Learn to play the violin: how can you teach yourself?

Learning to play the violin alone may seem a daunting challenge. And yet, many adults embark on this musical adventure on their own, without a teacher to guide them. But is it really possible? Do you need a basic knowledge of music? How can you make effective progress without the direct help of an expert?

Discover the keys to starting your solo violin apprenticeship, with practical advice, useful resources and an overview of the challenges you may encounter along the way. Whether you're an absolute beginner or already have some musical notions, it's possible to realize your dreams as a violinist, as long as you follow the right method and stay motivated.

Is it possible to learn the violin alone?

It's perfectly possible to learn the violin on your own. However, there are three essential pillars: motivation, rigor and patience.

The keys to self-taught success :

Set precise, achievable goals: define clear milestones to avoid getting discouraged.
Monitor your progress regularly: note your successes and areas for improvement.
Be curious and proactive: look for reliable resources to correct your mistakes.

What's your learner profile?

Complete novice. If you have no musical background, start with simple exercises to develop your aural skills and coordination.
Experienced musician. If you already know music theory or play another musical instrument, use these skills to better understand the violin.
Former musician. If you've already played the violin, focus on the fundamental techniques.

What are the obstacles to self-taught learning?

On your own or with a teacher, learning the violin is a long road. If you're self-taught, it can take more than 5 years to reach an intermediate level, even with regular practice. Your progress will be slower than with the guidance of a teacher.

Beware of bad habits. In the absence of a teacher or direct feedback, this can lead to bad posture, poor finger placement or poor bowing.

Is it possible to start playing the violin as an adult?

Many people wonder whether it's possible to learn a complex instrument like the violin after the age of adolescence. The answer is simple: yes, there's no age to start learning a musical instrument! While children have a natural ability to assimilate, adults have valuable assets:

Discipline and organization: for more structured learning.
Analytical skills: help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Motivation: learning the violin can be a very rewarding personal project.

In fact, we've listed 5 reasons why you should learn to play an instrument as an adult!

Practical tip: start with short but regular sessions of 15 to 20 minutes, 5 days a week. Regularity is crucial to progress.

"I think that to be self-taught you have to be passionate and highly motivated. Violin, like many other disciplines, is quite demanding. It requires good self-discipline, regularity in work and perseverance.

And I think the more inquisitive you are, the more observant and analytical you are, the better you'll get!" - Marion Leloupviolin teacher.

How do I get started on the violin?

Do I need a musical background?

While there are no specific pre-requisites before you start learning the violin, prior musical training, such as knowledge of solfeggio or playing another instrument (piano, flute, guitar), can be beneficial.

Among other things, solfeggio enables you to read sheet music, which can make learning easier. However, you don't have to master music theory to get started. Indeed, if sheet music seems too intimidating, there's the option of tablatures, a system of music notation that indicates where to place your fingers rather than the notes to be played. However, if a piece you want to learn only exists in sheet music, it's perfectly possible to learn solfeggio on your own.

Worried about getting bored during your music theory lessons? Discover 5 tips to make it fun!

In short, these basics are certainly a useful asset, but not essential to your violin learning.

What equipment do I need to play the violin?

Most important of all, a violin to suit your size, and, if you hope to produce a note, a bow.

The choice of a violin, like any other instrument, is not to be taken lightly. Choose a good-quality instrument suited to your level and needs. It's not necessary to own a master violin right from the start. A student violin will do just fine.

A music stand is recommended, so you don't have to contort yourself to read your score.

A metronome, an indispensable tool for working on your sense of rythm, or an application offering this functionality.

A mute, ideal for reducing the volume of your instrument while you play. This accessory is particularly useful if you don't want to disturb your neighbors.

Learn to play the violin: what resources are available?

The Internet is full of videos (free or not) explaining how to learn the violin, or tutorials for learning sheet music. All you have to do is do your research to find the one that's right for you.

You can also use apps that offer free lessons. Depending on the app you choose, it will allow you to display sheet music or tablature, check note accuracy, or even tune your instrument.

♫ Newzik makes it easy for you to learn the violin and :

🎻 Import your scores or tablatures so you don't have to worry about turning the page.

🎻 Check the accuracy of your notes live for real-time feedback.

🎻 Use the metronome feature to keep rythm while you play.

With Newzik, you can practice wherever you are with your annotated scores and tablatures.

For those looking for a more pedagogical approach, there are also books and manuals for learning the violin. More affordable than a private lesson, a book will give you more methodological explanations of how to play the violin. Not to mention those that include learning to read sheet music.

How can I learn to play the violin on my own?

Without taking lessons, learning to play the violin alone requires an appropriate method and rigor on the part of the beginner violinist.

Everyone has their own method, and one way of learning isn't necessarily right for everyone. Do your research to find the one that suits you best! You need to work in stages, and set realistic, achievable goals.

Exercises that are adapted to your level of proficiency, dexterity and memory will be your best allies in developing and perfecting your technique, and thus helping you to progress. ****To avoid giving up, find pieces you like and vary your exercises.

Learning on your own can be daunting. So here are a few tips to make learning the violin (almost) child's play:

Choose music you like, adapted to your level. As a beginner violinist, there's no point in trying to play a piece of music well above your level. On the contrary, the frustration of not being able to do so can be a barrier to learning.
Use a score or tablature. To know which note corresponds to which sound, if you rely on listening to memorize a piece of music.
Watch an explanatory or demonstration video at the same time. This will help you see where to position your fingers throughout the music.
An audio recording will also provide accompaniment while you play and help you memorize the music.

As with any skill you wish to acquire, learning to play the violin requires regular work and the ability to be demanding of yourself, without forgetting the pleasure of learning to play an instrument.

🎶 Ready to play your first violin piece? With the Newziksheet music player, you can easily access all your sheet music and play without limits. Learn, annotate and play wherever you are. Download the application with the free trial and discover the violin!