Everything you need to know before you start learning violin 

Timing is Everything, thank you Olaf! I just started my Violin Journey and your channel has been a wonderful inspiration.

Thank you Olaf. And thank you for being kind to my daughter Katie who visited you. She said you were very gracious.

"You can't learn violin in one hour" Very true. Heck, I've been playing for almost 11 years and I'm still learning new things constantly. The learning doesn't stop after Twinkle variations 😃

Thank you for your Inside. Im 43 and just starting out. Your experience means a lot. Deep warm hugs ❤️🫶🏼

I'd like to add something that applies to more than just learning violin. If you're making mistakes and you recognize that you make mistakes, that's great. That means you already have some understanding about the errors you're making and you have a general clue when they will be fixed. It would be much worse if you played bad and you didn't know that you play bad because you'd reinforce the bad parts. So don't treat mistakes as a failure, treat them as steps towards success.

These are excellent tips that can apply to learning just about any instrument. I think the most important ones are to start with a good, well-functioning instrument and a teacher who understands beginners. If you try to start learning an instrument without either of these things, you'll be setting yourself up for frustration and failure. I know there are good self-taught musicians, but it's a really hard way to begin. Even just a few lessons with a good teacher are better than none.

Olaf, found you from TwoSet because I wanted to play violin. Your videos gave me confidence to buy some trash instruments to practice on. A month ago I found a late 1800s violin for $100 on Ebay, moldy and missing parts. I took it apart, cleaned it with warm water and set it in the indirect sun for a week. I polished, fit new pegs, cut a new nut, and carved a bridge while sitting next to you on YT. It's beautiful. It sounds beautiful -- like some of the very expensive instruments I tried in a local shop, moreover it plays better. I can't put it down. I am so happy. I am now a violinist with a wonderful instrument that I could afford thanks to you. I can't say thanks enough.

i’ve been a cellist for 10 years and i’m just picking up the viola- thanks, olaf! this helps a lot, there’s a bunch i didn’t know that i probably should.

The three P's - Play, Practice, and Persist. Good video!

I started playing the violin months ago, and you videos are very important for me. Even If i'm only playing it, understanding the anatomy of a violin is deeply important for me since it's a instrument with a soul and is an extension of me and my emotions.

"My dad is a GERMAN master violin maker..." I knew it! I don't know why, but the way how you talk and look always made me wonder if you might have german ancestors. Greetings from Germany, and thank you for having the patience to help beginners out :)

What you mention about the quality of the Violin also goes for any other instrument, as well as early practice sessions. I doubt I could ever learn to play the Violin (my hearing was ruined when I was in the US Navy, as a Jet Engine Mechanic, and, later on, in the US Army, as a Communications Officer). I do, however, play the Saxophone & Clarinet and can hear well enough to play in a local Community Band. Even though I do not play any stringed instrument, I truly enjoy your videos and learning new things! Thank You, Olaf, for what you do!!!

Great advice!! I played so many years ago as a youngster and your videos (along with TwoSet) have inspired me to get back into it again. The violin is such an expressive and capable instrument, so many voices and tones can come from it, it's almost like a chameleon, it can change, but when you master it, you flow into the instrument as the instrument flows into you. I firmly believe that playing is like an exchange of ideas, the expressions speak of the story you want to tell, and the instrument likewise tells it's story back to you (the player) and the listener alike. Another wonderful video Olaf, thank you!

You're making this video at the perfect moment for me, because at the end of this month, I'm starting to learn not violin but viola. I'm really looking forward to that - thank you for making a quick and accessible video to remind me what's important to keep in mind when learning a string instrument.

I appreciate your tips olaf. I've been practicing and brushing up on my violin skills. I've been building up muscle for the Lower register of the instrument. Lately I've been taking tension relief breaks. For background, I was born with a condition similar to muscular distorphy, so any strain feels way more intense than "normal".

I don’t know why my left hand sometimes grips the violin like a vise. It’s very difficult to play that way. That was good advice. Love your channel

Thank you Olaf, I can't explain how thankful I am about your videos. Bought my first violin by following your recommendations and now I'm almost 2 years having lessons! I started late but I'm having so much fun and I love finally finding my musical side. Thank you!!!

Thank you for the tips and advices for starting to play the violin. As someone who now really enjoys music in all variations, it's still a room for growth. Built up tension is very easy to be unnoticed that you can't have fun playing anymore. Have all the patience and persistence practicers. You can do it!

This is so helpful as I had my first lesson today! Thanks so much! I look forward to future videos!

Good tips there. Over here in the UK it isn't difficult to find old student violins of a reasonable standard, like the Maidstone or indeed what I have which is a Medio Finno (by JTL) both from lathe 19th to early 20th century. Around the £300 mark. Good set of strings and clean off the bow of excess rosin and we are good to go.

