Begin with the end in mind

Often when I teach children and youth who are learning the instrument and playing in a public school orchestra and I ask what they listen to, they have never listened to classical music or any genres other than pop.

This means their entire exposure is what the school orchestra sounds like. I love public school orchestras- but most are not yet making extraordinary music.

Listening to the music you want to play right from the start is a critical and often overlooked part of learning.

What to listen to? Everything! Symphonies, Concertos, Bach Sonatas, Jazz, Fiddle, Tango...get a feel for what you like and the range of your instrument.

I recommend listening on YouTube where you can watch how the great violinists play. Your posture, bow hold and left hand should look like theirs more than your orchestra stand partner's (depending of course on your stand partner).

For a start: https://youtu.be/I03Hs6dwj7E?si=-FdvbsJCYa8xEny5

Ray Chen has many videos, is entertaining and also provides instructional videos and ideas on how to progess.

An example of his instructional work is here. https://youtu.be/tlUykdydhIQ?si=Wirv2sY50mhDqGWP

There are so many others to watch- Hilary Hahn, Anne Sophie-mutter, Augustin Hadelich...I'll post more in future blogs!

Start listening as part of your practice- so you know what great music sounds and looks like. Most of all, have fun!