Whether you’re curious about playing on gut strings, tuning to A415, or simply drawn to the expressive world of Baroque music, you’re in the right place. This guide is for amateur violinists, violists, and other string players who want to explore Historically Informed Performance (HIP) without having to be professional or conservatory-trained.

Baroque and early music offer a new way to engage with familiar repertoire and new communities while opening up new worlds of sound. From trying a Baroque bow to joining a local early music ensemble, you’ll find practical advice and resources to help you begin.

What Is Historically Informed Performance?

An Introduction to Historically Informed Performance (HIP) for Amateur Violinists ›
A beginner-friendly overview of what HIP is, why it appeals to amateur musicians, and how to explore early music without committing to a full Baroque setup.

• What HIP means and why it matters
• Historical context and interpretation
• How modern players can start exploring HIP and early music
• My personal story of starting to play Baroque violin

“At its heart, historically informed performance is about playing music with a respect for the time in which it was written, including using the techniques and instruments musicians of that era would have used.”

Getting Started With Baroque Equipment

Baroque Violin Gear for Amateur Players ›
A practical guide to Baroque bows, gut strings, and instruments, including budget-friendly options and buying advice, including:

• Where to buy gut strings
• Baroque bows: how they feel and where to try one
• Finding affordable Baroque instruments
• Setup tips for “testing the waters” on your modern instrument

Baroque Gear Reviews

Charlie Ogle Baroque Violin ›
A practical review of the Baroque violin that I play in a Baroque ensemble as an amateur.

Finding an Early Music Community

Playing Old Music, Making New Friends ›
A guide to joining ensembles, workshops, and festivals where amateur musicians are welcome. Includes:

• Community Baroque ensembles and consorts
• Summer workshops and adult-amateur-friendly programs
• Early Music Festivals

Who to Listen To

Listening is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the sound world of early music and to develop your ear for its unique phrasing, articulation, and tone. Here are some artists and ensembles to explore:

• Rachel Podger – excellent Bach and Biber recordings. 
• Viktoria Mullova – expressive, historically informed playing
• Isabelle Faust – Modern and Baroque violinist 
• Voices of Music (YouTube) – high-quality, historically informed performances 
• Netherlands Bach Society (YouTube) – full performances of Baroque repertoire with period instruments

What to Play (Repertoire)

Repertoire suggestions for violinists and violists exploring early music and Baroque playing.

Baroque Music That Shines on the Viola ›

A violist’s guide to Baroque repertoire that suits the instrument’s warmth and resonance, with approachable entry points for students, amateur musicians, and the historically curious. Includes:

• Telemann’s viola concerto and solo Fantasies
• Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 and selected Cello Suite movements
• Viola-friendly works originally written for violin, cello, and viola da gamba

Explore More: Organizations & Festivals

• Early Music America – News, workshop & festival listings, and amateur-friendly content
• Amherst Early Music – Classes and workshops
• Berkeley Early Music Festival – Festival + fringe concerts and instrument exhibition
• Boston Early Music Festival – World-class concerts and exhibitions

What’s Next

This guide will continue to grow as I publish more articles and resources for amateur players interested in early music. Upcoming topics include:

• Must-have books on Baroque violin and viola playing
• Baroque chamber music for adult learners
• Approachable, lesser-known baroque solo repertoire