The challenges of starting violin from scratch

I believe that everyone, both young and old should have the opportunity to try learning a musical instrument – it helps develop fine motor skills and coordination, and a sense of confidence and discipline, but most importantly, it’s fun! I have been playing the violin since I was 3½ and performing since I was 5, but since having my two children I have focused more on teaching and understand from a parents’ perspective how valuable an understanding of music can be, to children in particular. I also understand how challenging the early days can be and am passionate about relating with each pupil as an individual and engaging them through every lesson.

However, I also understand the challenges of starting an instrument from scratch - especially one as physically demanding as the violin. There are so many things to think about - posture, how the violin (and bow) are being held, how the bow is brought to the violin, how the bow is being moved across the violin... it's enough to dishearten the most tenacious of bright individuals. This period is challenging for adults in a different way - it can be frustrating for a successful individual, perhaps with certain expectations of the process, to come up against the inevitable stumbling blocks and navigate their way through to the other side. This is why a sensitive and intuitive teacher is essential to see students through the difficult beginning and onto the fun part of actually making music.