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The Melinda Coles Violin Blog

Hi, I’m Melinda. I’ve been teaching violin for over 35 years and created this blog to help adult beginners enjoy learning the violin without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking for practice tips, beginner tutorials or a little encouragement, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you to keep playing. Music is my magic. I hope it becomes yours too. 🎻

Helpful violin tips, beginner guides, practice advice and inspiration to help you enjoy learning the violin—one step at a time.

Trying Violin as an Adult: Your First 14 Days

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    Do You Need to Read Music to Learn Violin?

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      3 Beginner Things That Feel Harder Than Expected

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        Rosin: The Little Thing Beginners Forget

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          I’m Not Musical: Can Anyone Learn Violin?

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          Learning Violin With Learning Difficulties: Gentle Ways to Make It Work

          Violin lessons can work beautifully for people with learning difficulties. Gentle, practical ideas from teacher Melinda Coles for learners and families.
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          Melinda Coles, violin teacher

          Is It Too Late to Learn Violin at 50, 60 or 70?

          Worried you've left it too late to learn violin? A gentle, honest answer for older beginners, with simple first steps.
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          Best Way to Learn Violin for Beginners at Home

          Best Way to Learn Violin for Beginners at Home

          The best way to learn violin at home: set up a practice space, follow one clear path, keep sessions short and use the right tools.
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          Violin Beginner Tips: What Every New Player Should Know

          Violin Beginner Tips: What Every New Player Should Know

          Nine simple violin tips for beginners from 35 years of teaching, from tuning every time to looking after your instrument.
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          How to Hold a Violin Properly for Beginners

          How to Hold a Violin Properly for Beginners

          How to hold a violin and bow comfortably as a beginner, with a two-minute posture check to use before every practice.
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          How Often Should You Practise Violin as a Beginner?

          How Often Should You Practise Violin as a Beginner?

          How often should a beginner practise violin? Most days, for 10 to 15 minutes, plus what to do when you miss a day.
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          Beginner Violin Practice Routine (Simple and Effective)

          Beginner Violin Practice Routine (Simple and Effective)

          A four-week beginner violin practice plan: what to work on in your first month, from open strings to your first simple tune.
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