I have recently come to own a violin which I have wanted to learn for a few years now. The problem is since I'm done with school for a few years I have no way of finding other musically inclined people and I don't have the time for lessons at the moment (assuming this isn't a 6 month fancy). Does anyone have any online/CD/book programs of basic ownership, maintenance, and use of the violin? Worse case scenario I'll just google it like always, but I thought i would extend out on this board since it seems most people who play the violin are the last ones you'd expect.
I knew a guy who was a certified violin maker! I saw him play a few times, but never knew his wood craftsmanship was that extensive until I read about him on his family website. He also tapped maple trees and made his own syrup......yummy!
First off, do you have any musical background? I ask since most self-teaching guides out there are aimed at those that don't and most of the book is a glorified music theory book with a couple of songs/techniques thrown in for good measure. If you're in that category, you could probably look up some vids on youtube for techniques and get along okay.
Only if you count drummers as musically trained lol. I can put on a decent siezure behind a set, but as far as the more melodic instruments I'm afraid i have little experience, which leads me to my interests in the violin.
Okay, it a nutshell. I'll try not to get too technical. Altering the length of the strings (by pressing them down in different spots along the neck for example) alters the pitch and makes different musical notes! It works the same for guitars too. I gave a young lad named Jimi Hendrix this information and he applied himself and did quite well, or so I've heard. BTW the secret to being a bowling success? Knocking all the pins down!
As a drummer, I find the drums to be the worst instrument to play. Chicks hate the noise, and it's expensive as hell. I've always wanted to learn to play a string instrument. Good luck with your endeavor.
Where does your drumming experience lie? All by ear or reading drum rythms off of percussion parts? If the former, you've got more work ahead of you, unlearning habits and learning how to read music. If the latter, you know how to read rythms and odd time signatures (9/8, 7/4, etc) won't be too much of a bother.
Good luck trying to learn the violin when you don't even have time for lessons . . . there's a reason teenagers and adults can pick up a few things on a guitar or piano, but violinists start as children: it's a tough instrument! Even if you're dedicated and seek professional assistance it will probably be a few years before you're able to produce some decent sounds out of a violin.
Those that play string instruments in general will have an easier time moving to the violin, as the nature of playing string instruments share commonalities in fingering. However, picking up on bowing and the lack of frets demands years of practice of ear training to learn where to place the fingering to keep good intonation. And speed/technique.
