1. Find a good violin teacher.  Private violin lessons always are best.

2. Have no distractions during your violin lesson.  Shut the door, turn off the phone and do not allow other siblings or pets to walk through the lesson area.

3. Buy a quality instrument!  Have your violin teacher help you find the violin that is right for you.

4. Set aside a specific time each day for practice.  This works especially well with children.  The morning hours are best, before school.  Get the child into a routine. 

Younger children practise best without a timer because their concept of time is not as advanced as an older child.   Rather have them practise certain pieces a certain number of times.  Set aside a regular time for your violin lessons as well.

5. Reward yourself.  Adults sometimes reward themselves with a cappuccino at the end of a violin lesson! 

Children can be given treats or a special snack at the end of a good violin lesson, but praise has always shown to be the best reward for children.

6. Concentrate and take notes.  Can’t quite get it in the half-hour violin lesson? 

Ask the teacher to write down the important points of the lesson, or write it down yourself so you can use them during practice.

7. Don’t know anyone else who takes violin lessons?  Join an online group like for support and ideas. 

8. Don’t run away from performance opportunities.  If your violin teacher is able to provide students with the chance to perform in a recital, do it.  Performing is a big part of learning to play an instrument.

9. Don’t get frustrated.  So today’s violin lesson didn’t go so well?  Don’t give up.  Think about what went wrong for you, write it down and try to find ways to remedy it with your teacher.

10. Above all PRACTISE!  Practise is one of the most important parts of becoming successful at the violin.