No talent in violin?

Question

I've been learning violin for 2 years and I'm still very not good at it.
Recently, I changed my violin teacher to a better one. She's a pedagogue. She really emphasis on the basic and the fundamental of violin.
Thank goodness I changed my violin teacher because I would not have realized my basic is very bad.
She commented on my bow holding, stroke and etc. Basically, it's all the fundamental stuffs.
After 5 months with her, I found out that I still can't hold the bow properly nor play notes with slur smoothly.
She said my posture is still so rigid.
And that makes me really wonder, why wouldn't my previous violin teacher mentioned anything about my posture, or the my style of playing?
I don't think I can continue anymore. I don't think I've any talent. I really wanted to do violin, but I've to face the real fact that I really do not have talent.

Answer 1

I've played the violin/fiddle (and other instruments) for many years now, so I have a bit of experience behind my words...First of all, I have been through the same thing--many times! Every teacher is different, and some (I hate to say it) are much better than others, especially when it comes to correcting bad habits in their students. I don't think I ever truly corrected all my problems, as far as fundamentals go, until I was in college! So, I'm guessing you are still very young, I would say--don't give up hope just yet! If playing the violin or fiddle is something you truly want to do, keep at it--don't just practice by rote, but try to be aware of the way your mistakes feel, and feel the difference (however slight) when you correct your mistakes. The sound should NOT be the first clue that you are having problems. This is true no matter what style of "fiddlin' " you learn (variety is a good thing). Remember, playing music isn't about the notes--one must first be proficient in technique. To do that, you must be aware of your body, pay attention to any stiffness or uncomfortable feelings in your face, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers, torso, and yes, even your legs and feet (even if you are not standing). Learning to play an instrument becomes easier over time if you do this--I promise! Playing any instrument is as much about body mechanics as it is about the music.

Another thing I would suggest, since you are having some trouble with your posture, rigidity, etc., is to try yoga or something similar. Something that teaches body-awareness and relaxation techniques. You'd be amazed what a different it can make!

Answer 2

Yeah. I agree. Don't give up.Bow hold is only important for classical violin. Folk fiddlers hold the bow pretty much how it's comfortable and have you heard them play? But, if you want the correct hold, try this. Make a circle with the thumb and middle finger of your right hand.put the bow into that circle., near the frog. This means U R less likely to drop it. then lay the other fingers so that the bow lies in the first crease of each finger. Finally, point the fingers toward the end of the bow so your wrist is bent.. Your little finger (pinky) can be placed on top of the bow to give balance. Above all, RELAX. I know this is basic stuff but maybe it'll help. The other thing, of course, is to enjoy what you're doing. I started age 9, playing violin. Gave up aged 11 took up guitar. Went back to violin about 30 years ago to play Country Dance music, so now I play folk fiddle, Irish, American, all sorts, ad run a barn dance band.

Answer 3

Teaching is a skillability similar to gambling song is a skillability. Just on the grounds that any one is a well musician does now not routinely imply they have got any skillability or talent at educating song. Unfortunately it seems like your prior lecturers could were well at gambling the violin however now not well at educating it. Luckily it kind of feels you might have a extra able instructor now. Re-studying the right approach and eliminating unhealthy conduct is tremendously tricky. You will must train very slowly and cautiously and pay strict concentration to each motion you're making to make certain you're practising safely. But I consider you'll be able to do it :-) Maybe you're going to now not be a legit violinist however you're going to nonetheless have a passion that you'll be able to revel in for the leisure of your existence. Good success.

Answer 4

Each teacher has a different style. Ask your teacher to keep on bugging you about your posture and position so you know what is wrong. Directly ask her how you can improve and take her advice. If you have been doing the wrong thing for a while, it will take a while to change your habbits, so don't give up just yet

Answer 5

Hey, just because your technique is all wrong doesn't mean you don't have talent!!!

You can be musically talented but have bad technique, that's not your fault. I have a good friend who is a super good violinist, and she's been playing for like 12 years, and only a few years ago she was told her technique was all wrong and had to relearn it. But she is excellent. Same with my trombone player friend, and she's one of the best of her age in my state.

So definitely don't give it up! Fix your technique. The most important thing is that you enjoy it. It'll take a few years of playing before you work out whether you're any good or not anyways.

Don't give up!!!

Answer 6

Don't give up; the violin is difficult. This business of quitting things is a bad habit.