Learning a new Musical Instrument

[Princessjen]

Hi,

Wondered if we have any musicians here or anyone who is just about to learn a new musical instrument.

I'm due to go to my first violin lesson on the 21st April and am a little nervous

I played a guitar at school and have taken piano lessons previously but I wasn't disciplined enough to keep up the practice and have since forgotten most of what I have learnt. I think now I am in the right frame of mind to know that it will be a long commitment and have chosen the violin as my instrument to master in my lifetime!

Was anybody else nervous before their first lesson and any tips?

x

 

[elsbels]

Hia!! What a wonderful new thing to start!!

My mum is a violin teacher, so naturally I played it too but I was useless, not because I was not naturally talented (although it could be that too) but basically I never practiced so it was never going to be good. If you've played guitar and piano and if you learnt to read music then you'll remember quickly I'm sure.

My top tip from personal experience is to play music you enjoy playing. I remember always preparing for piano exams and all that classical music, lovely as it was, was not my cup of tea and I therefore couldn't be bothered. But when my teacher gave me something I liked I used to practice for hours!!

Lastly, don't let anyone or anything deter you! If you want to do it go for it!!

Good luck!!

 

[Princessjen]

Thanks for the tips elsbels! Unfortunately I never got the hang of reading music, and was very guilty of writing the letters next to the notes I'm sure I'll get it this time around!

 

[elsbels]

It doesn't really matter if you write the notes in. I know loads of people who play the piano well and can't read a note. I'd love to be able to play by ear but I'm hopeless. I really have to practice just to be half decent!!

 

[and]

Remember the violin will sound like a tortured cat for quite a while... Takes practice but it's worth it

 

[Gecko]

I know this is an old thread, but this sub-forum seems a bit barren so I don't think thread revivals matter as much if others contribute a little later on. Anyway, I recently got a harmonica. I need to dedicate some time to it, but sometimes I do worry about the noise since I live in a flat.