Can You Learn to Play the Violin Online?

Simple answer: yes, you can. These days, you can learn how to do just about anything on the Internet, and playing the violin is no exception. Even so, learning to play from online courses (like the ones available on Instrument Master) is a different experience from taking lessons from a private instructor. It is important to bear these differences in mind when taking your online violin course.

While an experienced mentor who will encourage you and your inner musician is truly priceless, the reality is that today, such a mentor is going to be costly and time-consuming to find. Instead, with today's technology, the new truth is that you are your own perfect teacher.

The great advantage of the Internet is that you now have a world full of training and experience at your fingertips. Before the Internet, we paid people to instruct us because they had skills and training that we did not have, whether because of time or cost. But now, many people with the requisite skills and training are offering their advice for free, or for a low, one-time cost. Google Video and YouTube have footage of thousands of violin performances, as well, and the more you watch and listen, the more you will learn.

The medium of the Internet and video technology means that you aren't just limited to an hour or two of real-time interaction a week with your instructor. Videos can be saved and repeated as often as you need to. Websites, forums, and other communities have the collected knowledge of thousands violinists at your fingertips at any hour of the day or night.

As such, you will also have access to instant feedback. With just a webcam, you can put yourself online and ask anyone (and everyone!) what you're doing wrong and how to fix it, if you can't figure out yourself. Even if you don't have access to any kind of recording equipment, there are numerous forums out there devoted to the violin specifically and music education in general. Post a question, and within minutes you will find responses from people all over the world.

Learning to play the violin online is possible, and with high quality programs, is fast becoming one of the most popular, cost-effective ways to learn one of the world's most beloved, versatile instruments.