Hi I'm Lora! It's my mission to make learning violin easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Welcome to the Meadowlark community!
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I get a lot of comments about Dominants so let me clarify. I don't think Dominants are "beginner-level strings." I recommend them for all beginners because they are good strings! However, I do consider them a very middle of the road type of string. Neither too bright nor too warm, so they're a great place for starting to experiment with different strings. I do think there are other strings that can make it easier for intermediate and advanced players or strings that can bring out different qualities of the violin. Obligatos will bring out the warmth of an instrument, Evah Pirazzis will add some brightness. Yes, many of the great soloists use Dominants, but they also have MUCH nicer violins than the rest of us and a "middle of the road" type of string probably works out just fine for them. If I had a Strad, I could probably use Red Labels and it would still sound good! 😂For any one else needing a little bit more help, there are strings better than Dominants in my opinion. But strings are also very personal, so what works for someone might not work for someone else. It's all about finding what works for you and your violin. It's also worth pointing out that Dominants were the first synthetic strings released in the 1970s, so they were used by a lot of the soloists during the 70s, 80s, 90s and up to today. Other popular strings that I consider great for advancing players like Evah Pirazzis and Obligatos were released around the year 2000. So I can understand why Isaac Stern didn't make a habit of playing with Evahs...
Lora, Thanks for the inspirational video. Maybe I won't quit trying to learn violin! I've been studying with an in-person teacher for about 1 1/2 years and am midway through Suzuki book 2, have hit a wall, and I've wondered if I should quit. I have three strikes against me - I started at age 75, I have relatively fat fingers, and I'm left - handed! The Suzuki book is now getting into staccato and I discovered yesterday that my left hand (and arm) are so much more adept at handling the bow than my right hand (and arm). I'm wondering whether I should stick with a normal violin or switch to a left handed instrument. What do you think? I don't know whether it's a plus or minus, but I've played piano since I was 16, and minored in music theory in college - so that certainly makes me comfortable reading music but contributes to the adult frustration and impatience that you talked about in the video. Looking forward to your reply. Thanks!
I would stick with the normal left hand on the fingerboard, especially since you have already been playing for a while. I think both hands are doing equally difficult things!
Hi Laura, I wanted to learn at a young age but we couldn’t afford it and there was no one around to teach it. I am now 50 years old and I got my violin for Christmas last year. There’s still no one here that knows how to play so I’m pretty much on my own. I’m glad I found your site. I’ve gained a lot of insight and encouragement from you so far. I’m not in a rush to learn. I have the rest of my life, to practice and if I only learned twinkle, twinkle little star, I’ll be happy with this, but I do hope to learn more. Thanks ❤
This is a great tutorial for violin beginners like me. I am 83 years old and I ve expressed an sincere interest in learning how to play the violin. I can play the keyboard; but never attempted to play the violin until now.
I play Irish Fiddle but study with Classical teacher, have a couple of classical pieces. Arpegios & shradeik exercises. Better vibrato usually the better fine intenation. Create goals and listen intently. Relax and enjoy the process.
Thank you so much, it's was really helpful , I've been looking for this for a while and now you have answered all of my questions , I really didn't know how to practice, a little question please: how much does this routine take?
You can customize it depending on how much time you have. If you only have 30 minutes a day, you can still do all 8 steps, just spend a few minutes on each one. Once you get into a routine with the same type of exercises each day, you can accomplish a lot just in a few minutes. For instance, 10 minutes on warm-ups, scales, and etudes. 15 minutes on your solo piece. 5 minutes experimenting or playing songs you do well.
Thanks, Lora! That was great. ( hmmmm, just my observation, but I think you are becoming a fiddle/blue-grass fan more than classical the longer I know you. Welcome to the other side). Thanks for your wondeeful course. I posted a fiddle tune from Summer Practice Chalkenge and a group of us are meeting near the “porch of Lake Erie “ this evening to play a few sun-themed tunes and. Post those . Unlike your course- where daily practice is a thing-we literally see each other once a year and just came up w the set list a week ago. So it will be- um- raw. But fun.
Thanks for this video, but Dominants can hardly be called "beginner" strings. Many of the great violinists of the 20th Century used them. They're still used today by Hillary Hahn, James Ehnes, etc.
I do agree. They're not necessarily beginner but I consider them a very middle of the road type of string. Neither too bright nor too warm, so they're a great place for starting to experiment with different strings for beginners. I do think there are other strings that can make it easier for intermediate and advanced players or strings that can bring out different qualities of the violin. Obligatos will bring out the warmth of an instrument, Evah Pirazzis will add some brightness. Yes, many of the great soloists use Dominants, but they also have MUCH nicer violins than the rest of us and a "middle of the road" type of string probably works out just fine for them. If I had a Strad, I could probably use Red Labels and it would still sound good! 😂For any one else needing a little bit more help, there are strings better than Dominants in my opinion. But strings are also very personal, so what works for someone might not work for someone else. It's all about finding what works for you and your violin.
I would say the Ob1 is better than the Klaus Mueller Prelude. Fiddlershop's Tower String violins might be more comparable to the Klaus Mueller Prelude.
@@amykaur9694 I think the difference comes in the accessories. With the OB1 you get Fiddlerman strings (comparable to Dominants) and a carbon fiber bow which are worth it. By the time you add both of those upgrades to the Etude you're looking at a $450 violin outfit. At which point you could do a Fiddlerman Apprentice or Concert violin which I think is better than the Etude.
Thank you very much, it is much more comfortable now. I have a long neck, I'm 6'2. Do you think I should buy a bigger shoulder rest? I'm using the one that comes with the Fiddlerman violin.
I have an average neck but I use a Wolf Forte Secondo with the feet extended quite a bit. So yes, if you think you have a longer neck, you would probably enjoy the extra height (and stability) from something like Wolfe Forte Secondo.
I can see how this would make one give up trying to play the violin. It is a very difficult instrument to play and adults have to give themselves time and patience to approach this instrument. Great players of this instrument usually have been playing since they were children. Slow and steady is the way to go. I want to learn this instrument and I have found it difficult to approach it. I will try again and be very, very patient with myself.
Hello. I have a rather lengthy question about learning to play the violin and your studio program. What is the best way for me to submit that question to you?
Excellent explanations…it explains all the problems I’m experiencing. I’ve only been playing for 6 1/2 months and I absolutely love it…one day I’ll get past the scratchiness and bouncing bow and will be able to make beautiful music with this lovely instrument. Thank you!
Zino Francescatti must have fairly small hands .In Rond des Lutins (at 3.30) he has to bring the thumb around the neck to hold the top edge of the belly . He waves his pinky finger around too but that is all about tendons I expect . He does not have a shoulder rest getting in the way which can become an obstacle. Secret Shoulder Pads help though . All these famous players that keep secrets from us . Nobody mentions that .
I read once that Fritz Kreisler disliked playing in First Position. Smaller violins are a good alternative .I have an old cheap violin where I shortened the neck .It`s a complicated piece of carpentry but for me it made fourth finger reaches very easy .Higher up the fingerboard was of no interest .
