Beginner Violin Instruction

Summary: Music is one of the primary forms of communication on Earth. Whether the use of tones and melodies developed before, after, or in conjunction with spoken language is unknown; yet music is unique in that it helps us to talk to each other in ways that language cannot achieve. It creates a connection between people that is not limited by time, distance, or relationship; a song can speak to anyone, anywhere. That’s why music continually changes and grows, is still loved and still proliferates. Music is a living language.

The violin might be considered one of the dialects of that language. Featured largely in classical music, the violin, or fiddle, is a four-string instrument tuned in perfect fifths. It is related to the double bass, cello, and viola in construction and sound, though it produces the highest in pitch of that family.

The violin traces its roots back to the early 1500s in Italy. There was a time when violin makers, called “luthiers,” introduced a number of quality instruments to the market. Some noted manufacturers from that period, like Stradivarius, are still recognized today as representing the highest level of violin craftsmanship.

Modern pop music has incorporated the use of violin, drawing it out of its classical shell. Artists like the Dave Matthews Band, bluegrass group Nickel Creek, and atmosphere rockers Sigur Ros have all made major uses of the violin in their compositions, helping the instrument evolve its sound to adapt to all music.

Improve your music theory and violin playing technique with the help of these instructional videos.