Learn to play the violin (twinkle twinkle)

by rh5

Music Completed

Music Journey Overview

Follow this step-by-step music journey to see real progress updates, challenges overcome, and practical experience.

Progress Updates (4 total)

Update #1: Learn to play the violin (twinkle twinkle)

Play twinkle twinkle at tempo on the violin.
Challenges Overcome: I picked up my first violin. Watched a 25 minute video on how to hold the bow. Watched a 5 minute video on how to play twinkle twinkle. Practiced for 5 minutes. Recorded a video for opus.

Update #2: Twinkle twinkle mostly learned

85% complete
I started using a shoulder rest and it has been more comfortable. Additionally, I practiced for about 30 minutes yesterday and today. The hardest part so far is the finger movement between notes. Check out the YouTube video I added, he is a great violin teacher.
Obstacles Faced: Need to learn to play at tempo and more lively.
Next Steps: Practice more :).
Looking Back: Just practiced slowly. I am Joshua Bell.

Update #3: Broke the E string

85% complete
When attempting to tune the violin, I broke the E string.
Obstacles Faced: Getting used to the movement and coordination of the replacement is what i found difficult the first time.
Looking Back: I learned that the pegs of the violin should not be used to tune unless making changes of more than 50 Hz. Instead use the fine tuners at the bottom. Additionally, changing a string is fairly straightforward. Take the string out of the peg hole, put the new string back in the hole, wind it so the strings are not interfering with one another, place the ball end into the tailpiece and reduce slack.

Update #4: Started playing at tempo

100% complete
With more practice, I have been able to make my finger movement better. Also, I have gotten to the point where I know roughly how much pressure to put on the strings while playing. I am going to consider this complete!
Challenges Overcome: Learning a new instrument in always fun. The melody of twinkle twinkle is so well known that I think it's a perfect first song on the violin.
Obstacles Faced: Finger switching.
Next Steps: I really want to implement vibrato into this piece at some point. Vibrato is very difficult I've heard but would love to see how it elevates the simple twinkle twinkle melody. Also, I am still looking at the strings which I think is helping me visualize my next steps for finger movement in turn making it better, but I would like to become more confident and not have to rely on that.
Looking Back: How to properly tune a violin.

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