(Strings) Violin
Parents' Guide to Music Lessons

Can be played standing, sitting -- and even strolling!
Normally bowed, sometimes "plucked" (called pizziccato)
The violin is the soprano voice of the strings and most often plays the melody lines in the orchestra.

Viola. "fiddle" . . .

Suzuki method. Can start as young as 3 or 4.

Accessories needed:

• Case.
• Resin (substance rubbed on the bow hair helps it to "grip" the strings better). Strings. (tuners). Shoulder pads/rests.
• Bows vary in quality, weight and other playing characteristics. They are often purchased separately from the violin.
• Music stand.
• If the house is very low humidity, a humdifier might be necessary.
• Teacher might request:
  • Metronome. Makes a click sound at a steady pulse at selected "tempo settings" (beats per minute).

Maintenance:

• Strings will need to be replaced periodically.
• The bow requires hair replacement periodically (requires a professional).
• If the violin becomes stressed from extreme temperature or humdity change, the glue is designed to "give" at the seams to avoid cracking the wood. So periodically, seams must be reglued. (open seams will cause a deterioration in tone and volume).

Listening Suggestions:

• Beethoven - Violin Concerto in D Major, last movement
• Debussy - String Quartet, second movement
• Fiddle: Barrage. Mark O'Connor. Natalie MacMaster.
• Jazz:

Price Range: $125 to $15,000.
Violins created in the 17th and 18th centuries by such makers as Amati or Stradivari are still played today, continue to improve with age, and can cost up to $3 million. Even bows can cost $60,000! Fortunately, excellent sounding instruments can be purchased in the lower price range indicated above.

Also see:

Choosing a Teacher

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