A music practice journal (sometimes called a practice log or practice notebook) helps musicians plan, track, and reflect on their practice sessions. Whether you’re an adult learner, an amateur violinist, or returning to an instrument after time away, journaling can bring structure and reflection into your practice. As an adult violin student, my goal is…
When I first started taking violin lessons again as an adult returning to playing, I kept a dedicated music practice journal to track how much time I spent practicing and what I spent this time doing. After tracking my practice for some time, I realized that the component missing for me in this journal was…
Using Dice in Scale Practice If you’re like me, you might struggle to keep your scale practice fresh. Maybe you tend to play the same scales over and over, or perhaps you have a solid, varied routine that still feels a little stale. Either way, adding a new twist can reinvigorate your practice. I’m someone…
My sense of musical pulse has never been particularly strong. As a violinist/violist playing in a community orchestra that tackles challenging standard repertoire, this troubles me. For years, I learned solo pieces by listening to recordings, then imitating the rhythms I heard. This works, more or less, when learning a solo piece. But the thick…
There’s nothing more fulfilling as an amateur musician than playing with others, whether it’s experiencing two violins in harmony, the support of a pianist filling out the texture, or immersing yourself in the music while playing a string quartet, there are ample ways to find musical community as an amateur musician. Recently, I met up…
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…
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…
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…
If you’ve started exploring Baroque violin playing, you might be wondering whether your modern setup is sufficient, if it’s time to invest in a Baroque bow or even a period-style instrument. Maybe you’ve experimented with gut strings, or you are already playing in a Baroque ensemble and looking for an instrument that will blend in…
Practical advice on renting, buying, and finding the right size viola for violinists ready to explore You’ve thought about trying the viola. Maybe you’ve borrowed a friend’s instrument during a break at orchestra or quartet rehearsal, or read about why switching to viola is rewarding, and now, you’re ready to find your own instrument. Based on…