Mastering the violin is not just about playing the right notes, it’s also about having the right mindset. And let’s be real, sometimes having the right mindset is harder than hitting that high C. But don’t worry, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top mindsets of great violinists. So, grab your violin, bow and a sense of humour and let’s get started!
1. Learn from your mistakes: The First Step to Violin Mastery
We’ve all been there, you’re in the middle of a practice session and suddenly you hit a sour note. Instead of throwing your violin across the room (we don’t recommend that), great violinists take a step back and analyze what went wrong. They ask themselves questions like, “Which note did not sound right?” “What made that note sound so flat?” “What was it about the manner I performed this musical phrase or line that I didn’t like?” By focusing on what they did wrong, they are able to pinpoint the specific areas that need improvement and work on them until they are corrected. This is the first step towards success. So, next time you hit a sour note, don’t get discouraged. Just remember, “The only bad mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”
2. Repetition leads to mastery
Let’s be honest, repetition can be boring. But, great violinists understand that repetition is key to mastering the violin. They identify the exact musical parts that they perform out of tune regularly and then go back and play through that solitary part many times. This repetition improves muscle memory and sharpens the musical ear. But, if you’re feeling a little too “Groundhog Day” with your practice, try changing up the pace. Take the same solitary section and work your way through it slowly. Then, speed it up a little as your intonation accuracy improves. It’s all about finding what works for you.
3. Be confident and strong: Overcoming performance anxiety
Great violinists approach every practice session and violin lesson as though they were going to perform in front of a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. They play their violin loudly and powerfully, developing this habit to help them become better players and performers. When performance anxiety arises, these strong habits will come to their rescue. So, next time you’re in the practice room, pretend you’re performing in front of an audience. And remember, “Confidence is the feeling you have before you understand the situation.”
4. Have ideas and reach for them every time: Creating your own sound
In each violin lesson, have an idea of how you want your violin to sound. Another helpful thing to do when studying for violin lessons and in classes is to imagine how a certain piece you’re learning should sound. Listen to your composition on YouTube or simply imagine what you want this section to sound, feel, and be like. Then, practice sounding like your ideal. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
5. Work smarter, not harder: Finding the Right Path to Mastery
When things aren’t working, we sometimes just need to practice more. But, there are times when we have to choose a different path. In these instances, it’s important to analyze the best path for you. Identify the issue, examine the issue, identify possible remedies, put the various solutions to the test, choose the most successful one, put the finest solution into action, and monitor implementation. And if you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to progress, remember “I haven’t failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
If you’re a beginner and looking to make progress, then be sure to check out my FREE 3-Day Violin Bootcamp here.
It’ll take you from holding a bow to creating beautiful tones in just 3 days.
6. Perfection is overrated
That’s correct, there’s no such thing as perfection. Not on this planet, at any rate. In this life, no way. Allow it to sink in.
Professionals cannot play flawlessly. They are capable of playing well and very well, but not flawlessly. Because their level of fantastic playing is far greater than ours, it sounds flawless and so nice to us.
They are skilled at concealing their slips and falls.
Don’t allow the pursuit of perfection to prevent you from enjoying your violin lessons!
7. Make the most of your time
It makes no difference whether we’re talking about mastering your violin technique, enhancing your golf game, becoming a better writer, honing your marketing abilities, or becoming a more successful surgeon.
Life is fleeting. Our most important commodity is time. You may as well do it correctly if you’re going to practice.
And the best way to practice is by learning from a teacher who has already succeeded at their craft.
So, if you’re also serious about learning violin then be sure to check out Rimma Strings Academy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the violin is not just about playing the right notes, it’s also about having the right mindset. By incorporating the mindsets of great violinists into your violin learning journey, you can improve your technique and become a better player. Remember, learn from your mistakes, repetition leads to mastery, be confident and strong, have ideas and reach for them every time, and work smarter, not harder.
