The Violin
other instruments: Viola, Cello, Bass
The violin is the smallest of the string family and the highest in pitch. It is tuned GDAE. There is a huge repertoire for the violin. In chamber and orchestral music violins are divided into 1st and 2nd violins. 1st violins are typically on the top of texture of the music and 2nd violins typically switch from being with the 1st violins or with the violas in a more supporting role.
A violin is sometimes informally called a fiddle, no matter what kind of music is played on it. The word “violin” comes to us through the Romance languages from the Middle Latin word vitula, meaning “stringed instrument”;[1] this word may also be the source of the Germanic “fiddle”.
lots more info on the Violin [from wikipedia]
EYS tutors for the Violin: Jackie Oates, Rebecca Willson, Emma Clapham, Carina Vince, Alison Jones
Advice
Buying: It is usually quite easy to get hold of a cheap instrument from various places. It is good to get it checked first by someone before buying. Instruments are often sold without being set up for playing (level of bridge and sound post) and without advertising this. It can be an unexpected added cost.
If you are unable to afford to buy a violinEYS may be able to help; alternatively our local music shop has an interest free hire purchase scheme. Please contact Kirsty Hugill for more information.
Violins come in lots of sizes from full size (14 inch body) right down to 1/16 (really tiny ones!). This means that children as young as three can play!
Playing: at Exeter Young Strings we only teach children under 6 years after they have spent a minimum of one term in our Music Awareness classes.
At Exeter Young Strings we run small chamber groups enabling members to have fun playing with children/teens of around the same age and standard. Members who take part in groups generally make faster progress and gain more enjoyment from their playing than children who only make music in isolation.
It is essential to have individual lessons in addition to the groups. You will find that some things you find harder than another person and will need more help with or you may find other things easy. Individual lessons also mean you can chose with your teacher the style of pieces you enjoy and, if you wish, take cello exams when you are ready. You are free to progress at your own rate.
Looking after: A beginner will not know as much about the violin as a more experienced player. With this in mind, it is important to be very careful with your violin. It is important not to touch the tuning pegs or adjusters and to be very careful about putting any pressure on the bridge - it is only held in place by the strings! If you think something is wrong with your violin, always ask your teacher. Do not attempt any repairs by yourself!
Always keep your violin in its case, loosen the bow when you are not using it and keep it at an even temperature (not next to the radiator!). Treat your violin and everything with it carefully. Ask your teacher for more information on proper maintenance.
The Violin in action
Some YouTube video clip[s] relating to the Violin:
Jascha Heifetz: Rondo by Mozart
Sarah Chang: Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
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