Thank you, Olaf, and it is after watching you many times repairing and making new stuff that has inspired me to become an amateur lutier. I play the Viola.

I really enjoy your videos! You have such a wealth of knowledge and experience!

Oh! I was already find a teacher for violin recently, than I watched this video! Thank you for these tips. I am looking forward to the first violin lesson!

Watch your videos all the way here in Louisiana ! I’m a guitar player but have the upmost respect for the violin. Cheers!

Thank you for the encouragement.

I started playing the violin around 6 or 7 months ago. Your videos are really helpful for me, so thank you! :)

Well, one or two I hadn't really thought of such as the importance of posture but there is SO much more to take into account and understand before you begin... I tell newbie violinists about my 4 P's: PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE, PASSION & PRACTICE. If any of these fall short, you'll struggle imo, and it's challenging enough as it is. You did touch on the 'it takes time' aspect. It will take me decades! After 18 months, I'm still on 1st position and vibrato not even on the horizon! Thanks for the vid, Olaf. Excellent advice.

Love the varnish on that Piere Lomont.

I've always thought the violin was a beautiful instrument, and looked like fun. I'm happy to take my time learning because of all the advice from everyone I follow. I'm only about 2 months in, but it's really enjoyable!

Thanks you Maestro Olaf! I've been wanting to save money to use an antique violin as my first actual violin!

Hi Olaf, I love your Piere Lomont Master violin! I have signed up several times to get the "Seven things" document, but for some reason I fail to get it. I don't know what should happen after I sign up for it, but nothing seems to happen, and I do not get an email about it, so I have no clue. I watch yuor channel because you teach a LOT and the joy in your work makes it fun to watch. I am trying to learn all I can about the violin because I believe that a comprehensive understanding of the instrument will help me to be a better violin player.

Just stumbled upon your channel, and it is fantastic! Loving your videos. Learning so much about the violin, and how it all fits together. I’m one of those who bought a really cheap VSO, paid around 800 Norwegian kroner (around 114 aud). I just started playing with a teacher, and said to myself that if I can follow through until may, I would buy a better one. Gonna spend around 710-840 aud depending on my paycheque.

Hello Olaf! Great video as always! Would love to see you do some content about how to do some basic stuff on your violin at home such as string changes, pasting or oiling pegs, checking if your bridge is straight etc. would be super cool

Thank you for these points, Olaf. I think that it is essential to add that renting an instrument from a reputable violin-maker might be better than purchasing any instrument outright. The benefits of rental include affordability to a good beginner level instrument that is well set-up, on-going maintenance, string replacement and repair, ability to switch instruments and get exposure to more variety, and - building a relationship with a violin-maker. It is a low-risk, low-cost and high-value option for beginners. If you find after a while that it is not for you - you return the instrument. If you love it, a portion of your rental fees goes towards purchase. And, IMO only after playing a couple of years or more one. is an a position to assess sound quality preferences in the instrument and bow. (all this is relevant to the US, I hope also other countries) Finally, if one can afford it - finding a teacher is also detrimental. Love your work, Olaf, Thank You 🙏

I have no intention to learn playing the violin, and yet, this is super interesting to know. Is it just me? 😅

FYI, 2800 AUD is around 1850 USD. :) Great video!

Ooooh, this is going to be interesting... I recently wrote a whole essay... with a view to making a vid... about things they don't tell you before taking up the violin and as well as things which may be obvious to a teacher or violinist because they've forgotten what it's like to start from scratch, knowing little or nothing.

Greetings from Ukraine. Thanks for such a wise instructions! I would love to have any of the violins you've made. I believe and dreaming I'll be able to just buy the one.. Kindest regards...

Wouldn't be a great Olaf video without those CRAZY crickets... ;)

My only disagreement with Olaf would be regarding his comment about violin quality/price. First, completely understand that Olaf is a violin maker and this is his livelihood. Second, he's been doing this a long time and loves his career, so of course he would prefer if every beginner had a really nice instrument. I however grew up dirt poor and have a couple different takes. 1. Rent or borrow if you can. I know my teacher had a spare violin, so students could at least practice on a decent instrument if they needed to.. and her brother is a luthier that not only sold, but had rent-to-buy violins for more serious students that couldn't drop a couple grand right away. If you want to try out violin and this is the only route available for you to get to use a good instrument, go for it. 2. While it would be great to purchase a beginner violin that was made in a shop like Olaf's, a cheap violin that can hold a tune is better than no violin. In this economy, don't spend money you can't afford until you know it's something you're going to stick with it.. I spent quite a bit of money on just a cheap beginner instrument and then a few months later I had to put it down for well over a year due to work changes. 3. don't spend what you can't afford, seriously. Whether it's $150 or $15,000... buyer's remorse is a real thing. If you couldn't afford to simply toss the instrument in the bin a week later, don't waste your cash.

