Learning violin and piano at the same time?
I recently started piano lesson and was thinking of starting with the violin as well, I wanted to know how hard it would be to learn these two instruments at the same time, I am 23 and with so much time to practice both of them. I am really passionate for both so I couldn’t really just pick one.
It’s not impossible, but to tell you the truth… People with big hands play piano; people with small hands play violin.
That’s just the way it is. But, thumbs up for your optimism!!! Now, the thing is – you would have to practice piano and violin completely separately, by which I mean e.g. practicing piano in the morning and violin in the evening.
And it’s not gonna be a waste, that I promise you! I play several instruments myself. But, even if you spend equal time practicing both instruments – a wise idea would be to focus on just one after a while. That would be up to you… ![]()
Some practical advices:
- Always keep your nails cut to the bone, it’s good for both instruments.
- Even though the wrists are supposed to be loose in both techniques, try not to confuse your hands by not concentrating enough while practicing on one of them. It is crucial you make two divided ‘rooms’ in your head.
- As soon as you start loosing concentration or if you feel your hands are under tension – stop and continue practicing when you’re fresh again. An hour daily on each instrument should be just about enough for a start.
Once again, bravo for your enthusiasm!
"It is always too late to start playing an instrument, but you should still do it" – Mike Constanza, started playing at 37th year of life.
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Filed under: learning violin
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The piano and the violin are very different instruments and each requires a lot of practice to become proficient.
It can be done, but you’ll have to devote lots of time to your musical studies.
References :
I’m quite jealous, I justy started the piano and wish I had started at your age. Have fun and learn as many instruments as you like, maybe in a few years you might get a position as a music teacher. Getting payed to be musical! Is there a better way to make money?
References :
It’s not impossible, but to tell you the truth… People with big hands play piano; people with small hands play violin.
That’s just the way it is. But, thumbs up for your optimism!!! Now, the thing is – you would have to practice piano and violin completely separately, by which I mean e.g. practicing piano in the morning and violin in the evening.
And it’s not gonna be a waste, that I promise you! I play several instruments myself. But, even if you spend equal time practicing both instruments – a wise idea would be to focus on just one after a while. That would be up to you…
Some practical advices:
- Always keep your nails cut to the bone, it’s good for both instruments.
- Even though the wrists are supposed to be loose in both techniques, try not to confuse your hands by not concentrating enough while practicing on one of them. It is crucial you make two divided ‘rooms’ in your head.
- As soon as you start loosing concentration or if you feel your hands are under tension – stop and continue practicing when you’re fresh again. An hour daily on each instrument should be just about enough for a start.
Once again, bravo for your enthusiasm!
"It is always too late to start playing an instrument, but you should still do it" – Mike Constanza, started playing at 37th year of life.
References :
Holy cow, how many hands have you got??? I’m 42 and I struggle to play the piano with two hands, nevermind one on the piano and one on the violin!
References :
I know of many youngsters who learned more than one instrument at a time.
I taught orchestra instruments at school to kids 10 – 17 while many took piano lessons from a private teacher.
Go for it, but get some live help. Don’t expect to do it entirely from books or the web.
Good Luck
References :
I play both instruments, and its not too hard to learn both, some concepts are the same. If you are going to learn violin, eventually, you will need theory, and it helps to know piano (Bass clef).
If you really enjoy music, and you devote yourself to learning, it is not hard to learn both.
Just keep in mind that the fingering in piano and violin are different, since in violin, your thumb is not used to play any notes.
The most important piece of advice I can give you would be to take it easy and don’t rush through.
(No offence, but the thing about having big hands to play the piano and small is not really true)
References :