Step 8: Self-Taught or Guided Learning?

When starting your violin journey, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is whether to learn independently or seek guidance from a teacher.

Based on my personal experience, I strongly recommend working with a teacher over any form of self-directed or online learning.

The Value of a Teacher

A great teacher is irreplaceable. Even the most accomplished violinists continue to work with trusted instructors throughout their careers.

The investment in a quality teacher often outweighs any other financial commitment you make—be it for your instrument, bow, or insurance.

Having an excellent teacher can dramatically improve your technique, provide personalized feedback, and help you avoid developing bad habits.

In fact, I believe it’s better to have an excellent teacher and a less-than-perfect instrument than the other way around.

The Limitations of Online Lessons

While online lessons with a teacher might seem convenient, they do not offer the same value or efficiency as in-person instruction. The nuances of sound production, posture, and technique are best communicated face-to-face.

Music is fundamentally about human connection, and in a world increasingly driven by superficial interactions, learning through a screen can feel ironic.

The richness of a live lesson—where a teacher can directly observe and correct your technique—is invaluable.