I got my beginner violin in May (2018). Since then, I can’t set it down!
How it all started
I was 13 and attending a LAUSD public Jr. High school back when they used to have a music program. I knew I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to learning the violin. By the end of my junior high school term (7th through 9th grade), I was playing many classical pieces as well as modern jazz songs. I knew I was not the best in my class, in fact I could be very sure that no one in class was very good. All I remember is that it was the most fun that I ever had in my teen years.
The high school I attended had no string music curriculum, and therefore, I accepted that I possibly would never play violin again. I understood that the instrument itself was expensive at that time. I also didn’t know any violin teachers that would volunteer their time to train me. I grew up in a low income family and when things seemed unattainable because of cost – I easily accepted the situation.
It never occurred to me to retake the violin once I started earning income. When it was time for college, I decided to become a designer. I graduated from CSUN – majoring in Art with emphasis in graphic design. At the same time, I was content with honing my singing skills and just sticking to that. In May 2018 – a light bulb switched on when I saw an advertisement from my local music store. A beginner’s violin set for only $80.00! It came with violin, bow, a case, and rosin. I thought to myself – I’ll try it. I never imagined that a violin could be so affordable. Although the music store sales person wanted to convince me to buy a better violin, I stuck with my 80 dollar choice – thinking that I can always upgrade to a better one when I know for sure that I was serious about learning the instrument. Since then, it has been very difficult for me NOT to play everyday. The violin is beautiful. It sings all the notes I can’t with a resonance that makes my heart swing.
This is my public learning journal
Since May, I’ve been re-learning violin on my own and realizing how much it takes to perfect the sound. This is how I realized that perhaps I did not play too well back in my teen years. In the effort to teach myself, I ran into some advice on how to improve. One tip was to keep a practice journal. Another – record yourself and see what you need to improve on. So I thought a public blog would be the best way to document my progress and, at the same time provide some insight to others who desire to learn the violin as well. Perhaps having a public journal will encourage other self taught violinist to keep at it.
I just want to have fun
Overall, I love to play violin even though I am certainly not the best at it. I hope to one day play my favorite classical pieces. I also hope to develop vibrato one day. I also hope to be able to play with other musicians. But what’s most improtant to me is to have fun. Playing violin has helped face stressful aspects of my life – reminding me that life is beautiful and not as hard or so bad as it seems.