I started playing violin about a month ago. Because of my schedule, I can't find anyone available to give lessons in the time I have to take them. So I decided to teach myself with a book. I enjoy it, quite a lot, but I would like to know about where I stand. I have put a total of 25 hours into it, and don't seem to be getting much better. My biggest improvement seems to be in my music reading. The measures I'm playing still sound sloppy, and my fingering often finds me on the wrong note. I can at least hear the music better when I play now... but I was hoping to get advice from someone who's learned in this fashion. I would like to know If I'm at a dead end and should go ahead and drive the 75 miles every saturday for a lesson, or is this progression about normal? Thanks for any help you can give.

Drive the 75 mi. Really. If you can't do it every week, maybe once or twice a month? But it's very hard to objectively judge your abilities, and figure out where you need help and what to do about it. Especially since the violin is a very loud instrument, right against your ear.

I tried teaching myself for a few months, didn't get too far, gave in and started lessons. It's very useful to have someone else who knows what they're doing, and how to help beginners.

Even if you don't take regular lessons, one every once in a while will make a tremendous difference. Good luck!

Thanks. The more I talk to others, the better lessons are sounding

Yeah, I agree. Even if it's not a regular lesson, you should get a hold of someone who has some violin experience and just meet up with them every once in a while. Just ask them, How's my fingering? What am I doing wrong? How's my posture? Posture is very essential, and hard to learn from a book.

What are you using, Suzuki? String Builder?

The book I'm using is Essential Elements 2000 (Violin book 1)

oh well ive heard that was a good book. but i seriously reccomend, if at all possible, driving those 75 miles at least once a month. so you could see what u are doing wrong and get some help. i respect the fact that u are teaching urself. that shows great determination and will power. way to go!