<![CDATA[Dr. Tracy Master Learning Music Studio | Hamilton, New Zealand - Blog]]>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:06:46 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[How to Learn Violin as an Adult: Mindset, Tips, and Practice Habits That Actually Work]]>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 22:29:08 GMThttps://www.master-learning.com/blog/how-to-learn-violin-as-an-adult-mindset-tips-and-practice-habits-that-actually-workLast time, I talked about how learning the violin (or any musical instrument) is really just a continuous process of debugging and discovery.

Today, I want to share some thoughts on what kind of mindset adults need when learning the violin, especially if you're a complete beginner starting violin as an adult.
First of all, I didn’t start learning as an adult. I began intensive music training and violin practice when I was about four years old.

Now, as a violin teacher and a piano teacher, I often reflect on my own learning journey. I truly believe that learning the violin should be joyful but efficient. Life is short, and if you’re constantly grinding through violin practice without direction or motivation, it’s easy to burn out.

Though I didn’t begin my music journey as an adult, over my 20+ years of teaching, I’ve worked with many adult beginner violin students. And from that experience, here are some mindset shifts and practical tips that can really help.

1. Learning the violin is a process—don’t chase the end result.

Many adult students come in saying: “I want to learn to play this song.” Then they jump straight into it, trying to make it sound right by any means necessary. That urgency may feel productive, but it often kills the joy of the journey.

The same thing happens with kids too—if they only focus on violin exams or competitions, they miss the foundation. Eventually, they get stuck and frustrated because they lack core techniques.

So yes, have a goal—maybe there’s a song you love—but remember: your violin teacher is here to guide you step by step, and you need to be willing to break that goal down into manageable pieces.

Some adult learners bring in easy violin sheet music where every note is labeled with finger numbers or letter names. That might seem helpful, but it’s not how you truly learn music.
It’s like trying to cook a fancy dish without knowing the ingredients—you’re just mixing things blindly, not understanding what you’re doing.

2. If your teacher can play well, you can too—but think about how much time they’ve invested.

Adult beginners often tell me, “I’m not flexible enough” or “my fingers are too stiff.”
Yes, adult fingers can be less flexible than children’s—but that’s not a valid reason to give up.
Adult violin practice still works—if you’re consistent. Kids often practice 15 minutes to an hour a day.

If you're learning violin as an adult, you should ask yourself honestly: how much time can I commit?

Even 15 minutes a day makes a big difference. Daily violin practice is key.

3. Learning violin is lifelong—there is no final destination.

Even now, as a violin teacher, I’m still learning and improving.

So instead of asking “When will I be good enough?”, ask “How do I keep learning in a way that’s sustainable for me?” For example, if you're not sure you heard the issues your teacher pointed out during the lesson, use your phone to record it. Re-listen later.

Use tech to support your violin ear training and self-assessment.

4. Violin technique isn’t just in the hands. You’re also using your brain, eyes, ears—and sometimes even your feet.

Don’t practice when you’re overly tired.

The best time to practice violin is when your mind is clear and focused.
Mindful practice beats mindless repetition.

5. Ask questions.If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. Your teacher is there to help. Don’t stay stuck.

Every industry has its depth—but the world of music and the arts runs even deeper.

Art combines history, emotion, and humanity. The violin is just one of many tools to express that beauty. But before you can use it to communicate, you need time, effort, and a lot of patience.

So take your time. Be kind to yourself.
​
Learning violin as an adult might be challenging—but it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.]]><![CDATA[The Benefits of Learning Violin Online for Little Kids: Empowering Young Musicians at Home]]>Sat, 08 Jul 2023 16:52:02 GMThttps://www.master-learning.com/blog/the-benefits-of-learning-violin-online-for-little-kids-empowering-young-musicians-at-homeThe world of education has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the advent of technology enabling new and exciting learning opportunities. One area that has particularly benefited from this shift is music education, with platforms offering online violin or piano lessons. While some may question the effectiveness of learning a complex instrument like the violin online, it's important to recognize the numerous advantages this mode of instruction holds, especially for little kids. In this blog post, we will explore how learning violin online can be a truly enriching experience for young aspiring musicians and how it can provide a comfortable and intimate learning environment facilitated by their parents.
1. Flexible Learning Environment:

Online violin lessons offer a significant advantage in terms of flexibility. With a busy schedule of school, extracurricular activities, and family commitments, it can be challenging for young kids to fit in regular face-to-face lessons. Learning online eliminates the need to commute and allows for more flexible scheduling. Parents can choose lesson times that work best for their child, ensuring that the learning experience remains enjoyable and stress-free.

2. Individualized Attention:

One of the most remarkable benefits of learning violin online is the opportunity for intimate teaching facilitated by parents. As a parent, you know your child's strengths, weaknesses, and learning style better than anyone. By participating in the learning process, you can provide valuable assistance, reinforcing the lessons and offering personalized guidance. This level of individualized attention creates a supportive and nurturing environment, fostering a strong bond between parent and child.

3. Enhanced Focus and Comfort:

Children can sometimes feel overwhelmed or self-conscious when learning in a traditional classroom setting. The online learning environment allows them to learn comfortably in their own space, free from distractions or social pressures. This promotes enhanced focus, enabling children to absorb and retain information more effectively. Additionally, online lessons often provide access to interactive tools, videos, and supplementary materials that can further enhance the learning experience and engage young minds.

