Beginning Violin Lessons: 10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me

When I first started learning violin, I thought it would be all about notes, bow strokes, and pretty melodies. What I didn’t realize was how much more goes into learning this beautiful, yet humbling instrument. Looking back, I wish someone had sat me down and told me a few of these things from the start. So, if you’re just beginning your violin journey—this one’s for you.

#1 Learn things correctly from the very beginning

It’s tempting to just “get by” at first—maybe your bow hold isn’t perfect or your intonation is a little off—but these habits stick. The way you start forms the foundation for everything that follows. Take the time to learn correct posture, bow hold, and finger placement. Trust me, fixing bad habits later is way harder than learning them right from the start.

#2 How to practice

Practicing doesn’t just mean playing songs from start to finish. Effective practice is focused, intentional, and often unglamorous. Break pieces down into small sections, slow things down, and work on the tough spots instead of skipping over them. Think quality over quantity—15 minutes of mindful practice beats an hour of distracted playing.

#3 Consistent practice is key

You don’t have to practice for hours a day, but you do need consistency. Five focused sessions a week will get you much further than one long marathon on the weekend. Progress on the violin is like compound interest—tiny, regular investments add up to big results over time.

#4 You ARE improving

Some days, it won’t feel like it. You’ll squeak, miss notes, and wonder if you’re getting worse. But improvement on the violin often happens in the background, quietly building until suddenly something clicks. Take videos of yourself every few months—you’ll be surprised how far you’ve come.

#5 Violin hickeys are not cool

That reddish mark under the chin? It’s not a badge of honor—it’s often a sign of tension or poor setup. A properly adjusted chinrest and shoulder rest can help, as can learning to relax your jaw and neck while playing. Comfort is not a luxury—it’s part of good technique.

#6 You do NOT need all the latest gear

It’s easy to get caught up in upgrading your violin, bow, rosin, or strings. But fancy gear won’t make up for solid fundamentals. A well-set-up student instrument in the hands of a mindful player beats a $5,000 violin in the hands of someone who doesn’t practice. Focus on your playing—your gear can come later.

#7 It doesn’t matter where you go to school

Whether you’re learning privately, online, or through a local program, what matters most is your dedication and the quality of your practice. Great violinists come from every type of background. Your path is your own—don’t compare it to someone else’s.

#8 People skills are just as important as playing skills

Music is about connection. Whether you’re playing in an orchestra, a quartet, or just chatting with your teacher, communication and humility go a long way. Being kind, reliable, and respectful will open more doors for you than perfect vibrato ever could.

#9 It’s going to take longer than you think

Progress on the violin doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term relationship—full of frustrations, breakthroughs, and beautiful moments in between. Stick with it. The joy of finally playing a piece you once thought was impossible is absolutely worth the wait.

#10 Your worth is not dependent on how you play

This one’s big. It’s easy to tie your self-esteem to how well you perform, but remember: your playing is what you do, not who you are. Every musician—beginner to professional—has off days. Celebrate the effort, not just the result. You are more than your sound.

Final thoughts:
Learning the violin will challenge your patience, your persistence, and even your self-image—but it will also give you incredible rewards. You’ll learn discipline, creativity, and how to express emotions words can’t capture.

If you stick with it, you’ll discover that the violin doesn’t just change how you play—it changes who you become. 🎻