Violin Student, Lorraine L.
Violin can be a challenging instrument to learn. Right off the bat, students are challenged by needing to develop good posture. Placing an instrument just under your chin with your shoulders back and head off to one side is not as easy as it sounds. Students must also have a good amount of coordination between the left and right hands. When playing violin, each hand operates completely different. The left hand is used to pinch the strings of the instrument in order to play different notes. The right hand is used to bow the string and that itself has it’s own technique! Right from the start, a beginner has to have good fine and gross motor skills to get started.
Another challenge for beginners is intonation. Unlike the guitar where the notes are clearly seen by looking at the frets, the notes on the violin fretboard are not seen in the same way. You have to listen to the pitch and your ear grows accustomed to what the correct or proper sound is. Many instructors will employ the use of finger tape or stickers to help beginners along with intonation when they are starting out.
Lorraine started taking violin lessons at SMMC since November 2023. Lorraine was a complete violin beginner when she first started. Lorraine’s extensive experience in piano lessons did give her a head start on reading music. Having had that experience, it allowed Lorraine to focus more on the other challenging aspects. Little by little, Lorraine has progressed in her ability to play violin with persistence and patience.
In Her Teachers Words
Lorraine takes lessons from Mr. Camden Boyle. Mr. Boyle holds a Bachelors and Masters in Music from the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York. He’s a passionate instructor who’s worked with students of all ages and levels. As a teacher, Camden has worked with all ages and skill levels. Camden is committed to the patient and rewarding process of encouraging gradual weekly progress in students. This process builds a flourishing technique and musicianship over the span of months and years. Of Lorraine, Mr. Camden writes:
“Lorraine has been a pleasure to work with over the past year! As a student, she is consistent with practicing her scales. This has helped her develop a solid foundation. She consistently learns new pieces in a ample time and advances through Suzuki book I at a good pace. Her sight reading fluency is great for someone so young. This can be attributed to her learning piano for two years prior to violin. Lastly, she brings an excellent attitude to lessons that enhances her learning. Congratulations Lorraine!“
Lorraine During Her Violin Lesson
We invite you to enjoy a short clip of Lorraine performing on her instrument during a recent lesson.
Keep up the great practicing Lorraine! To view past award winners, check out our YouTube Student Of The Month playlist.
In Lorraine’s Words
Time for the part of the blog that is probably the most fun-the Q & A! We asked Lorraine a couple of questions about music and her general interests. Here is what she had to say:
- How long have you been playing your instrument and what do you like most about playing it?
“I’ve been playing the violin for about one year. The thing I like most about playing this instrument is how fun it is!” - How do you make time to practice in your busy schedule?
“I enjoy practicing the violin in the evening time right before bed.” - What do you like about how your instrument sounds? Is there anything that makes your instrument special?
“ I like the music that I’ve learned how to play and how it sounds on the violin. I recognize a lot of the songs so that helps me play it.” - If any, who are the artists you look up to for your instrument and why do you like them?
“I look up to my teacher, Mr. Camden. He is really good playing the violin and piano.” - What do you like about the piece you chose to perform for the video?
“I like the piece I chose because it is short and simple. I can play it fast to!” - What do you like to do in your down time?
“I like to swim and play Minecraft.”
Thank you very much for sharing Lorraine! Congratulations to you once again and keep up the great progress.
Are You Ready To Get Started?
If you are ready to start on your musical journey (or pick up where you left off), our wonderful teachers are eager to work with you. SMMC teachers are degreed educators with years of experience. Whether you are a beginner, have not played for years, or looking to make the jump to intermediate or advance level, our teachers have the tools to help you achieve your ambition! Book a trial lesson today!