A question of the musical sort - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Graleyne · 08-07-2007, 05:08 PM

Ok, so I have this FRIEND who has wanted to play the violin her entire life. As soon as she reached 7th grade and was able to join the school band she did only to have her violin dreams shattered when her mother made her play the alto clarinet instead.

She did poorly and only passed her band class by doing written reports on music theory, composers, etc. For sh*ts and giggles lets say that she was so bad at playing the alto clarinet that the band director informed her she didn't have to REALLY play in the spring concert, she could just move her fingers and pretend and she would still get credit for being there.

She has spent the rest of her life thinking she had no musical talent at all. Maybe she does, maybe she doesn't. How much of it is TALENT, and how much of it is/can be LEARNED?

Let's say she is in her early 30's now and still more than anything wants to play the violin. Would she be crazy for trying? I mean, she isn't expecting to be first chair in any orchestra or anything, just play well enough that the neighbors don't complain too much.

While we are at it, let's say she does decide to pursue this dream of hers, what would be a good beginner violin for her? What price range should she expect? Anything specific she should know before purchasing a violin?

If anyone has any advice/input it would be greatly appreciated. You know, for my FRIEND.

kalina82 · 08-07-2007, 05:25 PM

i don't know anything about violins, but i do know about music. I played wind instruments from 3rd grade to senior year of high school. I mainly played the flute but the i taught myself how to play clarinet and bass clarinet, and some sax. However, i couldn't play a decent tune on a brass instrument if you paid me.

so just because your friend couldn't play the alto sax worth a dime does not mean she can't play the violin. If she wants to play it that bad i say go for it. doesn't hurt to try. she can learn on her own or get a private teacher to help her. Go for it. Music is wonderful.

Graleyne · 08-07-2007, 05:31 PM

That's what I was thinking too. Life is too short not to at least try.

kalina82 · 08-07-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graleyne

That's what I was thinking too. Life is too short not to at least try.

exactly!

Little Bit · 08-07-2007, 06:07 PM

Go for it!!

Check ebay for violins if you are looking for used ones. You will have a lot of bidding competition this time of year, though.

But many music stores have rent to own. That way you could try it out for a few months of lessons and see if you really do want to play before you buy.

furby2000 · 08-10-2007, 08:22 AM

Tell you FRIEND to go for it! We only live once

Yorkieluv · 08-10-2007, 08:31 AM

I played the flute all my life too, kalina! I taught myself to play several instruments as well, including the violin...
I think that just because your friend was not good at the alto clarinet, does not mean she wouldn't be good at the violin. If it has been a life-long dream, then I think she should definitely go for it...Why don't you suggest that she find a gently used violin, and a good beginner's guide?? I would say that it's best to actually go to private beginner's lessons though because she wouldn't want to learn bad habits as far as holding the violin or anything like that. Maybe a good beginner's class at first so she can learn the basics, and then at home with a guide...Good luck!! 30's is not too old to do anything!! I don't care if she's 60, if that's something she wants to do, then she should do it. There's nothing silly about that. SHE might go the rest of her life wondering and regretting....Music is so beautiful

Oh, I also wanted to mention that my brother never thought he had musical talents...But one day, he decided he wanted to play the guitar. I taught him the basics and the how to read music, and he was off! Now, it's his one of his favorite things to do, and he's good at it!

Graleyne · 08-10-2007, 08:54 AM

Would these be Ok for a beginner?

This one is electric - won't kill everyone else's ears
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-STAGG-PINK-E...QQcmdZViewItem

This one is just a regular violin that happens to be PINK

http://cgi.ebay.com/HAND-MADE-PINK-4...QQcmdZViewItem

nvnvgirl · 08-10-2007, 09:28 AM

I don't think it's ever too late to start to learn something, even though they say that when you're older, you don't pick it up as quickly. I started taking piano lessons when I was 50. It's not to be a concert pianist, it's for my own pleasure and growth.

I have played violin since I was in 4th grade and I'd personally rather support my local businesses (especially music stores, who usually have a rough time of making it) and buy something used if I wasn't sure I was going to stick with it. You can always upgrade when you find that the instrument doesn't fit your needs any longer. It takes a long time to find just the RIGHT one for yourself anyway, so I'd tell her to check her local music store, see what they have or can procure for her. She'll probably be buying her other stuff there, like sheet music, rosin, bows, strings etc. so it's nice to have a repoire with them from the get go. Plus, they may have good suggestions as far as teachers go too. Good luck to your friend; the violin shouldn't bother her neighbors that much; at least it's not an electric guitar or drums or trumpet, LOL.

