Tempus musicum
Getting ready to learn
What you’ll need before the lessons
Your guide to picking the perfect violin
Don’t worry — there’s no such thing as a “perfect” violin for beginners.
What truly matters is finding the right size for you. With the right fit, you can play beautifully on almost any instrument.
A good beginner violin doesn’t have to be expensive. A mid-range option is often the best choice, and even a secondhand violin can work great — in fact, violins often sound better with age as the wood matures.
Some trusted brands available in Kazakhstan include Yamaha and Gewa. If you’re on a budget, you can also check out Stagg, Cascha, Sonata, or Empire.
In the video, I walk you through all the little details to look for — and you’ll hear how violins from different brands actually sound.
What truly matters is finding the right size for you. With the right fit, you can play beautifully on almost any instrument.
A good beginner violin doesn’t have to be expensive. A mid-range option is often the best choice, and even a secondhand violin can work great — in fact, violins often sound better with age as the wood matures.
Some trusted brands available in Kazakhstan include Yamaha and Gewa. If you’re on a budget, you can also check out Stagg, Cascha, Sonata, or Empire.
In the video, I walk you through all the little details to look for — and you’ll hear how violins from different brands actually sound.
How to find the perfect violin size for you
Violin sizes: 4/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16
The 4/4 violin is a full-size instrument, typically suitable for adults and children aged around 11–12 and up — depending on their height and arm length.
The smaller sizes are designed for younger children.
The best way to find your perfect size is to try violins in a music store.
You can also compare the position of your arms with the illustrations below to get a good idea.
The 4/4 violin is a full-size instrument, typically suitable for adults and children aged around 11–12 and up — depending on their height and arm length.
The smaller sizes are designed for younger children.
The best way to find your perfect size is to try violins in a music store.
You can also compare the position of your arms with the illustrations below to get a good idea.
✅ Fits well
The violin is the right size.
The elbow is bent at a wide angle or almost fully extended.
The hand comfortably wraps around the scroll.
The elbow is bent at a wide angle or almost fully extended.
The hand comfortably wraps around the scroll.
❌ Doesn’t fit
The arm is bent at a right or obtuse angle when holding the scroll.
Playing will be uncomfortable.
Playing will be uncomfortable.
Where to get your first violin
- Music stores in your city
- Online stores (Kaspi, Ozon, Amazon, and others)
- On classifieds websites (if you're looking for a used violin)
However, as a beginner, you might not notice much difference between violins at first.
4 must-have items for your first weeks of learning
- Bow
- Rosin
- Shoulder rest
- Violin case
- BowYou will play it across the strings.
- RosinRosin is applied to the bow to make the strings sound when the bow is drawn across them.
- Shoulder restWith the shoulder rest, the violin stays more stable on the shoulder.
- CaseThe violin should be stored in a case to protect it from external factors.
Shoulder rest
The shoulder rest is necessary for comfortable positioning of the instrument on the body. The height and angle can be adjusted. The wider side of the shoulder rest should be placed on the side with the chin.
In the store, try different models to find the most comfortable one. The shoulder rest is not included with the violin. In the video, you'll see how to properly attach the shoulder rest.
The shoulder rest is necessary for comfortable positioning of the instrument on the body. The height and angle can be adjusted. The wider side of the shoulder rest should be placed on the side with the chin.
In the store, try different models to find the most comfortable one. The shoulder rest is not included with the violin. In the video, you'll see how to properly attach the shoulder rest.
What should not be done?
Try to avoid these mistakes to prevent damage to the instrument.
Wiping with water or alcohol
The varnish may come off when in contact with water or alcohol. Wipe with a dry cloth. A flannel cloth or an eyeglass cloth will work well.
Leaving it in the sun
The varnish may crack or come off at high temperatures. This will affect the sound.
Leaving it in the cold
The strings may crack from the cold, and the wood will absorb moisture.
Tuning the pegs
There will be a separate video on tuning the violin. Without understanding, you may break the strings.
Placing on the strings
The shoulder rest may crack from pressure.
Handing it over to inexperienced hands
Do not give the instrument to those who don't know how to handle it. The violin may break if dropped or subjected to mechanical impact.
FAQ
— What nail length is best for comfortable playing?
— Your nails should not extend much beyond the fingertips.
Long nails can interfere with playing — they might touch the strings and even affect the sound.
If you usually wear long manicures, it's best to trim your nails during your violin practice.
— When should I clean my violin?
— Wipe your violin every time after playing to remove rosin dust.
Leaving rosin on the instrument can damage the varnish over time.
— How often should I rosin the bow?
— It depends on how often you play. Make sure the bow hair stays white — if it starts turning yellow, it’s time to apply more rosin.
For beginners, once a week is usually enough.
— Can I play without a shoulder rest?
— You can, if it feels comfortable for you. Usually, in this case, a small cushion is attached to the violin or placed under your clothing on the shoulder..
— Why does my new violin sound strange?
— When you buy a new violin, it usually comes out of tune and needs to be adjusted. To learn how to tune it yourself, you first need to master the basic hand positions. Or you can ask the store to tune it for you.
— When will I be able to play my first melody?
— Everyone learns at their own pace, but on average, you can play a simple melody in just one lesson. Most songs with a verse and chorus usually take about 5–8 lessons to learn. It all depends on your motivation, how often you practice, and the difficulty of the piece.
Оптимальная длина маникюра для обучения
Write to me, and I’ll send you a free checklist where you’ll learn:
And most importantly, you’ll learn
How to tune your violin without breaking the strings
- Which violin is better to choose — acoustic or electric
- How to tell a good bow from a bad one
- A handy tip for using rosin
- 3 ways to put the bridge on your violin
And most importantly, you’ll learn
How to tune your violin without breaking the strings
Send me a message on any messenger app, and I’ll send you the checklist for free.