4. Access to Expertise:

Online violin lessons connect young learners with experienced and skilled instructors from all over the world. Regardless of where you reside, your child can benefit from the expertise and guidance of renowned violinists, opening up new possibilities and learning opportunities. Through virtual lessons, kids can receive professional instruction tailored to their skill level, ensuring they receive the best possible guidance to develop their musical abilities.

5. Technological Advancements:

Technology has revolutionized the way we learn, and the violin is no exception. Online platforms often employ cutting-edge software and applications specifically designed to assist in the learning process. With features such as practice trackers, instant feedback, and virtual sheet music, children can develop their skills at their own pace while staying motivated and engaged.

The era of online learning has transformed the landscape of education, offering countless benefits to young learners, including those aspiring to play the violin. By opting for online violin lessons, little kids can embrace flexibility, receive individualized attention, and learn comfortably within the support of their parents. The combination of advanced technology and access to expert instruction creates a dynamic and enriching learning experience, empowering young musicians to explore their musical potential from the comfort of their homes. So, why not give your child the gift of music by embarking on a journey of online violin lessons today?
]]><![CDATA[Violin size chart]]>Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:34:25 GMThttps://www.master-learning.com/blog/violin-size-chart
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Choosing the correct violin or viola size often gives parents a headache.

We will provide a violin size measurement chart below. You can measure your kid's arm length and decide accordingly. Remember, your teacher is always the best source you can find in order to decide which violin to get and what size of violin you should use. ​

How to Measure for Violin Size?

First measurement: From the shoulder to the wrist
Second measurement: From the neck to the mid palm

Violin Size Chart

The measurement is in centimeter (cm). 
Size
1/10
1/8
1/4
1/2
3/4
4/4
Age
3~5
3-5
4-7
6-10
9-11
10~Adult
Length
36 cm
38.5 cm
44 cm
48.5 cm
52 cm
54 cm
Please note that you still need to discuss with professionals in order to decide which size you go for. 

Contact us if you need more information. 
]]><![CDATA[4 questions you need to ask before getting your first violin or viola]]>Mon, 14 Jun 2021 18:48:00 GMThttps://www.master-learning.com/blog/4-questions-you-need-to-ask-before-getting-your-first-violin-or-viola
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Whenever I talk to my new students, their parents always want to know more about the instrument. Here are four most-asking questions that I would love to share with you. ​

Question #1: ​How much do I need to pay for renting a violin or a viola?

It depends on the quality of the instrument. Generally speaking, a beginner violin can cost somewhere between $50-$1,000. What? Why are the price differences so big? Violin cost most of the time is depending on the violin's quality and the craftsmanship. The same things apply to a viola as well. In the violin rental market, it is the same. I believe "You pay what you get". The violin or viola rental cost can be anywhere from as little as $20 per month to as much as $50 a month. 

If you are a student who is very interested in learning violin, and now is using a full size violin. I would suggest you either buy a violin that you really like, or rent a higher quality violin so you can enjoy the sound of the violin more. ​

Question #2: ​How to measure the size of the violin or the viola for my kid?

The quickest way is "find your teacher". If the size is in between, some teachers love to have their students use a smaller size violin/viola because it is easier for kids to handle, but some love to use a bigger size violin/viola because the sound is better. 

For more information, you can also refer to our violin sizing chart and viola sizing chart as well. This can give you a rough guide on how to choose your violin or viola size. ​

Question #3: ​To rent, or to buy?

It is cool to have your own violin, but calculating the maintenance fee, size changing cost, and the possibilities of getting a wrong or a defective violin. The best way to have your first violin is to RENT one! ​

Question #4: ​Where to rent the violin or the viola?

Most parents search online for the rental shop near your location. However, it is still better if you can consult with your teacher. In my past experience, even though the violin or viola rental shop has a good reputation, the violins they offer are still not suitable for little kids in my opinion. If your teacher offers to rent a violin or a viola from him/her, you should take a look and try it. ​
It is an exciting moment when you decide to learn the violin or viola. Is is also very common that everyone will have many questions in their mind. Feel free to contact me and ask me more about the learning and the instrument!
]]><![CDATA[5 REASONS FOR DOING ONLINE PIANO OR VIOLIN LESSONS]]>Sun, 23 May 2021 19:49:05 GMThttps://www.master-learning.com/blog/5-reasons-for-doing-online-piano-or-violin-lessons
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​During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents asked me this question from time to time: “Can we do online piano or violin lessons? Face-to-face lessons are what we used to do. ” With the technological advance in video conferencing, it is actually common to do piano and violin lessons online nowadays.

Here are the five reasons why you and your loved one can take online piano lessons:

REASON #1: Anywhere. Anytime.

Online lessons offer convenience and comfort, with FaceTime or Skype being your best option of taking the class. No matter where and when you are, you can have your lessons at ease.

REASON #2: You Should Not Stop the Journey of Learning. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you should not stop learning music at home. Instead of watching YouTube videos and learning piano and violin on your own, a private teacher helps you keep your playing posture correctly.

REASON #3: You Focus More when You Do Lessons via Internet. 

Online violin or piano lesson requires the student to concentrate on the screen closely, and it can bring more of the student's attention to the learning content.

REASON #4: Find the "RIGHT" Violin or Piano Teacher Near You. 

If you live in an area without many teachers available for you to choose, having online lessons is absolutely a bonus for you. You can choose a suitable teacher for you or your kid and start the lesson right away.

REASON #5: Save Time. 

You don't need to waste your time traveling to the teacher's studio.
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