Perfect Fifths

Violin-playing is a refreshing artistic pursuit that’s worthwhile at any age. We realize that the prospect of learning the instrument without lessons can be daunting. Luckily, the modern world offers access to resources that would not have been imaginable even twenty years ago. One of those sites, and the beginning violinist’s best friend, is Violin Online (www.violinonline.com).If you’re learning the viola or cello instead, don’t stop reading. Dr. Robin K. Deverich, developer of the Violin Online program, also offers Viola Online and Cello Online. For brevity’s sake, we’ll refer to Violin Online in this article.The most important section for beginning players is the “Violin Basics” section, where everything from “Changing Strings” to “Finding a Teacher” is covered in a clear and precise manner. With several charts that demonstrate proper fingering (and even allow you to practice online), it’s easy to experiment on your own without seeking professional training.The “Exercise Studio” offers three categories of basic exercises (“Scales,” “Technique,” and “Etudes”), which offer both the sheet music and an audio demonstration. The “Pop-Up Tuner” is a handy tool for making sure your instrument is performance-ready.In the listening room, you can listen to audio clips of important violin works from throughout history, starting with “Columbia Aspexit” by Hildegard of Bingen and going up through 20^th-century composers like Anton Webern and Igor Stravinsky.Finally, in the Music Store, you can find links to purchase sheet music for any of the three instruments, along with strings, rests, DVDs and instructional software, and instruments themselves. Most of these will redirect you to Amazon, except for the sheet music which is offered as an e-Book or CD-ROM.With Violin Online, it’s easy to at least get started exploring the world of violin-playing. If you desire more guidance, it’ll point you in the right direction for that, too.