Music Lessons?

[Evelynscorner]

Hey everyone,

I'll say right away that I'm not a mum nor am I pregnant, I'm 17 years old and I just need some advice and don't have anywhere else to go. I asked the same question on The Student Room but no answers as of yet. I hope that is okay.

This is just something that has been on my mind for a while now so I thought I would ask for some advice about it. I played the violin with private tutoring from the age of 4 to the age of 11. My dad stopped my lessons because my primary school, like many primary schools, had basic level violin lessons as a compulsary lesson. I went backwards in my ability and consequently lost interest as I was not improving and so I put down my violin. I'm now 17 years old and absolutely hating myself and my dad for stopping my lessons. I would LOVE to get back into it but lessons are so expensive and my dad is the least supportive parent you could imagine. My mother is very musical herself but won't support me with lessons. I have a violin but it is horrendously out of tune and I am terrified to tune it myself- I would need a tutor to do it and show me how. I'm actively looking for a job so the money isn't really the issue, I suppose I'm just feeling unmotivated due to my parents and I'm not sure how to confront them about it. I understand that I have been very lucky to have lessons in the past, however I can't help but feel my parents should support me in at least something.

Thoughts on where to go from here or how to address my parents?

P.s. If anyone in the West Yorkshire area knows of any good tutors please let me know. I was looking at getting my previous tutor but I can't seem to find her. She was with Calderdale Music Trust I think.

[drummersmum]

Well done for trying to go back to it. I would start by checking out your local county music services. Lots of parents on MN use them. Sometimes they're more affordable.

[drummersmum]

In terms of your parents, ask them for one term. Just one term, a trying period. The deal is: if you stick to it, they then have to keep supporting you. If you loose interest or don't practice, they have a right to not pay for the lessons. They may be up for that. Arguments in favour:

• you have terrible regrets and feel miserable about it.
  
• it is a hobby for life
  
• it will be a social activity in University that will get you to mix in with musical (usually nice ) students.
  
• it helps with intellectual work, stress management and mental stability.

[gillybeanz]

I would contact your local music service about their teachers.
Even though you will be leaving school soon some will be teaching privately and have spaces.
I think there's only a conflict of interest if you are entitled to lessons from the service but the teacher will only offer private.
In your case that wouldn't be a problem.

Also try your local music shop, they will pass on tutors numbers to potential students. They might even tune your violin for free / reasonable price whilst you are there.

[catkind]

I'd say don't throw blame for what happened in the past. Stopping because of whole class lessons sounds like a misunderstanding of how music learning works more than anything else.

Tell your parents you're thinking of taking it up again, ask if they would be prepared to fund a term or two of lessons. If they say no you can't make them, but it's got to be worth a try. You can still get some lessons yourself once you can afford it.

If you work consistently (even 5 minutes a day is better than half an hour once a week!) it's not too late at all. I play in amateur grade 8+ orchestras, we have a number of players who learned as adults and do really well.

As far as tuning goes, don't be scared of it. You could look up online for instructions/videos of how to go about it. You can get an app which will play you the note you're aiming for and once you've got close show you if you need to go up or down until it's right.

If you don't already have them you might find it easier to get a violin shop to install fine adjusters on each string rather than just use the pegs until you're feeling more confident. Good suggestion asking a violin shop for teachers as well. Once you're onto one teacher they'll be able to recommend others if they don't have space.

[claraschu]

I would think any violin shop would be happy to look over your violin and tune it for you for free.

If you decide to tune it yourself and it hasn't been tuned in a long time/ strings are all way down, shake the instrument gently to make sure the sound post hasn't fallen over, and make sure the bridge is at a 90 degree angle to the instrument. Good luck- I think it is lovely you want to learn-

[purplegreen99]

It's great that you are keen to go back to learning. Can I also suggest thinking about whether it's violin you want to do or maybe trying another instrument? I say this because I assume you weren't given a choice of instrument years ago when you started violin, but you could choose anything now (lots of music shops hire out instruments). Also some of the less popular instruments can lead to more opportunities, for example local orchestras, university bands, etc will probably have lots of violin and clarinet players, but maybe not so many who can play bassoon, french horn, viola, oboe, etc - just a thought.

If you are still at school, look up your local council's music service and see if they offer tuition at school - even if you only have a year to go, at least it's a starting point. If you are planning to go to university, some universities have very good music facilities and even visiting instrumental teachers - worth checking what is on offer if you are going to open days. Also if your school has a music teacher try speaking to him/her, even if you don't take music - they might be able to help tune your violin or give info about local teachers.

[Abby22]

Try //www.yourspacemusiclessons.com - some good teachers on there that will definitely help. No travelling to lessons might suit you perhaps.

[SE13Mummy]

If you're not completely determined to play the violin, look into local brass bands. A number of them will have a training band or five note band, will provide an instrument and teaching. I know the one in Todmorden caters for adult beginners as well as children.

[Parly]

@Evelynscorner

What a real shame your parents aren't supportive of you or giving you any encouragement to pick up again

Not to worry though you can make it happen for yourself and probably without as much expense or hassle as you might think.

Google music teachers in the area and search local buy and sell groups on places like Facebook. Also if you take your violin to any local music shop they might easily and quickly restring and tune it for a small price. Can also ask them about tutors and buy any sheet music that's suitable for your ability or gives you a refresher.

I do know a brilliant instructor that lives in Haworth if that's any good to you?
www.tripleharps.com
Fiona Katie is an amazing musician and teaches privately 1-1 from her farmhouse. She's known most commonly as a stage harpist and composer and builds her own harps entirely from scratch then rents them out for next to nothing.

Really good, decent lass and not a bit snooty or stuffy. She's really encouraging and helps boost confidence and get people falling back in love with music too :)

[RomanyQueen1]

You should be able to get your violin tuned at your local music shop, they do it for free.
Just make sure if you can that you buy your strings and tutor book from them, to help keep them going

As you are 17 are you still at school? Your LA may be able to help you with reduced/ supported lessons. At least they'll be able to recommend someone.