Anyone hoping to make a living as a professional violinist knows that the road to success and greatness is not an easy one.
In fact, becoming a professional musician is one of the hardest career paths in the world. While not everyone will make it, many do if they have the right attitude, determination and dedication. Whether you want to play in a classical symphony or play in a rock and roll band, such as electric violinist Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band, here are four things that aspiring violinists can learn from the greats.
It’s Never Too Early To Start
Most great and professional violinists have been playing since a very young age. It’s never too early to start perfecting and honing your craft. In fact, the sooner you start, the earlier you can begin to try and secure professional gigs.
Master a Wide Array of Styles and Sounds
Violinists may vary in the type of music that they want to play professionally, but all of them know that mastering a wide array of styles and sounds is crucial to truly becoming great at their craft. A great musician should be proficient in many different genres and playing styles.
Practice, Practice, Practice
This is probably the sort of thing that you’re sick of hearing from your music instructor, but it’s so true. Great violinists have spent hours upon hours practicing in order to perfect their playing ability. It may be tedious and tiresome, but the results will be incredibly worthwhile.
Stay Dedicated, Even Through Rejection
When you’re trying to score a career in the world of the performing arts, you will be rejected time and time again. This is not only true of violinists, but of actors, dancers and other types of musicians. Those who succeed aren’t the ones who got the gig on their very first try, but rather those who stuck with their dreams even during periods of rejection and joblessness. If you want to be like the greats, it’s important that you never quit.
Not everyone can make a living as a violinist. However, if violin is your passion and you’re willing to work and struggle, then you might have a shot of someday playing professionally. It’s a challenge, but nothing worth having in life comes easily.
Photo Violinist: Diana Yukaw
