Violins for Kids
Do your kids have an interest in music? They might enjoy learning the violin.
A violin, sometimes referred to as a fiddle, is a wooden instrument which is played by moving a bow across four strings. The violin is believed to originate in Europe in the 19th century and has since become popular worldwide.
It is the smallest of the string instruments and has a higher pitched sound than other instruments in its family, including the cello and the viola.
Information on Violins for Kids in Australia
Will Your Kids Enjoy Playing the Violin?
If you want your kids to learn discipline, develop their musical skills and express themselves creatively then the violin may be for them. Learning to play the violin might enhance your kids' lives in many ways including:
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved focus and concentration
- Fun - most children enjoy making music
- Helps hand eye co-ordination and the development of fine motor skills
- Music has been shown to help improve language skills
- Can help with reading skills
Learning the violin takes time and practice and is a good activity for kids who have a natural interest in music or at least the motivation to persist through the early stages. Kids who prefer the outdoors or find it difficult to sit still for long may be less enthusiastic.
How to Organise Violin Lessons and Events for Your Kids
Kids can start playing the violin from 3 years of age and most children take violin lessons from a qualified violin teacher either privately or at a music academy. There are a number of music exams that kids can work towards as they progress, and plenty of opportunities to perform as part of an orchestra as their skills improve.
In order to learn the violin, your child will need an instrument to practice on as well as equipment including a bow, a carrying case and probably a shoulder support. As with many kids activities, they can learn as part of a class or take private tuition, or a combination of both. Private violin lessons generally cost around $40 for half an hour of individual tuition.
You can enrol your child in violin lessons at any time of year. Some academies run concurrently with the school year so it is a good idea to get in before the beginning of the term you want your child to start. If your child wants to improve they will ideally need to practice every day for at least ten minutes and as a parent you will probably need to offer encouragement and possibly incentives to your child.
Don't Miss These Violin Stars and Events!
Dutch violinist Andre Rieu is probably the most famous violinist in popular culture today. For local talent, the Sydney Conservatorium of music often has performances both from students and major artists.