I recently decided to take up the violin again. I had played it for five years (fifth grade through tenth grade), and then gave it up for about three years. Now I’m sitting here with a violin, a bunch of old Suzuki music books, and some various other songs that I’d played, and I really don’t know where to go. I used to be quite good, and, with the help of my private instructor, advanced very quickly. Now, however, I don’t have the time or the money to take lessons again. I’ve been trying to play, but I’m not making nearly as much progress as I feel I should be, mostly because I always before had someone to show me what I was doing wrong and how I could fix my problems. So, given that I’m a broke college student who knows no other violinists, how can I go about relearning the violin? I’m doing this for enjoyment and not for show, so I don’t particularly care about being great…but I don’t want to sit there reinforcing bad habits every time I practice. Any suggestions?
IANAV, but I would simply watch a few orchestra musicians and observe their technique, then just start. Perhaps your old knowledge will come back as well? Also, maybe some advice on technique exists on the Internet?
It’s funny, a lot of things are “like riding a bicycle—one never forgets”, and musicianship doesn’t really seem to be one of them. Hopefully YMMV.
I forgot—try practicing in front of a mirror as well, to make sure you get your form down-pat.
Perhaps I should clarify…I think I’m ok with form and technique – in that sense it does seem to be like a bicycle. I’m more concerned with playing pieces accurately, and figuring out ways to tackle difficult passages that I no longer remember playing.
As has been previously mentioned, relearning the violin would be analagous to riding a bicycle - just a heck of a lot tougher sticking the baseball cards in the spokes.
Sorry - I couldn’t resist. (That’s from “Airplane” by the way)
A couple years ago, I decided to pick up my violin after **thirty-eight **years. I used to be pretty good, but obviously 38 years is a long time. First I blamed my miserable performance on the instrument, which was pretty crappy even back then. I now have a much better violin, and I’m noticing some really basic things that I’m not doing right.
For one thing my fingers just won’t move the way they used to; I can’t get up to speed with my left hand. Also, my vibrato really sucks - I always supported the instrument with my left hand, rather than my chin, and I’m wondering why my old teacher never got me to break that habit.
Anyway, as they say: practice, practice, practice. You’re not under any pressure to perform for anyone but yourself. Listen to recordings of the pieces you’re learning. If you know how the music should sound, your ear should be able to tell you what you’re doing wrong. Since you’re a college student, maybe you could contact a music teacher at school; even if it’s only for one lesson, he could give you some general advice that wouldn’t necessitate an ongoing commitment.
Good luck!
I’m in the same boat as panache45, only I had a 5-6 year hiatus. Only difference was, I knew I was using a crappy instrument and could blame some of my problems on it.
Now, several thousand dollars later, I know exactly where my problems are. 
I found myself a new teacher who is wonderful, but she had me spends literally months just working to correct problems with my bow hold. However, I had the money and free time to invest, and am still relatively young.
Vastard, unfortunately, there is no substitute for a good teacher (in any field, not just music instruction). However, if, as you say, you’re not all that serious, there are several options. You didn’t give your location, but does your college have a music program? Try finding a graduate student or adjunct faculty member who’d be willing to earn a little cash on the side.
I have to disagree with Joe K, at least conditionally. Depending on what kind of player you’re watching, you can pick up some really bad habits that way. I love to watch the [url="http://www.baltimoresymphony.org/meet_musicians/view_details.asp?id=2131"concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony, but he sure has some bizarre techniques.
Feel free to e-mail for more suggestions.
You’re right. I meant “players that have good technique”, and I, somewhat wrongly and blindly assuming that all classical musicians have good technique, chose to suggest the mimicing of their style.
Teach me not to preview… 