The Violin Doctor Is In

Here's where you can get free advice on any violin topic that is of interest to you. I'd be happy to help with any problem or query with no obligation. If you would like to start a conversation, simply click the button below.
Online violin lessons with Bill AndertonFree advice on any violin topic.
  
   Here are some topics for which you might
   need advice:
 
* Choosing and Buying a violin
   * Learning to read music
   * Changing a String and Tuning a violin
   * Care of your violin
   * Bow purchase and care
   * Buying and fitting new strings*
Practising for exams and coping with nerves!
* Setting up online lessons           * Studies for Position Shifting and Scales

YouTube Tutorials
Here are examples of the tutorial videos on my YouTube channel.

Some Guidelines

Choosing A Violin: For a beginner, set your budget by deciding if you want to try one out and then maybe upgrade later (for you surely will!). The cheapest violins are often unstable where holding their tuning is concerned and will almost certainly have a poor tonal quality. One step up cost-wise can make all the difference.
Tuning a New String: If you haven't done this before it can be quite scary! Here is a video I prepared to help you: https://youtu.be/vLoEh843pmI
Setting up online lessons: Zoom works suprisingly well for online lessons if the audio settings are tweaked. Advances in the technology to make further improvements are imminent. Here's a link to some more information: Zoom Audio Settings.
Studies for Position Shifting and Scales: the .pdf files below are a free-to-download system of studies that I have written, one for violin, the other for viola. These studies will help you develop accurate intonation and bow control.
Studies for Violin
File Size: 1843 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Studies for Viola
File Size: 2009 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Rosin For Your Bow: the bow hairs need to have rosin on them before they will make the violin strings vibrate. However, only use enough to avoid the bow slipping over the string.
You'll find a series of my videos, 'Tips for Violin Practice' on Youtube. You can subscribe by hitting the YouTube button.