Why the Violin ?
Reflections on choosing your instrument
By Philp Hough
Once , when I confessed to my violin teacher that I was discouraged with my progress , she suggested a small classic volume by her teacher , Louis Persinger , with the above title . Persinger was a great teacher with many illustrious pupils , including Yehudi Menuhin and Isaac Stern , among others . While he tackled many violin-related topics in this little book , I came to the conclusion that Persinger had answered the question of “ why ” by not answering it . Choosing your instrument remained a mystery !
In interviewing numerous prospective students over the years , I have been struck by the clarity of their initial response to different instruments . Recently , knowing I was writing this article , I asked an advanced student if he remembered how he chose the violin . I was surprised at how quickly he described the scene , still vivid in his memory 10 years later .
The music teacher had shown him the piano , a cello , and the violin . His response was unequivocal , the piano was complicated and had “ too many buttons ,” the cello sounded low and heavy , but the violin was just right . This frisson is the necessary first step . If it ’ s not there , it ’ s best to wait and explore further options ( e . g . French horn , trumpet , cor anglais , etc .)
Why the Violin by Louis Persinger explored the mystery behind choosing one ’ s musical instrument .
Having made the choice , the student is then tasked with acquiring the basic skills of learning how to hold the instrument and produce a good sound . With the encouragement of a teacher and supportive parents , an aesthetic portal has been opened and a new identity forged . The student enters the community of musicians , able to experience the power of music in an active way , directly through a dedicated effort .
The journey of a lifetime has begun . At first , acquiring skill is primarily a matter of regular practice . This elusive goal of daily practice is both a blessing and a curse with frequent moments of wanting to abandon ship . Yet , for better or worse , once your chosen instrument has become part of your identity , you persevere . Sometimes the instrument will lay fallow for a long period of time , but eventually it beckons .
32 • Saint David ’ s Magazine