I wish to learn the violin and have asked a question on whether it would be problem for a lefty like me. Some say it's an advantage because I'm using my left fingers (which have better dexterity) on the strings as opposed to using the left hand on the bow. Are they assuming that I'd still be holding the violin the "correct" way, i.e. the violin will be positioned on my left shoulder? Why would they think that? Now that doesn't work for me because I feel much more comfortable resting the violin on my right shoulder (the "wrong "way) and holding the bow with my left hand. Some say you should follow the position that you have an inclination towards but others say it's better to try switching it to the "correct" way. I feel inclined to choose the former because it's comfy and i feel like i have a much better dexterity when i try to imagine playing the instrument the "wrong" way. What's your say ?
2007-01-08 08:33:57 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
If you are a lefty then you would switch shoulders. The only advantage you would have for playing the violin is if you have a natural ability for it.
Just play and practice a lot. Good luck.
Also, take other music classes, like theory, composition and history. They will help you a lot with your instrument.
2007-01-08 08:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by FaerieWhings 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How can you determine what you are more comfortable with when you haven't even started yet?
You do NOT want to start your violinist career holding it under the right chin. Not only will there be a shortage of violins for you, there will be a shortage of orchestras for you. If you watch an orchestra on stage, all the violinists (and cello and viola players) are bowing in the same direction. Can you imagine what it would be like if someone was playing the violin on the "wrong" side? They'd have to get a chair for them and put them in the back because they'd constantly be bowing into the person next to them. And playing in an orchestra is one of the greatest joys of violin playing. Being right in the middle where the music is swelling up and around you can't be compared to anything.
There is no left-hand or right-hand in violin. There is simply the correct way to play. If you truly want to play the violin, go to an instructor and trust them to give you the information you need. And I doubt there will be any competent instructor who will allow you to play the "wrong" way. If there is, they would be doing you a disservice to allow you to continue down this road.
2007-01-08 08:57:59 · answer #2 · answered by lilrubberducky 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Left handed: That is Not a disadvantage to playing the violin. Your left fingers should be stronger and more dexterous, so it would be an advantage!
Holding violin: For a classically trained violinist, there's only One way to hold a violin -- on the left shoulder using the left hand to finger and the right hand to bow. Violin instructors and orchestras will require you to play this way. For fiddlers and rock violinists, there's some lattitude in the holding positions; these folks are generally self taught, though.
2007-01-09 14:48:23 · answer #3 · answered by phillipa_gordon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The normal way to play a violin is to hold it on the left shoulder and use the left hand to hit the notes. If one is left handed it would be necessary to put the violin on the right shoulder and bow with the left. It just looks funny when you play holding the violin with your right hand and people usually laugh. Also, you might have a problem fitting into an orchestra with right handed players but other than that, I'd say go for it.
2007-01-08 08:43:39 · answer #4 · answered by darkdiva 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have never heard of someone playing the violin reversed. However, I think it would be best to learn the normal way. All the equipment for violins is made one way. Also, if you tried to play in an orchestra, it wouldn't work--you'd smash into the person next to you. Violin isn't like guitar, you can't just switch it around. I'd stick to the traditional way.
2007-01-09 09:34:58 · answer #5 · answered by Becca 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There should be no problem for a left-handed person to play the violin - EVERYONE puts their left hand on the strings! That is how you play. I am a violin player and have been taught by a professional, and it doesn't differ, righties or lefties. You play the same way! Best of luck to you and your violin.
2007-01-08 08:37:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
being a lefty wont be a problem ive been playing the violin for 6 years and im a lefty, should should do it. being left handed was never a problem for me it actually made it easier since i have better dexterity which made it better when i played faster pieces
2007-01-08 08:38:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Violin/Viola FAQ explores this issue, and has a link to the only person online I know of who promotes playing the violin, backwards, so to speak.
2007-01-11 05:15:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen professionals play on the " incorrect " side so I would say to play it the way that is most comfortable for you. You will just have to find a violin that has the chin rest on the other side.
2007-01-08 08:38:09 · answer #9 · answered by bootsjeansnpearls 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The play an instrument the way it is most comfortable to you.
2007-01-08 08:37:26 · answer #10 · answered by asedwards21 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