Violin Class

In this episode, we’re going to look at one of the first things I want my private violin students to learn how to do— diagnosing these errors on your own and having the tools to fix them.  This is part 2/2 of troubleshooting unpleasant sounds on the violin. To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter If you want to keep this podca...

You’re not sounding so hot in today’s violin practice session. Is it you or your violin?  To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

I'm joined by Eric Mrugala, a violinist and host of the Violin Podcast. We’re discussing the state of the career of a modern-day violinist, how that has changed with the rise of social media, and what we think is missing in music schools to prepare violinists for the realities of modern-day violinists’ careers. You can check out our other collaborative episode on his show here: https://www.vi...

I talk to my violin student Julia, who has been playing the violin for a bit over a year and a half and is what I would consider an example of a dedicated student of violin. Julia gives her advice to others learning the violin, her perspective on overcoming all the mental hurdles that come with learning a complex skill, and how sometimes you need to step away from your goals to stay on track. Othe...

Active listening: a vital skill for all violinists. Learn how to source good recordings, which to avoid, whether it makes a difference to listen with video or audio, and then, the most important part, how to listen.  To read the full show notes, recordings, and bonus material, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter I’m going to walk you through this using several recordin...

If you’re learning a piece of music, there’s one thing you really need to be doing outside of practice. Part 1/2 To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here:  violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

To read the full show notes and bonus content for this episode, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter In this episode, violist Evalynn Tyros gives you a behind-the-scene perspective into what only happens behind closed doors in the classical world: the audition process. Musicians give their everything in these auditions, and it’s incredibly difficult and competitive to w...

Tracking your progress and progress can be a great tool to keep you motivated and organized. I will walk you through how to keep a practice journal effectively, and how to use it to keep your violin practice on track. For the full show notes, including a full example of one of my own practice plans, sign up for the newsletter at violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website...

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter We all know that intonation is one of the biggest struggles we have as violinists. Digital tuners and tuning apps seem like a cheap and easy tool that will help you improve, but it’s not so simple. Like everything, there are pros and cons to working with a tuner, and most violin teachers...

When should you start learning vibrato? I answer my #1 most asked question as a violin teacher. Listen to learn what I look for before starting vibrato, how long it takes to learn,  when I personally teach it, and what you can do to start preparing-- even as a beginner. For the full show notes, including my favorite vibrato explanations on the internet, vibrato examples + guided listening question...

Sign up for the Violin Class Insiders newsletter to read the full show notes, written parts of this episode, and some bonus content at  violinclass.co/newsletter New to classical music? Start here! The classical world is a bit intimidating if you're just starting out, but attending a live concert is one of the best things to go out and see if you're learning the violin. Listen to learn a...

Do you have what you need to have a successful violin practice? Listen to find out what you need to set up your space (spoiler...it's not much). In the second half, I cover some ideas and solutions for those of you who have to be mindful of your noise production (thin walls, roommates, neighbors...) Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode, my private student Andres shares his story of how he came into the violin 5 years ago without any previous musical experience, and how he's been able to establish a consistent practice over the years while balancing with a demanding career.  Andres shares his process and practice tips, what the violin means to him, and how he's kept on going through the challenges. He al...

Classical violinists are expected to have the skills to play virtuosic repertoire, beautiful melodies, and sight read almost perfectly...so why can't most improvise over simple chord changes? The history is pretty fascinating! Sources:  The Decline of Improvisation in Western Art Music: An Interpretation of Change -Robin Moore https://www.jstor.org/stable/43873094?seq=1 Ferand, Ernst T. “Impr...

These are the top 5 mistakes that we all make when practicing violin, and some tips to correct them. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Today we're discussing important things that you probably haven't thought to wonder about-- like how humidity and your climate affects your instrument, what you should be communicating to your luthier when getting repairs. Luthiers know way more about violins than violinists do, so you will definitely learn a lot of new things in this episode! You can find Ian Christian here: Instagram:...

In this episode, my private student Olivia shares her story of how she went from being a total beginner to starting a Vivaldi concerto in just 2 years, all while being a working full-time university student. Olivia shares her process, how she makes time for practicing consistently around her busy schedule, and her advice to those just starting out. She also shares how to push through plateaus in y...

What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin? How do you get started learning to fiddle if you come form a classical music background? What should you know going into your first Irish fiddle session?  This week’s episode of Violin Class Podcast features guest expert, fiddler, and ethnomusicologist Hannah Harris, who answers all of these questions and many more. ___________________ Hannah Ha...

If you've taken a long break from playing violin, don’t just jump right into playing the last thing you were practicing before you stopped. This week’s episode to learn how I get into shape efficiently and safely - including specific etudes, exercises, and strategies. But wait! This is part 2-- go listen to VC#6 first.   Etudes and exercises mentioned in this episode:  Sevcik Op 1, Bk 1: http...

Sometimes, life gets in the way and you’ve stopped playing or practicing violin. You may have gone off to college, started a family, or just taken a break. Whether you’ve been away for a few months, or a few decades, there are some tips and things to keep in mind when you're ready to start up again. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode I will be going over some of the types of pieces in the classical violin repertoire, including some pieces you should listen to and familiarize yourself with. There are many, many pieces written for the violin, so if you have a new interest for the classical violin world it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. The goal of this episode is to help give you some backgroun...

Everything you should know about taking care of your instrument - all your questions answered! When should you change strings, when should you visit the luthier, can you keep your violin on the wall, do you need a humidifier, and many more tips.  Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Things you should be aware of to help you prepare to buy an instrument. Online retailer mentioned: https://www.sharmusic.com/ If you have any suggestions for a future episode, or just want to say hi, you can write to me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Instagram: Podcast: @violinclasspod Me: @juliareddymusic Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

If you're taking violin lessons with a private teacher, here are 7 things you should be doing to get the most out of your classes. If you have any suggestions for a future episode, or just want to say hi, you and write to me at learnviolinpodcast@gmail.com .  Instagram: Podcast: @violinclasspod Me: @juliareddymusic Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode, I go over the seven reasons why it's easier to learn the violin as an adult than as a kid. I also go over the advantages that kids have when learning an instrument, and how we can apply that to our learning.  Have an idea for a future episode? Write to me here: violinclasspod@gmail.com Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries