L3F1 MUSIC

Violin Fiddle

Why You Should Learn Violin

In countless areas the violin is regarded as boring. Some people still associate the violin solely with orchestras and the like, so they don't give playing the violin a second thought. It is actually a very versatile instrument though, and in recent years it has been making a huge splash.

The violin isn't nearly as old as most people think. Nero was reported to have played it during the burning of Rome, but in truth the Violin wasn't around yet. It actually came onto the scene in the 16th century. Since its birth, it has gone through several evolutions. Some of these evolutions are major, and some so gradual and minute that the untrained ear may not have noticed.

Some of these include alteration to the fingerboard so allow for higher, more voluminous notes to be played. The neck has also been lengthened to be able to help increase pitch. During their first creation, violins had heavier bass bars and their necks were glued and nailed instead of mortised.

There were some legendary luthiers who created violins that not only endured in time, but improved. There are approximately 600 Stradivari violins left and they are estimated to cost $5 million each. The next evolution made it more desirable to modern culture, being the electric violin. This popped up during the 20th century.

The violin's change in image isn't due solely to the electric model. It was the styles of the people who played it rather than the instrument that was limited.

Now violins, classic and electric, can be seen in various rock bands and they are even creeping into hip-hop music. Hip-hop violinists have been seen on the show America's Got Talent. It is because of the large fan base the show has that I mention it as a contributor to the changing image of the violin in today's culture.

By bouncing the violin's bow you can give the instrument a new style. The song, "Smooth Criminal," played by some violinists showcases this technique. If you have mastered the violin, you don't have to ask yourself whether or not it is possible to play a song on your instrument, you can simply play and enjoy any favorites you have.

While some investments are questionable, your violin, and your knowledge of it, won't be. You can gain some points on various applications by saying you play violin. You will benefit in many ways from learning an instrument in other areas of your life. Your mind is stimulated in new ways when you learn to play an instrument. And, if you have a quality violin that you take care of, it will appreciate in value with time.

Now is the best time in history to learn the violin as well. You have new learning options. Learning online is cheap and convenient. In some cases it will cost you less than thirty dollars. When you can learn this way you don't waste any time traveling or scheduling, giving you more practice time. It makes it so you can learn on your terms and at your own pace.
About the Author

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What is the difference between a violin and fiddle?

who plays it.

Violin Fiddle
Eileen Ivers on the fiddle

Fiddle $59.99 Fiddle - Wall Decal

Second Fiddle $4.49 Aspiring writer, Mags Clarke has just moved with her mother to a new area after the death of her father. One day she stumbles across a girl who appears to be floating above the trees while playing her violin in the woods. Mags, clever, funny and opinionated, usually has her feet firmly on the ground so shes not sure that she and this girl are going to get on, but an unlikely friendship develops.

Fiddle or Violin -- What's the Difference

Some say the difference is that you never cry when you spill beer on a fiddle. Others say it's a fiddle when you buy it, but a violin when you sell it. Others say that if you can dance to it, then it's a fiddle.

The bottom line is there functionally is no difference between a fiddle and a violin -- they're the same physical instrument. Typically, the difference is one of attitude, not of physical difference. There's a sense that a fiddle is a low-cost instrument meant for folk enjoyment whereas a violin is more costly and meant for more cultured usage.

The word <B>fiddle</b> didn't always have this folksy connotation. Early classical masters commonly referred to violinists as fiddlers. The origin of the word is obscure -- although the early Latin <I>vitula</I> is probably a common root of both <B>fiddle</B> and <B>viola</B>.

No, <B>fiddle</B> refers more to the usage than the instrument. If you're considering <I>folk music</I> -- whether it's bluegrass, country and western, irish, gypsy, etc -- then you're probably thinking fiddle playing. If you think of cultured classical music -- chamber music, symphonic orchestra, the great masters -- then you're thinking violin.

There are some differences in the playing styles -- a fiddler normally stays in first position, where a classical violinist will play up and down the fingerboard. Fiddlers may hold their instrument against the crook of their elbow rather than under their chin like a violinist. Fiddlers don't normally incorporate the entire scale of bowing techniques that a classical violinist might use.

Still -- in all cases -- the physical instrument is the same basic instrument. There is no stigma in playing fiddle music -- or in playing classical violin music!

About the Author

Joey Robichaux operates Celtic Sheet Music, where fiddle players can freely download over 3,000 celtic fiddle tunes!

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Violin Fiddle