When I started learning how to play violin, it was not a personal choice of mine, but one from my parents, who wanted me to cultivate musical talents just like every other kid. The same situation continues to befall many children nowadays, as being able to play a musical instrument of any sort is considered a key requisite on one's personal portfolio in life. What that initial decision led to was a natural rebellion on my part - I was never seriously interested in the violin until much later in life. However, simply because I was able to develop a love for it later in life, validated my parents' decision to push me into it.

Back then, learning the violin was not a popular choice, definitely not compared to the piano or even the guitar. It is still the same today, partly due to the higher fees charged by music schools for education on this instrument, as well as the slightly elitist mentality when it comes to its community. However, one thing has changed dramatically since that time, and that is, it is no longer an instrument that is difficult to master or learn. The music schools have not changed much in that many are still around. The teachers are still the same rigid, disciplined and strict classically trained musicians (but not less quality). But in terms of resources available for students, there are definitely way more available nowadays, especially with a growing community online as well as the many video sites that have sprung up on the Internet.

It was much easier to harbor thoughts of giving up during my time. I did, many times. But if I were a beginner now, I would be inspired more than discouraged. And that is due to the ability I have been given to find like minded violinists as well as the resources available to me from sites such as YouTube.

But for those who wish to learn the instrument, the first thing to do is to enrol in a course with a school or directly under the tutelage of a violin teacher. You may also choose to teach yourself how to play it, but be aware that it will be that much harder. For example, I would never be able to choose the latter option, simply because I did not fancy the instrument in the first place, and I suspect the discipline might lack at a certain stage. But for those who have lower monetary resources and are self driven, then it is not a bad idea. At any stage though, the need for a 'teacher' would still come in handy.

Once you have started the lessons, one of the first things to do is to get your own violin. This is often done with help from the school as they will recommend the suitable makes. It can be construed as a commercial tie-up with the dealers, but as long as they provide quality violins, and at a special price negotiated with the school, then personally I do not see anything wrong with it. You can always choose to buy on your own if you have done the proper research and sought proper advice.

While you can pretty much leave the technical lessons in the hands of the teachers, there is a huge part that must come from you in order to help you improve and not have to give up at any point in time. As the student, the teacher can only show you what is right and wrong. The application must come from you. This means dedicating enough hours per day to practise and study. If you skip any of these, the improvements will not come, and you will actually get worse. There is of course time to relax and take a break, but these should be scheduled too. Most of the time it is to allow your fingers, shoulders and other involved physical parts to recuperate from the stress and wear, while your mind can take a mental holiday for a short while to recharge those batteries. You will return stronger and ready for another round of learning and training.

In order to keep yourself fresh and not fall into a rut (which can be a strong reason for giving up), try to listen to new violin music from time to time. Do not stick to the same old practise routine. Vary and change it periodically to keep yourself on the edge. It is actually quite easy to feel stale on the violin, as it is often given a stale image due to its association with classical music. Perhaps listening to some electric violin or rock music, or even trying to learn a piece of rock music to be played on the instrument, can help work wonders in terms of revitalizing your efforts to master it.

There are many other ways to continually improve on how you can play the violin. Balance it with new ideas that will maintain your interest high and keep the passion flowing. Listen to other forms of music or instruments and not just the violin. Perhaps explore how you can transpose some of the same musical ideas and techniques onto your own. It is probably best left to a more advanced stage, but it never hurts to dream big from the start too.