There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing your first tangible notes or playing your first song. Learning a new instrument is one of the most challenging things a person can do. It tests your patience, physical and mental endurance, and will to learn.
Studies show that the piano and guitar are the most popular instruments to learn. However, about 16% of Americans have chosen to play the violin. Most people start learning their first instrument at a young age, but if you’re an adult, it’s never too late to learn.
Are you looking to learn a new instrument? This article covers all the reasons why you should play the violin. Read on to discover the benefits of learning violin!
1. Violins Are Versatile Instruments
The violin is a major component in many great western classical music. Many recognizable pieces from composers like Bach and Beethoven were written for the violin. While your violin lessons may start with basic classical music, you aren’t limited to that!
Many other cultures have adopted the violin into their music. The violin fits in well with various styles of music and orchestrations, including rock and indie folk music.
You may have heard of violin content creator Lindsey Stirling. This talented violinist combined her classical violin skills with an electronic touch. Her unique approach was well-received and earned her a loyal following.
Many musical street performers also use the violin. In addition to being versatile, the violin is one of the most portable instruments you can have. If you dream of being a traveling musician one day, the violin is an excellent instrument of choice.
2. Work Out Your Muscles and Learn Coordination
Did you know that playing the violin burns 170 calories per hour? Learning the violin is a great workout, especially for those tiny muscles in your hands. Most beginners struggle with pressing different strings at the same time and holding the bow correctly.
However, as you continue to play the violin, you build fine motor skills and finger dexterity. Playing the violin can also help with symptoms of arthritis. Learning fast notes and moving across the fingerboard will help you regain strength in your hand muscles.
Learning the violin also requires coordination in your entire body. One of the first things a violin teacher will show you is the proper way of holding a bow. You also need to learn how to place your neck and position your fingers before you can move on to learning sheet music.
The violin teaches you how to coordinate your body to play the right notes. Proper hand placement on the bow will help you adapt to the pressure and force of the score. Your neck holds the violin in place, so it doesn’t slip away.
3. Stimulate Your Brain
Learning an instrument is a great way to stimulate the brain. It can improve various brain functions, like speech, reading comprehension, and language processing. Reading music and playing notes will also teach you better hand-eye coordination.
Learning violin involves tons of repetition. You may find yourself playing the scale multiple times in one session. This repetition teaches you to pay more attention to detail.
You also develop better memory from learning chords and memorizing musical pieces. Playing violin also has a positive impact on the attention span of young learners.
Violin lessons will progress to more complex musical ideas as you keep playing. This sharpens your problem-solving skills.
4. Develop Your Ears
Unlike the guitar, the violin does not have a fretboard. This means that you have to find and learn each tone by ear. Even if you find the correct positioning, you may not produce the sound you want because of how you hold your bow.
While this can be frustrating for beginners, it’s also great practice for your ears. Many young violinists learn to coordinate their finger placements with notes through sound. You learn to determine if a pitch is in or out of tune or if it matches the score you’re listening to.
5. Creative and Emotional Outlet
Music has a way of connecting with your heart and soul. We all have our go-to happy songs if we want to start the day right. Many of us also turn to music when feeling sad or angry.
Playing an instrument like the violin can help you process these emotions. One day, you can also start making your own music!
6. Helps You Learn Other String Instruments
One of the best things about the violin is that it can give you a headstart if you pick up another string instrument. The violin is the smallest instrument in the string family, and the curved neck can make it awkward to hold.
Learning the guitar will be much easier, as you have a fretboard to guide you to the correct chords. Pizzicato on the violin can also translate to picking techniques in other stringed instruments. This includes the harp, bass, and guitar.
7. The Violin is a Social Instrument
Music brings people together in ways more than having the same music taste or liking the same artist. The violin is a melody instrument. This means you can play it solo or in an ensemble with other instruments.
Making music is always more fun with others, so gather your musically-inclined friends and start a jamming session!
You can play the violin with a duet or with an orchestra. Orchestras are common in high schools and colleges. These are great for kids who are looking for somewhere to fit in.
Why You Should Play the Violin
If you’re looking for a sign to play the violin, this is it. Regardless of your age, there are many things that this little instrument can teach you.
At the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, we have a great love for music and sharing our knowledge and skills. Are you interested in violin lessons? Fill out our form, and we’ll help you get in touch with the right violin teacher.
