What No One Tells You About Playing the Violin

With all of the information available to us these days, there’s very little that isn't talked about. Especially if you have attempted to seek musical education from the internet, you may have come across multiple sources telling you things you should and shouldn't do when starting to learn the violin. Even with that being the case, what I’ve found is that there are a few things that often come as a surprise to people after they've started learning the violin.

So, today, I’m sharing 3 things no one is really talking about when it comes to playing this instrument we all love. If you’ve already started playing the violin, perhaps you can relate to these points, and if you’re thinking about playing the violin but haven’t started yet, hopefully this information will help you to be better prepared. 

1. The bow is the hardest part.

I hear this all of the time, especially from people who played other other instruments before picking up the violin - bowing is nowhere near the same as strumming. 

There are several elements that have to come together in order to create a smooth, clean tone, and you’ll inevitably find yourself working on your right hand technique more than you probably expected. To get a smooth tone on the violin, you'll need to pay a lot of attention to your right hand technique. Things like bow placement, pressure on the strings, and bow speed are super important. Even the angle of the bow can change the sound—just a tiny tweak can make it richer or scratchy. Plus, you'll need to adjust your bowing speed to fit the piece you're playing, which means developing a good sense of timing. If you need a little help in this department, check out this playlist, which has tips and exercises to help you master your bow. 

2. It takes time to get “good”.

If you’re wanting to learn how to play the violin in a month, you might want to rethink your strategy. The violin is an incredibly challenging instrument to learn, and it takes time - years, in fact, to become proficient. Just like learning a new sport, maintaining a consistent and efficient practice regimen is the best way to see long-term results. This is where seeking help from an experienced private teacher can be really useful. A teacher can offer real-time feedback and strategies to tackle obstacles, helping to build good habits and avoid bad techniques. They can also give you a personalized practice plan to support your individual goals.

3. It’s supposed to be fun!

With all of the focus on mastering notes, perfecting technique, and always working toward the next goal, many people often forget that playing the violin is supposed to be fun! Especially if you are coming to the violin later in life with a goal of personal enjoyment, here’s your reminder to have fun with your learning. Try mixing things up in your practice—play different music styles, improvise, or jam along with recordings of your favorite songs. Exploring genres like classical, folk, or pop can spark creativity and excitement. Also, playing with others can boost your enjoyment while strengthening your skills. Join a community orchestra or fiddle ensemble, attend jam sessions, or just have fun with friends. Sharing your musical journey can inspire and motivate you, reminding you that you’re part of a bigger community. Embrace the mess-ups—they’re part of the learning process. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, view them as steps toward improvement. Each time you play, you’re engaging in something fulfilling. So, take a break from the grind and remember why you love the violin. Whether you’re playing a simple tune or experimenting with new ideas, the key is to have fun. After all, music is meant to be shared and enjoyed!

Well, there you have it! Three things no one is really talking about, and most people have to figure out on their own after beginning to learn the violin. For more on this topic, watch the video below!