How to Learn to Read Violin Music
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The key signature determines the number of sharps and flats in a piece.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Determine the key of the piece. Before playing any music, make sure to look at the key signature. The key signature will inform the player what notes should be flat or sharp. These accidentals will apply to the entire piece until one of two things happens: there is a change in key signature, or there is an accidental written in the score. An accidental is a note whose pitch is not part of the scale indicated by the key signature. - 2
The time signature looks like a fraction at the start of the piece.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Determine the time signature of the piece. The time signature is the next element of the composition. There are two numbers in a time signature displayed as a fraction at the beginning of the piece. The top number tells the performer how many beats are in a single measure and the bottom number indicates what note value gets one beat. The most common values are 1 for a whole note, 2 for a half note, 4 for a quarter note and 8 for an eighth note. Its appearance in the score is after the treble clef and before the key signature. - 3
The metromome will help you learn how fast or slow a piece should be played.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
Determine the tempo of the piece. The tempo is above the staff at the start of the piece. In many cases, the tempo will change as the piece progresses. Whenever it changes, there will be an indication above the score at the point where the tempo should change. Sometimes the tempo will manifest itself with a general indicator such as allegro or andante. Other times, the tempo is a simple number that indicates how many beats per minute the tempo should be. - 4
Tap out the rhythm before you begin to play a piece.Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
Perform the rhythm without touching your instrument. Before you play a piece, you should always make sure you know how to play the rhythm. It is best to tap the rhythm, or mentally play it back in your head before beginning. By getting a feel for the rhythm without playing the instrument, your full attention focuses on playing it correctly. - 5
Several techniques exist in violin music.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Techniques are numerous on the violin. Learn the difference between the different types of mutes, articulations, and types of bowing. Common bow strokes include up-bow and down-bow. While a professional can mask the difference between the two strokes, the two strokes have differing uses. The up-bow is suitable for more subtle entrances and when a lighter touch is desirable. The down-bow is used for hard accents and when a stronger more forceful touch is desired. The up-bow looks like a V above the note, while a down-bow looks like a sideways bracket above the note.
The most basic type of bowing is détaché, in which the bow uses an alternating back and forth bow stroke. If there are no slurs, or other indications on how to perform the music, this is the type of bow stroke employed.
Other types of bowing include staccato, spiccato, louré, saltando, and pizzicato, among others. When learning how to read violin music study all of these bowings and listen to performers play them to learn how they should sound. - 6
Proper violin technique is an important part of learning to read violin music.Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
Find an instructor to help you learn to read violin music. It is impossible to explain everything that needs clarification in a simple introduction. Learning to read violin music requires the guidance of a qualified violin teacher who can demonstrate the proper way to hold the instrument and nuances involved in interpreting different types of music. It is possible to find decent instruction in many cities. Try looking at your local music store, asking a local band director, or contacting a local university's music department or college for qualified instructors.
