TIPS

Welcome to the Maloney Violin Studio! When I purchased my first violin I had been playing stringed instruments for 30 years. I thought, I can figure this out all by myself. I did learn a lot on my own, but it was not easy. I've been fortunate to have learned from some great teachers and methods. Now, I'm playing violin sheet music I never dreamed of back then, and improvising along with my favorite music. Lately, I've played gigs where all I needed was a small set list and basic info for each tune. No PA system to tie you down, I was free to move around or blend into the background.

I want to help anyone interested in the violin with practical advice, for example:

Use light amber rosin in Summer, and dark brown rosin in Winter.
(BUT!, lately, I've been using Dark all year round for drought conditions)

If you don't want to read sheet music, at least learn an easy key like D Major.

Violin vs Fiddle? It's what you play on it. Also, there can be adjustments to the curve of the bridge that make it easier to play double-stops (two strings at a time) and 'fiddlers' rarely play higher positions up the neck like classical violinists.

What strings to use. Generally, synthetic or steel. The 'E' string being exclusively steel no matter what, but quality does vary with price; and then there's the issue of foreign or USA made.

What's the best Violin Book 1? IN CODE: "EE for Strings, Book One", nicknamed, the Red Book. Go to any music store, even before you get a violin, and look through that $7 book. While you are at the store, you might as well ask to see some violins. Be aware that not all music stores that sell violins, violas and mandolins even know how to properly tune them or make subtle adjustments -- 90% of mandolins on display are unplayable until 'shop-adjusted.' Educate yourself, or send me an e mail and I'll try to help you.

My best advice for any young musician is: "Don't be a musical snob."

Thanks for visiting, come back for more as I add insider information.

Of course, please check out my Gallery, where I have the most fun. Please forgive me if I include non-violin categories to my photos, I can't help my eclectic side.
ECLECTIC-from the Greek> eklektikos <

Enjoy,
Mike Maloney
Westminster, Maryland, USA