Violin Course for Children
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011Making the joint decision with your child that they will learn the violin is an exciting step for your child. Because there are so many courses available and so many methods of learning, it is important to find a violin course that caters especially for children. Children have unique needs compared to adults and these needs need to be taken into account so that your child can find the best possible path for reaching their music goals and desires.
Physical Limitations
Learning to hold the violin can be an awkward challenge. Balance depends on using a chin rest and a sense of coordination is essential, as movement in both hands is needed to play violin successfully. Fortunately, there are smaller violins available to make playing the violin easier for a child. Violin sizes range from as small as 1/8 through to 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and the normal full size. Specialty music stores usually stock them are the best first choice as you can try the instruments out. Be aware however that smaller violins may not give as good a quality sound as adult violins. Also, be aware if buying online that you really need to hear the violin to accurately judge the quality of the instrument, so use caution before proceeding.
Responsibilities
A lot of responsibility goes along with playing the violin, as instruments need to be cared for and looked after. Violins and more especially the bow can be worth a lot of money and if kept in mint condition may keep their value or in the case of famous brands like the Stradivarius, even increase in value over time. Learning the violin is a great chance for your child to learn how to care for their possessions and yet enjoy the process. Some key points in violin care including applying rosin to the bow hairs before playing, loosening the bow hairs when finished and storing the instrument correctly in the case. It is also good practice to use a polishing cloth to keep the violin wood gleaming and the fingerboard free of dust.
The Costs Involved
Naturally, there are costs involved in your child learning the violin. Some of the continuing costs will be replacing strings. It is good for your child to have at least one spare set (even two) of strings as strings can and do break. Even changes in weather such as a hotter day can cause the strings to snap. Depending on the quality of sound you desire, you can spend as much or little as you like on strings. Rosin, which is essentially hard blocks of tree gum, needs to be rubbed over the bow hair before the strings will make any noise and are another expense to keep in mind. The good news is rosin lasts a long time as long as it is not dropped and smashed. Other costs included gas for travel, lessons and possibly hiring an instrument if you choose not to buy one.
Worth the Investment
The time and effort required to motivate and support your child in their desire to play violin is well worth it. Not only will it help them to flourish artistically, it will open their social circle to include many new people of different ages and backgrounds and give them a confidence that comes from doing something you love! Do everything you can to keep it fun and the cost will seem minimal compared to the enjoyment and success your child experiences from playing the violin.
