Want to buy your first musical instrument? Fantastic! It's an important step that determines not only how well you'll learn but also how much joy music will bring you later. Unfortunately, there are some typical pitfalls that many beginners fall into. Let's look at what you should do differently!
Mistake Nr. 1: "Size doesn't matter" (Spoiler: It does! 😉)
Remember those childhood days - wearing shoes or jackets that were way too big? That's exactly how awkward someone looks handling an ill-fitting instrument. And it's not just kids! Adults make this mistake too. Some choose a smaller instrument because of their smaller stature, while others go for a larger viola thinking that bigger size means better sound.
What's the result? Tense shoulders, stiff neck, and clumsy movements instead of elegant playing. Plus back, arm, and headaches, incorrect playing technique, and quick fatigue.
Mistake Nr. 2: "I'll start with something cheap for practice" (or: Why a bargain can get expensive)
"A violin at half price from a second-hand shop!" - sounds tempting, right? But let's be honest: you wouldn't buy running shoes from the bargain bin for a marathon. So why cut corners with an instrument?
There's a better solution if you're not ready to spend big money: rent an instrument from a luthier! 🎯 It's like a test drive, but better: you get an instrument that's professionally set up. Online purchases often lack important accessories like a good case, quality rosin, good quality strings, chin rest or shoulder rest for violin or viola, endpin holder for cello, etc. - or the quality is questionable. Another bonus: if you like the instrument, you can often buy it later at a discount!
Mistake Nr. 3: "The bow? That's just an accessory!" (Spoiler: There's pure magic in there! ✨)
Dismissing the bow as an unimportant extra is like saying "a car doesn't need a steering wheel." The bow isn't just a stick with horsehair - it's a magic wand that transforms movements into music. A good bow can turn a simple violin into a sound marvel, while a bad one can make even a top instrument sound terrible. ðŸŽ
Mistake Nr. 4: "I've watched YouTube, I know what I'm doing!" (Spoiler: Not so fast! 🤓)
Imagine giving yourself a haircut after watching a few video tutorials. Brave, right? Now imagine buying an instrument for hundreds or even thousands of euros or dollars just because you've watched some videos and read online reviews. That could get interesting!
Sure, YouTube and forums are great sources of information. 📱 But nothing replaces a real professional who not only explains but shows how it's done, lets you try things out, and demonstrates the differences live.
A luthier is like a wine connoisseur - they don't just know the technical details, they feel the soul of each instrument. 🎻 They can tell you a story about every string instrument in their shop, explain the wood's characteristics, demonstrate the colors of the sound, and - most importantly - help you find ,,your'' instrument.
And the teacher? They're like a trainer who knows exactly what you need. 🎯 They can anticipate where the first hurdles might be and recommend an instrument that helps you rather than hinders you.
Remember: Getting advice from a professional isn't wasted money - it's an investment in your musical future. It's like having a GPS in an unfamiliar city: sure, you could find your way without one, but with good guidance, you'll reach your destination shorter, safer and more relaxed!
Your first instrument isn't just a purchase - it's the beginning of a musical adventure. 🌟 Let it start well!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Photos:
Own Photos:
Photos taken by Astoro Art Ensemble in the workshop of Geigenbau Michael.
https://www.geigenbau-michael.de/
AI-Generated Image:
Image created with the assistance of OpenAI's DALL·E.
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