$150 off your first in-person violin lesson
TANA VIOLIN
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to start the violin?
How long does it take to learn the violin for beginners?
What is it like to take violin lessons for adults?
How difficult is it to learn the violin?
How do I know what level I’m at in violin?
Which violin beginner book do you use?
How long should students practice every day?
What is the best age to start the violin ?
you can start as little as 5 years old. 5-9 years old is the best age to start the violin. However, there’s no specific age limit. Even adults can start learning anytime!
How long does it take to learn the violin for beginners?
It depends. On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 years to move past the beginner stage if learned properly. The two biggest factors in learning violin for beginners are the teacher and the student. A skilled teacher who focuses on proper technique and provides effective violin lessons for beginners plays a crucial role. Using the right violin beginner books alongside expert instruction helps build a strong foundation.
Without the right guidance, progress can be slow—many students stay in the beginner phase for years and struggle to advance if they don’t develop proper technique. Practice is just as important. It’s not just about how much time a student spends practicing, but how effectively they do it.
With structured violin lessons for beginners, the right violin beginner books and excersices, and consistent, focused practice, students can progress much faster and develop the skills needed to move to the next level.
What is it like to take violin lessons for adults?
Learning the violin as an adult can take longer than it does for children, but with dedication and consistent practice, progress can still be significant. One key advantage adults have is their ability to follow instructions closely and focus on specific areas for improvement. This targeted approach allows for more efficient learning and can help accelerate progress.
Structured violin lessons for adults provide the necessary guidance to build a strong foundation in technique, intonation, and bow control. While the learning process may be different from that of a child, adults who commit to regular practice and violin lessons that focus on their unique needs often find themselves advancing faster than they initially expected.
How difficult is it to learn the violin?
Learning violin is often considered challenging, as it requires a strong foundation in technique. However, with the right approach, it becomes much easier.
Many students struggle at certain levels or with specific pieces because they haven't developed the proper fundamentals. Whether due to ineffective teaching methods, an unsuitable approach, or incorrect practice habits, a solid technical foundation is key to overcoming obstacles.
When violin is learned properly, students will find that it’s not as difficult as it seems and will progress at a much faster pace.
How do I know what level I’m at in violin?
It’s not always easy to figure out your level on your own—it’s not just about how long you’ve been playing or what pieces you can play, but how well you play them.
For example, a student who can play an advanced level violin concerto well, with proper technique, good intonation, strong bow control, and musical expression, would be considered an advanced player. But if another student has the same amount of experience and plays the same piece but struggles with technique, intonation, or bow control, they wouldn’t be considered at the same level just yet.
Which violin beginner book do you use?
I primarily use the Suzuki Method Violin books for beginner violin lessons, but relying on them alone isn’t enough to develop essential techniques. To build a strong foundation, I also incorporate Hrimaly Scale Studies and Wohlfahrt Op. 45 Sixty Studies for the Violin. These three violin beginner books, when used together, are highly effective in developing solid technique.
In addition to these books, I’ve developed specialized exercises over the years that further refine technique, helping students improve with greater precision and consistency. With this comprehensive approach, students are positioned to make significant progress and build a strong foundation that supports their growth as violinists.
How long should students practice every day?
This is a question I get asked often, and I have a different perspective on it. While some may say a specific amount of practice time is necessary, I believe the quality of violin practicing is far more important than the quantity.
Practicing just to meet a time goal without focus or proper technique is not productive—it’s actually a waste of time. What matters is how effectively you practice. If a student can have a focused, high-quality practice session and make meaningful progress in just 10 or 15 minutes, then that’s enough.
The key is not how long you practice, but how well you practice. If you can’t focus, then it’s better to keep practice sessions shorter and more focused rather than pushing through for the sake of time.
Your violin teacher must guide you step by step on how to practice, as this is an extremely important part of your lessons.
What is expected of the student during a violin lesson?
Students are expected to come to each lesson well-prepared, having practiced the repertoire and exercises assigned in the previous violin lesson. Consistent practice throughout the week is essential, and students should follow the instructions provided to ensure they are progressing effectively.
Do you offer in-home violin lessons?
Yes, I offer in-home violin lessons in the Philadelphia Main Line area. Please see the available locations here.