About the Instrument:
Okay, I’ll say it. The violin is the bully of the Orchestra. There are more of them than anything else, they usually get the best parts to play, and they get to sit right up in front, next to the conductor. For all the advantages, you’ll have to work extra hard to master the beauty of this stringed instrument. Both because of the complexity of the instrument, and also because there are a heck of a lot of violin players. Once you start your mastering of the violin, you’ll be able to take it into a myriad of different styles, including jazz, bluegrass, and about anything else you’d like. Just remember at some point you may have to decide on purchasing a house, or a professional violin.
Purchase Price: $500-$250,000
Rental Price: $10-30.00 per month
How Loud Is It?: 88 dbl.
Difficulty Level: 9
Can the Sound be Muted?:
There are 2 types of mutes....
1. a "regular" mute softens the instrument sound for performing purposes as notated per composer request.
2. The other is actually called a "practice mute" and deadens the sound, great for soft practice.
Also, there are “silent” electronic violins that you can use.
Weight: 16 oz.
Additional costs, What else you’ll need: Replacement strings.
a bow, (can be very expensive)
rosin for the bow.
Scholarship Opportunities: Yes.
Performing Opportunities: Orchestra, Chamber Ensembles, Broadway Shows, Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Folk, TV and Movie Scores
Related Instruments: Viola, Cello
Pros: Popular in many different styles of music. Might be considered the top of the food chain in the Orchestra.
Cons: Hard to play, harder to master. Very competitive. Top of the line professional instruments very expensive.
Why play the Violin? Click on the movie below.
