This is why you should learn to play violin

There’s one pretty significant thing that gets in the way of us trying new things - and that thing is our ego. We don’t want to find out we’re not good at something. In order to avoid that feeling of failure we come up with excuses like “I don’t have time” or “I don’t even know where to begin”. Fortunately for you, I also have a huge ego and can relate entirely. Also fortunately for you, my ego has taken a beating throughout my process of learning the violin and I’m here to address your ego and your excuses and tell you exactly the reasons why you should take up this instrument as an adult.

Let’s start with your ego. We’ll get that guy out of the way first. Repeat after me: “I, *say your name* am allowed, to suck at this”. You, my friend, are going to be terrible. It’s inevitable. The trick is to ignore when those around you walk by while you’re playing and they’re covering their ears, glaring at you, and muttering profanities under their breath. That’s just one example of how my six-year-old voiced her displeasure as I was learning but you’re bound to have some folks in your lives who are less than appreciative of your beautiful music. 

here’s how easy it is to acquire a violin, start lessons, and get practising. 

I obviously am a promoter of violin, but, not to toot my own horn (get it?!) or anything, it’s a tough one to get a grasp of. Regardless, I highly recommend it! It’s like tackling a huge, ambitious mountain on your first attempt at hiking; challenging, yet satisfying.  

Head to your local music shop to take a look at what’s available. You usually have the option to buy or rent, which can be as cheap as $10 a month. 

While you’re at the music store you can inquire about some teachers in the area. The folks at the music store will likely have some recommendations. You can take a look at them or do a quick Google search to see if there's anyone else in the area. Do a little bit of digging. You’re going to want this person to be compatible with your personality. For example, if you tend to swear a lot while you're learning a new thing you want to make sure that your teacher is going to be able to work around that. Mine has most definitely learned to cope, bless her beautiful heart. 

Now that you’re fully set up with your violin and your instructor you need to practice, practice, practice. It’s going to be hard to get motivated at the beginning when you are horrible. You have to push through and force yourself to get that instrument in your hands for at least a few minutes every single day. Use whatever keeps you motivated. Maybe you need a schedule on your fridge. Maybe you need some gold star stickers. Maybe you keep track of how your annoying neighbour is getting increasingly more visibly annoyed. However you want to go about it always keep in mind that you won’t get better without practising. Oh, and P.S…you do have time. 

Now that we’ve dealt with any barriers to learning how to play violin I’m going to share why you oughtta do it. 

Let’s start from the top down, shall we?

Your brain. 

According to Patricia Izbicki who is a neuroscientist and medical science liason, learning a musical instrument strengthens your entire brain's neuroplasticity, which is what controls its ability to change throughout your lifetime. The more you play, the more the neurons in your brain fire together. I promise you this is a good thing. 

Okay, maybe you don’t care about neuroplasticity, but what if I told you that learning to play violin could help you remember where you put those darn keys or could give you enough focus to get yourself through the rest of this blog post? Those connections in your brain are getting their fiery workout as you learn to play violin and are building pretty practical brain functions like working memory, inhibitions, and focus. Research indicates that learning an instrument could even play a significant part in reducing your risk of getting dementia as you age.

Moving down, next we get to our hearts. As human beings, we thrive on emotional and social connections. Music has been bringing people together for millennia and in many instances is the focal point of gatherings. It lifts your mood. It can ignite positive emotional responses. It can bring like-minded people together. I’m telling you right now that there is nothing more magical than spending time with friends while you create beautiful music. Bonds are developed in these moments and you create memories that will last a lifetime. 

**On that note, another reason why choosing to learn violin is so awesome is because you can see the look on people’s faces when you call jam nights “fiddling with my friends”. It’s pretty darn priceless. 

Lastly, let’s try out a little something here. Close your eyes and think of your favourite song. I’ll give you a few seconds to really get into it and hear it play in your head. 

What happens to your body when you do this? Maybe your toes tap or your shoulders sway or your head bobs. Not only does your body naturally move to the music, but when you’re learning to play violin your body has to learn very particular ways of holding positions to be an efficient player. Correct posture and body movements are required to play every single instrument and you end up using muscles you didn’t even know you had. As you get more comfortable playing you’ll notice that those postures are engaged while you move to the music, which ultimately ends up being a full-body workout!

Your breath also makes a tremendous impact on how you play. If you're playing something like flute or trumpet you obviously need to be super aware of your breath, but while learning to play violin you need to be mindful of how you breathe to encourage relaxation. A more relaxed body makes for a more relaxed and efficient player. Maybe this is why music is considered a form of stress release?

I’ve taken you on a thorough journey of how to start learning to play violin and why you should do it. I’m hopeful that I’ve convinced at least a few of you to consider investigating the possibility of taking up this beautiful instrument. It’s easy enough to start and will benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health, however, I know there will still be some reluctant folks.

For you, I’ve saved the biggest benefit of all when it comes to learning to play the violin:

Did you know that playing music can make you more attractive? Not only will you exude intelligence, creativity and determination, but you’ll be ultra-confident. Those brain neurons won’t be the only things that are fiery. 

So, what are you waiting for? Head on down to Long and McQuade and make sure you tell them I sent you so I can get my commission cheque (just kidding), and get started on your musical journey!