Fun fact. I was your 69,420 subscriber.

Im 15 and Lindsey Stirling is my inspiration, ive really wanted to learn how to play one of her songs called "Take flight" which was used in a Terraria mod

guys, this might sound crazy, but I think this guy likes violin

What is your opinion of Karl Knilling violins? I recently was given one as a gift and it says it was made in Germany.. I'm very new to the violin at the age of 49 and I'm trying to learn everything I can. Thank you very much.

Just bought a 180 euro electric violin. I play guitar and keyboard for 40 years. Always wanted to play violin too (I'm a Jean Luc Ponty and live on a boat, an acoustic will be to loud) The Violin is pretty crappy, thanks to your videos I was able to set it up better. Spend a day trying to hold it without discomfort. Are alternate tunings used on Violins ? Thinking about tuning it like the 4 highest strings of a guitar. I only improvise on my guitar (blues, fusion, jazz), I want to do that on the violin too, the same tuning would make that more easy. The violin in general is so old, except from an electric one, they still all look alike, is there no demand for something more modern ? More comfort, tuners like on a guitar instead of these miserable pegs, wider neck, a cutaway etc. Or am I now doomed and hunted forever by the ghosts of ancient violin builders, by asking this ? 🙂 I know a much more expensive instrument will sound and play better like my Martin, Fender and Musicmann guitars, they are top-grade and I love them.

I'm teaching myself the viola, for fun, and what bogged me down at the very start was the chinrest and shoulder rest combo. I finally sorted that out with a center mount chinrest and a tilted shoulder rest and I could get on with actually practicing. Maybe it's not such a big deal with a violin?

Mr. Olaf can u plz clear my doubt? I'm gonna buy a violin so I don't have any knowledge about violin cause I'm a rapper,singer, love to become violinist too 😅but it makes my heart feel pure and get peace so I'm about to learn so can u tell the basics that I need to learn? I can't afford a teacher for this so from what basics should I start I have no idea how to play it I only know how to hold it 😂so pls help me I hope u reply plz it's my dream goal 🙏🥺I wanna learn it

I’d love to see more professionals promoting (quality) instrument rentals as a budget alternative to buying a good instrument. A lot of folks buy the $100 violin because they literally cannot afford anything more; that $100 may even be a financial stretch. But they could manage $25 a month for a rental, which is what my local fine instrument store rents their beginner violins for. The advice to spend several hundred dollars on a violin or it’s not worth the learner’s time could be so discouraging for people from lower income situations, they might not ever start. Otherwise, great info presented here as always, Olaf! Thanks for sharing your expansive knowledge and experience with us in your many interesting videos, I always look forward to them. :)

I'm comment 70 also I wanted a violin for like 3 years now just never had the money to get one and recently I did get the money and Im going to order one I'm just looking so before it gets here I'll at least know we're to start !

Hi. A dumb question maby but does it matter if a cello has a expensive or cheap tailpiece? How can you tell if the tailpiece is a high-end tailpiece? On my cello I can't tell if the tailpiece is of good quality or not, it weights heavy though.

any suggested violins for me to buy with 1-1,5k $? I dont know anything about violins and im afraid i cant keep it safe and keep it playable myself

I want to start playing the violin but am 13 and people say it's to late can you answer pls 😅

Hey I’m 4’11” and my mom wants to gift me a violin. Am i good for 4/4??

Orvil Gibson made the mandolin more like a violin. Unfortunately he only did one thing wrong. The people who had been playing classical music would have loved his mandolins, however when he increased the scale length to that of a violin he inadvertantly raised all of the string tensions three pounds. Most instruments become easier to play as they evolve. So while the violin design was etched in stone, the mandolin has yet to mature. Talk about tension those players hated the increased tension.

What I didn't know was that I was playing on a terribly shaped bridge.

waiting for a third generation violin maker

Do you think a teacher is necessary to learn violin? Or could you just learn by yourself?

Where was this video 6 years ago?? 😅 I would add this: do your research and find a *good* teacher!

Number 10 , have a large bank account 😮

Or you might be inspired to play by TwoSet Violin! You missed that one Olaf!

I do not agree with starting with an expensive violin. It is by no means important. I just think it adds extra barriers to entry. Buy a decent student violin in the couple hundred dollar range, and see if this is truly something you want to do first. If you play for 6 months consistently, and you’re still loving every minute of it. Then consider spending more, but it is by no means necessary. It will take you a long time to make any violin sound even half decent, and yes whilst it might be slightly easier on a more expensive violin, there is no significant difference when you are a beginner player in my opinion.