Piano Guidance
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Is it a good idea to learn two instruments at once?

Despite the potential challenges, there are clear benefits to learning multiple instruments at the same time. Embracing this challenge helps students develop a greater understanding of music theory, and how different instruments work together to create a comprehensive piece of music.

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Raising a music enthusiast interested in adding a new instrument to their repertoire? For some students, adding a second instrument can be a rewarding and beneficial experience, as long as everyone is on the same page for what a multiple-instrument lessons entail. But just as a student can successfully study both Math and English at the same time during the school year, it is possible for dedicated musicians to learn two different instruments at the same time. 1. Start lessons for a new instrument only after your student accomplishes a basic proficiency in the first. For example, piano students will be more adept at picking up the violin after they’ve already learned how to read music, gained a solid understanding of basic music terminology, and established a learning routine for practicing each day. 2. Make time for a break between practice sessions for each instrument. It’s important to let the mind rest between sessions, especially when it comes to preventing burnout. Remember, learning two instruments simultaneously doesn’t mean practicing both for less time—that’s just a quick way to prevent making any significant progress, and your student will feel more inclined to give up entirely. Instead, make a plan to practice one instrument in the morning, and the second in the afternoon, or one right after school and another a few hours later after dinner. Experiment with rotating which instrument gets practiced first, and find a routine that works for everyone. 3. Don’t bounce between different instruments in an attempt to keep your student interesting in learning music. Avoid the temptation to engage in this conversation with your student: “You’re bored of piano lessons? Oh, why not try cello for a few months? Not a good fit? Let’s see if piano feels better this time. No? Okay, maybe violin will stick.” While it’s important to encourage a love of music and a sense of curiosity about the learning process, bouncing between various instruments won’t help your student grow their abilities or help maintain their interest. Instead, they’ll just find themselves starting over and over each time they start up again, increasing their sense of frustration each time. Make sure you and your student are clear on what it means to learn two instruments at the same time—it really does mean learning both, every day! Despite the potential challenges, there are clear benefits to learning multiple instruments at the same time. Embracing this challenge helps students develop a greater understanding of music theory, and how different instruments work together to create a comprehensive piece of music. For students playing in an orchestra or band, learning more than one instrument is especially beneficial, and can help improve their individual skills as well as benefitting the group as a whole. Our studio is well-equipped to help students of all ability levels add a new instrument to their repertoire, and can help you build a team of teachers capable of working together to make learning a second instrument both feasible and fun. And in several cases, our teachers are highly qualified in teaching several instruments, which means your student will be able to continue building a relationship with the same trusted instructor for both sets of lessons. From piano, voice, cello, violin, and ukulele, we’re making more than musicians, we’re making the band!

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Is violin or cello harder?

Is it easier to learn violin or cello? The cello might be slightly easier to learn, due to its repertoire and more natural holding position. However, both instruments have similar difficulties in technique and sound production, and neither have frets.

Appearance and Style

Size

The cello is much larger than the violin, even though it’s not the biggest of the family. A typical full-size violin, what we call a 4/4 violin, is about 40 cm or 16 inches. An average full-size cello is about 120 cm or 47.5 inches. That’s three times the height, so the cello is the larger of the two by a substantial amount. That difference in size means the violin is easier to carry and handle. If you take a cello and add the case, a cellist needs to carry a weight of 7 kg (15.4 lbs) or more, while violinists only have to carry something a bit heavier than a handbag. Of course, there are smaller sizes, depending on one’s growth but still, the cello is heavier and takes up more space, so it’s harder to move around (e.g. on public transport or on a bicycle journey).

Parts

The violin and cello have the same parts – all but one: at the exact opposite end of the scroll, the cello has the endpin. That is there to support it while you play because the instrument is played by default in a sitting position, with it between the legs. These days, endpins are retractable, though older endpins were wooden and could not be removed. Every other part of the cello is similar to the violin, the only difference being that cellos are larger in size.

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