Lifelong Music-Making for Passionate Amateurs
Tuning in Fifths
A place for violinists who play for the love of it
Tuning in Fifths is a home for curious violinists and violists, whether you are an avid amateur or a new adult learner.
Here, you’ll find connection, encouragement, and real-world insights for lifelong learning on your instrument.
Whether you’re rediscovering the violin as an adult or deepening your craft, this site offers:
Practical Tips
Technique, practice routines, and strategies
Repertoire Guides
Discover music that inspires your playing
Baroque Violin & Viola
Learn about historically informed playing, from gear to gut strings
Guides for Amateur Musicians
Baroque Playing for Amateurs
How to get started playing baroque violin or viola
Dive into the world of historically informed performance with this beginner-friendly guide.
Viola for Violinists
Making the switch from violin to viola for curious amateurs
Thinking about exploring the rich voice of the viola? This guide is for violinists ready to try something new.
Recent Posts
Discovering Grażyna Bacewicz: Accessible Violin Music by a Modern Polish Composer
A brilliant 20th-century voice rooted in Polish tradition Grażyna Bacewicz (1909–1969) was a celebrated Polish composer, violinist, and educator whose music is finally gaining the international recognition it deserves. A well-known, yet underrepresented, figure in 20th-century classical music, Bacewicz wrote extensively for the violin, creating works that are filled with character, rewarding to play, and…
An Adult Violin Student’s Guide to Sourcing Inspiring Repertoire
Standard, overlooked, and contemporary violin repertoire for adult learners and amateurs When I was growing up, I studied violin through the Suzuki Method, which heavily emphasizes baroque repertoire. After returning to the instrument as an adult, I found myself interested in exploring a wider variety of music. I still love Baroque music, but I wanted…
Learning Vibrato as an Adult Beginner Violinist: A Three-Step Guide
Vibrato is the violinist’s expressive tool that really makes the instrument sing. But for some adult violin learners, it can feel almost impossible to learn. I know, because I struggled with vibrato for years. The coordination involved in the fluid vibrato motion felt like an impossible feat, especially while holding the violin, which is not…
About the Author
Hi, I’m Rose, an amateur violinist and adult violin student exploring the world of modern and Baroque string playing. I’m not a professional, but music is a central part of my life. I started this site to share what I’ve learned and create a space for others walking a similar path.
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