LuvMySissy · 08-10-2007, 09:46 AM

Wherever there is a desire and a willingness to learn (and practice, practice, practice) anything is possible!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

MAN · 08-10-2007, 10:02 AM

Tell your friend to contact the closest music store or college about where to buy an instrument,,,Music Profs are always about promoting music and are sure to tell you which instruments are good and what books are good to learn from. Being a Band Geek here, I am pleased to say Go For It! Not only do you live once, but do you really want to spend that time saying "I wish I would have..."

RoxyJosMom · 08-10-2007, 01:06 PM

Tell her to go for it. My dtr was taking private piano lessons while she played violin and bass in the school orchestra. Her piano teacher was teaching a husband and wife in their 70's and another gentleman in his 80's who had always wanted to learn to play but never had the chance until now. She had many other adults, also. As for a violin, we bought her an expensive one for school (about $400) which worked fine. She, the Queen of Pink, found a pink one on Ebay for $10 plus about $40 for shipping, which, after checking with people who know violins, said it was a much better violin than the first one. The case in came in, alone was worth more than $100. Find out where the school orchestra gets their's and check there. They might even have used ones that she could try first. Best of luck to her. She will never regret it.

MeganS · 08-10-2007, 06:18 PM

Hey, just go for it! Because you'll only live once and it's better to just try it than to look back 40 years from now and say to yourself "What if....?" Good luck!

I was sitting in church one sunday and 2 of the women did a duet. One played the violin, and the other played the piano. I've been able to read music and play instruments and such since 1st grade, so I decided to try playing the violin. I started lessons and realized I couldn't do it AT ALL haha. but I still think it is the most beautiful instrument and I envy anyone who is talented enough to play it!

adorame · 08-10-2007, 06:36 PM

You should tell your friend to go for it! www.LARKINTHEMORNING.com has a wonderful musical instrument selection and guids. I wish her luck if she pursues her dream!

08-07-2007, 05:08 PM	#1
Graleyne Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,563	A question of the musical sort Ok, so I have this FRIEND who has wanted to play the violin her entire life. As soon as she reached 7th grade and was able to join the school band she did only to have her violin dreams shattered when her mother made her play the alto clarinet instead. She did poorly and only passed her band class by doing written reports on music theory, composers, etc. For sh*ts and giggles lets say that she was so bad at playing the alto clarinet that the band director informed her she didn't have to REALLY play in the spring concert, she could just move her fingers and pretend and she would still get credit for being there. She has spent the rest of her life thinking she had no musical talent at all. Maybe she does, maybe she doesn't. How much of it is TALENT, and how much of it is/can be LEARNED? Let's say she is in her early 30's now and still more than anything wants to play the violin. Would she be crazy for trying? I mean, she isn't expecting to be first chair in any orchestra or anything, just play well enough that the neighbors don't complain too much. While we are at it, let's say she does decide to pursue this dream of hers, what would be a good beginner violin for her? What price range should she expect? Anything specific she should know before purchasing a violin? If anyone has any advice/input it would be greatly appreciated. You know, for my FRIEND. __________________ Aerrica, and Norman RIP my sweet Poopanut

08-07-2007, 05:25 PM	#2
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	i don't know anything about violins, but i do know about music. I played wind instruments from 3rd grade to senior year of high school. I mainly played the flute but the i taught myself how to play clarinet and bass clarinet, and some sax. However, i couldn't play a decent tune on a brass instrument if you paid me. so just because your friend couldn't play the alto sax worth a dime does not mean she can't play the violin. If she wants to play it that bad i say go for it. doesn't hurt to try. she can learn on her own or get a private teacher to help her. Go for it. Music is wonderful. __________________ Kellie and Morgan

08-07-2007, 05:31 PM	#3
Graleyne Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,563	That's what I was thinking too. Life is too short not to at least try. __________________ Aerrica, and Norman RIP my sweet Poopanut

08-07-2007, 06:07 PM	#5
Little Bit Tiny Dog Big Heart Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,205	Go for it!! Check ebay for violins if you are looking for used ones. You will have a lot of bidding competition this time of year, though. But many music stores have rent to own. That way you could try it out for a few months of lessons and see if you really do want to play before you buy. __________________ Little Bit

08-10-2007, 08:22 AM	#6
furby2000 Lil' Divas mom Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 3,337	Tell you FRIEND to go for it! We only live once __________________ Tiffany http://www.dogster.com/?447329 & little Zoey:http://www.dogster.com/dogs/859071

