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The violin is one of the most rewarding musical instruments to play, but it is also one of the most difficult to start off with. This is why, in my own teaching, I believe it is really important to employ simultaneous learning. Throughout my experience, I have found that the most progress can be made when the pupil is engaged in many different activities, including clapping, singing, and other general musicianship skills. I also believe that it is beneficial to encourage the pupil to learn in many different ways: visually, aurally, theoretically and kinaesthetically. These pursuits not only enhance the pupil's experience of making music, but they also improve and speed up the process of learning the violin.
For example, when a pupil begins to learn the violin, there is a lot to think about; how to hold it, what note to play, how long to play it for and so on. Therefore, I believe that it is imperative for pupils to feel as though that these things come naturally to them, and I also believe that this is the teacher's responsiblity. Through the art of simultaneous learning, it is possible to do this. This technique also develops the complete musician, not just the violinist. It also makes lessons much more engaging, and encourages a thorough approach to learn the violin.
