the Violin Lab Blog

Learning Violin as an Adult

  • Practice Violin Like an Expert

    Practice Violin Like an Expert

    How Expert Musicians Actually Practice (And What It Means for You) By Beth Blackerby | ViolinLab.com When I started creating my violin Practice course in 2018, I wasn’t sure where to begin. The internet was full of videos and blogs regurgitating all the basics, like the value of slow intentional practice and “perfect practice makes

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  • How to Know When You’ve Polished a Piece of Music and Are Ready to Move On?

    How to Know When You’ve Polished a Piece of Music and Are Ready to Move On?

    by Beth Blackerby Throughout my entire violin education (1968–1993), the decision about what pieces of music to play and how long to work on them was entirely dictated by my private teachers. They determined the path, and I followed their lead without question. This traditional, teacher-guided approach provided a clear structure, ensuring that each piece

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  • Small Goals for a Big Violin Year

    Small Goals for a Big Violin Year

    Small, sustainable goals make a big difference in violin practice. This article explores self‑evaluation, micro‑practice strategies, and the balance between structure and intuition to help violinists build consistency, motivation, and joy throughout the year.

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  • Overcoming Fear and Anxiety in Violin Practice

    Overcoming Fear and Anxiety in Violin Practice

    Discover how to reframe fear and anxiety in violin practice into confidence and growth.

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  • Hidden Violin Treasures – Rare Works to Discover

    Hidden Violin Treasures – Rare Works to Discover

    Discover hidden violin treasures across cultures, genres, and even video games. Explore rare works and emotional gems.

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  • Finding Joy in Daily Violin Practice: How I Stay Motivated

    Finding Joy in Daily Violin Practice: How I Stay Motivated

    By Trà My Nguyên There are days when I wake up and feel the violin calling to me – the promise of a new tone, a smoother shift, a deeper vibrato. Then there are days when just opening the case feels like a chore. If you’re learning the violin, you probably know this exact feeling:

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