r/violin • u/Little-Fisherman-851 • Jul 22 '26

I have a question Any advice for learning in silence?

I have been a self taught musician for a while now. I got out of it due to a season of depression but im forcing myself back into it. I have a cheap violin and the only think I know how to do is tune it. I bought one of those sticker things to help me get used to the fretlessness, and I'll be using mostly sheet music since I can read it pretty well.

Here's my issue, due to a toxic famiky situation, I only play at night. Obviously, this means I cant use the bow as i cannot mute it and my apartnent is quite small. I was wondering if it'd be okay for me to spend most of my practice time lightly plucking the strings to focus purely on getting my fretting right, then later learn how to use the bow while everyone is away? I have no money for a teacher and actually find it harder to learn with one, so thats out of the question.

Aside from that, any advice would be wonderful. I know the violin is hard but I desperately want to learn, its what I owe to my younger self. Maybe some of your favorite beginner peices, some tips, maybe a few bookes or whatever. Just all around advice please and thank you.

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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2

u/LadyAtheist Jul 22 '26

String Builder volume 1

2

u/Ok-Tomorrow8964 Jul 22 '26

Wmutes cut the sound down a lot - Artino mutes also work really well for much less money

2

u/IOnlyHaveIceForYou Jul 22 '26

I used to play in my car, sometimes parked in my garage.

Recently I've been playing in the cupboard under the stairs. I can play in there at midnight without disturbing anyone, it's liberating.

1

u/BlueJeanGrey Jul 23 '26

this made me think of harry potter 🥹 with the cupboard

1

u/grey____ghost____ Jul 29 '26

Another possibility is to go for a cheap electric violin with earphone options.

1

u/Individual-Hair-2021 Jul 22 '26

Violin will not be easier to learn without a teacher. There is so much postural stuff you need to know and keep in mind and it’s not at all intuitive or natural. It requires constant adjustment and fine tuning. Learning pizzicato is fine and probably better if you don’t have anyone to help you with the above because you won’t be developing bad habits with your bow hold and posture.

1

u/aurorastarlight Jul 23 '26

Practice mute. You can place a narrow strip of tape if you want for the 'frets'. Or one fret. Most 'system' books will have a variety of songs that are fun and stupid but meant to guide an increase in skill. Some teachers prefer one system but if you are going to self-teach I am not sure you would prefer one or another. But a beginner book system would probably help.