JULIA'S VIOLIN BLOG

Learn how to play Coldplay’s hit song with Viva la Vida sheet music and practice tips. Viva la Vida by Coldplay is such a great song, and I always have students asking me if they can learn the fun strings parts on violin. The good news is that this song works really well on the [...]

Traveling with a violin isn’t always easy. Maybe you’ve felt that tight knot in your stomach while standing at the boarding gate, wondering if the airline will let your instrument on board. You’ve probably searched for hours through airline policies, only to find vague or confusing answers. I know the feeling—because I’ve been there too! [...]

With the holidays coming up so soon, now is the perfect time to learn easy violin Christmas music. I've chosen 12 Christmas songs that are jolly, full of Christmas spirit, and will impress your family and neighbors. They are arrangements meant for beginners but maintain many of the traditional elements of the tunes so others [...]

A guide on violin geared tuning pegs Have you ever gotten frustrated trying to tune your violin? Have your pegs ever slipped in the middle of a rehearsal, or even during a performance? Violin pegs have remained relatively the same for hundreds of years, until quite recently when geared pegs entered the scene. These pegs [...]

Irish violin music is so captivating. The fast rhythms and catchy melodies just work so well on the instrument! Have you ever wondered how Irish music evolved? Today we're diving into the history of Celtic fiddle music and discussing the ins and outs of popular types of fiddle tunes. Ready to learn about Irish violin [...]

Explaining the violin chinrest pad and why you might want to use one Although you might not think about it much, the chinrest is more than just a functional part of the violin; the setup of your chinrest can dictate your entire playing experience! I've worked with so many students through the years who have benefitted [...]

An overview of violin rock songs and their history. When we think of rock music, we often imagine electric guitars, bass lines, and energetic drum beats. However, the violin has actually made a significant impact in the rock world! It's woven its way into countless rock songs, adding layers of emotion and depth that enhance [...]

An overview of the popular Wolf shoulder rest One of the most popular brands for shoulder rests is Wolf. They've stood the test of time as reputable violin accessories. Personally, I've used the Wolf Forte Secondo for many years and really enjoyed it. I recommend this violin shoulder rest to many students looking for an [...]

Answering "How much does a violin weigh?" and other violin-related questions. When choosing a violin, so many players focus on sound quality, craftsmanship, and playability, but weight is another important factor to consider. While it might not seem significant at first, the weight of a violin can have a surprising impact on both comfort and [...]

The Pirastro KorfkerCradle shoulder rest is, by far, the most expensive violin rest on the market (at least to my current knowledge). But is it worth it? If you're interested in achieving the most accurate violin sound possible, or if you'd just like to learn about a totally different type of shoulder rest, this article [...]

A comprehensive guide on how to play fast on the violin. Have you ever come across a song you've really wanted to learn but feel like you just can't play fast enough to do it justice? I know I have, and it's so frustrating! I wish I had a comprehensive practice guide when I was [...]

Is it time to shop for viola shoulder rests? If you’ve felt uncomfortable playing or holding your viola during longer playing sessions, it may be time for an upgrade. We all have different playing styles and different bodies, which explains why there are so many viola shoulder rests out there to try! I know firsthand [...]