08-10-2007, 08:31 AM	#7
Yorkieluv Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA Posts: 7,178	I played the flute all my life too, kalina! I taught myself to play several instruments as well, including the violin... I think that just because your friend was not good at the alto clarinet, does not mean she wouldn't be good at the violin. If it has been a life-long dream, then I think she should definitely go for it...Why don't you suggest that she find a gently used violin, and a good beginner's guide?? I would say that it's best to actually go to private beginner's lessons though because she wouldn't want to learn bad habits as far as holding the violin or anything like that. Maybe a good beginner's class at first so she can learn the basics, and then at home with a guide...Good luck!! 30's is not too old to do anything!! I don't care if she's 60, if that's something she wants to do, then she should do it. There's nothing silly about that. SHE might go the rest of her life wondering and regretting....Music is so beautiful Oh, I also wanted to mention that my brother never thought he had musical talents...But one day, he decided he wanted to play the guitar. I taught him the basics and the how to read music, and he was off! Now, it's his one of his favorite things to do, and he's good at it! __________________ Miko 's his Mommy

08-10-2007, 08:54 AM	#8
Graleyne Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 2,563	Would these be Ok for a beginner? This one is electric - won't kill everyone else's ears http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-STAGG-PINK-E...QQcmdZViewItem This one is just a regular violin that happens to be PINK http://cgi.ebay.com/HAND-MADE-PINK-4...QQcmdZViewItem __________________ Aerrica, and Norman RIP my sweet Poopanut

08-10-2007, 09:28 AM	#9
nvnvgirl Lovin' to the MAX!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Yorkieville Posts: 2,774	I don't think it's ever too late to start to learn something, even though they say that when you're older, you don't pick it up as quickly. I started taking piano lessons when I was 50. It's not to be a concert pianist, it's for my own pleasure and growth. I have played violin since I was in 4th grade and I'd personally rather support my local businesses (especially music stores, who usually have a rough time of making it) and buy something used if I wasn't sure I was going to stick with it. You can always upgrade when you find that the instrument doesn't fit your needs any longer. It takes a long time to find just the RIGHT one for yourself anyway, so I'd tell her to check her local music store, see what they have or can procure for her. She'll probably be buying her other stuff there, like sheet music, rosin, bows, strings etc. so it's nice to have a repoire with them from the get go. Plus, they may have good suggestions as far as teachers go too. Good luck to your friend; the violin shouldn't bother her neighbors that much; at least it's not an electric guitar or drums or trumpet, LOL. __________________ Seana and Max and Madison too! Come visit me at: celebritydogwatcher.com

08-10-2007, 09:46 AM	#10
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	Wherever there is a desire and a willingness to learn (and practice, practice, practice) anything is possible!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!!! __________________ Sissy & Angel

08-10-2007, 10:02 AM	#11
MAN No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Eufaula Posts: 95	Tell your friend to contact the closest music store or college about where to buy an instrument,,,Music Profs are always about promoting music and are sure to tell you which instruments are good and what books are good to learn from. Being a Band Geek here, I am pleased to say Go For It! Not only do you live once, but do you really want to spend that time saying "I wish I would have..."

08-10-2007, 01:06 PM	#12
RoxyJosMom Love The Verminator! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ny Posts: 4,282	Tell her to go for it. My dtr was taking private piano lessons while she played violin and bass in the school orchestra. Her piano teacher was teaching a husband and wife in their 70's and another gentleman in his 80's who had always wanted to learn to play but never had the chance until now. She had many other adults, also. As for a violin, we bought her an expensive one for school (about $400) which worked fine. She, the Queen of Pink, found a pink one on Ebay for $10 plus about $40 for shipping, which, after checking with people who know violins, said it was a much better violin than the first one. The case in came in, alone was worth more than $100. Find out where the school orchestra gets their's and check there. They might even have used ones that she could try first. Best of luck to her. She will never regret it. __________________ Roxy loves Alphy Remi loves Millie [COLOR="Purple"]Mom to RoxyJo & Remington , Fozzy Bear & Chloe

08-10-2007, 06:18 PM	#13
MeganS Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 12,016 Blog Entries: 1	Hey, just go for it! Because you'll only live once and it's better to just try it than to look back 40 years from now and say to yourself "What if....?" Good luck! I was sitting in church one sunday and 2 of the women did a duet. One played the violin, and the other played the piano. I've been able to read music and play instruments and such since 1st grade, so I decided to try playing the violin. I started lessons and realized I couldn't do it AT ALL haha. but I still think it is the most beautiful instrument and I envy anyone who is talented enough to play it! __________________ Megan "I have my dreams, I have made plans." - The Pirate Queen All Gave Some; Some Gave All

08-10-2007, 06:36 PM	#14
adorame YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,312 Blog Entries: 1	You should tell your friend to go for it! www.LARKINTHEMORNING.com has a wonderful musical instrument selection and guids. I wish her luck if she pursues her dream!