Beyond the Notes: 5 Life Lessons from Learning the Violin as an Adult

When I decided to learn the violin, I didn’t expect it to transform how I approach life.

But this challenging instrument has taught me more than music. It has taught me to face my fears, let go of perfection, and trust the process. Join me as I share my journey of learning a new skill.

1. Developing Discipline through Repetition

At every lesson, my teacher asks, “How was your practice?” He holds me accountable and expects commitment and consistency. So, attending lessons without regular practice is out of the question.

Each practice requires me to pay attention to many details. I focus on how to hold the violin and the bow, how I place my fingers, the sound I produce, and the pace I play. 

All these details have become rituals. These rituals and repetitions help me develop discipline, which carries over to many other parts of my life. 

2. Listening to My Body

My body is unfamiliar with holding the violin for extended periods. Within a few minutes of practice, my shoulders and back ache. It is frustrating to be in pain every time I hold a violin.

My teacher tells me that playing the violin highlights the issues you already have in your body. Since then, I have been working on my tight grip, shoulders, and posture.

Though painful, the violin has taught me to be in tune with my body and to pay close attention. As I mastered these physical challenges, I faced some emotional ones.

3. Embracing Imperfection

I participate in studio classes every month. In these classes, violin students practice in front of peers and their parents. They perform whatever they work on during lessons, but a pianist accompanies them.

These classes force me to let go of my need for perfection. I must put myself out there and perform in front of people, even if I’m not ready. 

4. Facing My Fears

Whenever I perform in a studio class, I become aware of all the adults watching me play. I want to rush through the piece so I don’t have to stand before them too long.  

But it’s hard to play well when you are so nervous.  My mind races faster than my fingers can move.

The violin gives me no choice but to face my fears and coach my mind to slow down so I can focus on playing. 

I am an adult who plays at a child’s level. It’s okay that I get nervous. It takes several more such performances before I can be comfortable with them. 

5. Circle of Inspiration

I am amazed by the young kids who fight their nerves and perform in front of an audience.

One performance that left me in awe was a quartet of teenagers playing in the quartet. Their intensity and synchronization transported me, giving me something to look forward to on my journey.

How many hours of practice must it take to perform with such finesse?

I also inspire the adults who watch me play, which surprises me. They aren’t watching another adult play at an expert level but rather someone who is a work in progress.

I have had more than one person approach me to share how watching me play inspires them to pursue their dreams.

A Transformative Journey

Learning to play the violin has been a transformative experience. Beyond learning the skill, it has transformed my approach to life.

The violin has taught me to face my fears, embrace the journey, and let go of the need to be perfect. 

Every new thing we learn has the power to transform us. Do you have a hobby or skill you have been putting off? 

Feeling scared of learning a new skill as an adult is natural. Give yourself ample time to improve as you take on a new challenge. Let go of the expectations and embrace the journey.

A new language, an instrument, or something else may change your life in ways you least expect. Start your journey today.