FAQs for Beginners

Ready to start lessons? Not sure what you need, or how best to support your budding musician at home? I’ve put together a list of questions I’m often asked to help you on your journey to musical success.

* How do I know which I instrument to get? What size and brand will be appropriate?

To start off with, I recommend either Stentor or Primavera, as they’re reliable and sturdy. Secondhand instruments are perfectly suitable and are often preferable to brand new ones, as they will come set up and ready to play, and the sound will be more resonant and warm. Check the Links page for a list of suppliers. In general, avoid buying new unbranded instruments from EBay or Amazon! If in doubt, contact me for buying advice or to check over a new instrument. The size will depend on your child’s height and arm length, but loose guidelines are as follows: ages 5-6, 1/8; ages 6-8, 1/4; ages 8-11, 1/2; ages 11-14, 3/4; ages 14+, 4/4.

* What will my violin/viola come with? What else will I need to buy?

Your violin/viola will come with a case, a bow, and rosin. You’ll also need a music stand (a metal folding one is fine), a small notebook for me to write in, books, a music bag to keep your things in, and a duster for cleaning the rosin off the instrument. A shoulder rest is helpful but entirely optional as a sponge also works well for beginners.

* How often will my child need to practise? Will it sound really awful?

At the very beginning, little and often is the key to progress. Correct posture is crucial, and even 10 minutes of focussed and concentrated playing every day will help to create good habits and ensure a positive start. I start slowly, making sure that the instrument and bow are being held correctly before putting the two together. Squeaky noises are inevitable, but with proper technique they should be minimal!

* How long will it take to get to grade 1?

There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as every child will progress at their own pace. Having a musical background in piano or another instrument will help speed things up. Additionally, the more practice you do, the faster you’ll go! However, although exams are a helpful way of measuring progress, enjoyment of the instrument and creative development are much more important, so don’t worry too much if it takes a while to get to grade 1. The last thing to note is that violin and viola are not easy instruments to learn for a beginner and it can take time to fully learn the basics. Rewards do come later though, in the way of ensemble opportunities, breadth of repertoire, and bragging rights. :)

Happy practising!