highest member of the violin family is a chordophone (a bowed stringed instrument) with four strings and a fretless fingerboard. The bow is a gently curved stick of wood strung with horsehair. Violinists play by pressing the fingers of their left hand on the strings, and drawing the bow across them between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge.
Violins make up the largest section of the modern orchestra, and generally account for more than half the players. Violins also are used in smaller ensembles, including string quartets. The instrument itself is also know as a fiddle when used in country and Irish folk music.
The earliest violins emerged as early as 1500, but the craft of violin making reached its pinnacle during the 17th and early 18th centuries by the renowned violinmakers Stradivari and Guarneri, and Stainer.
The violin is the highest member of the violin family is a chordophone (a bowed stringed instrument) with four strings and a fretless fingerboard. The bow is a gently curved stick of wood strung with horsehair. Violinists play by pressing the fingers of their left hand on the strings, and drawing the bow across them between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge.
Violins make up the largest section of the modern orchestra, and generally account for more than half the players. Violins also are used in smaller ensembles, including string quartets. The instrument itself is also know as a fiddle when used in country and Irish folk music.
The earliest violins emerged as early as 1500, but the craft of violin making reached its pinnacle during the 17th and early 18th centuries by the renowned violinmakers Stradivari and Guarneri, and Stainer.
