As we have read and learnt in the previous articles, the violin is a wonderful musical instrument that has been utilized by many famous classical performers. When composers like Claudio Monteverdi integrated the violin's personality in their compositions in the 17th century, it became an indispensable instrument. Additionally, the violin was a popular instrument in the 17th and 18th centuries, and it has since become an important element of the modern orchestra.
Aside from its rich history, the violin also bears uniqueness that will definitely blow your mind! It also has several health advantages useful for our bodies and minds, which means we don’t only become a great musician, but also a better individual.
Let’s learn more about all these!
Benefits of playing the violin for our bodies and mind
Do you know that learning the violin helps in many aspects of life? To be able to play the violin well is not only fulfilling and enjoyable, it also helps establish your discipline. As I have repeatedly mentioned, to master the violin, you must practice consistently. This has an immediate consequence of instilling a sense of accountability, and, of course, discipline. Discipline is a soft skill that I highly suggest to develop, in addition to the numerous advantages that performing the violin provides.
Additionally, studying a musical instrument such as the violin, trombone, or other instruments that will eventually end up in an orchestra will increase your social skills significantly. Even if the scenario involves difficult feelings to communicate, it promotes self-esteem and the opportunity to enhance communication skills. Also, a lot of teenagers, who are still looking for their own sense of identity, find themselves in the embrace of the violin for the same very reason. Playing in an orchestra requires collective coordination, attention, and a uniform dress, which can provide a friendly sense of belonging.
Playing the violin - or music in general - improves our reading skills, language learning, speaking, and a number of brain functions. Dr. James Hudziak, a pediatric psychiatrist, discovered in 2014 that studying the violin benefited the brain development of youngsters with psychological disorders. For someone who has a healthy body and mind, isn’t it clear how the violin can benefit our mental health? Yes it does greatly, in addition to assisting brain growth. How amazing!
Do you know? Violin-playing can also help to fix posture. Learning to stand properly while playing the violin will have a long-term positive impact on your posture!
Fun facts about the violin
The violin was already a complete instrument when it was created, therefore it has a special place in the realm of classical music. It also has distinctive characteristics that make it easily distinguishable among the other string instruments. Consequently, the violin has been used in many classical compositions by various performers, including Bach and Monteverdi back in the 17th century, as I mentioned above.
With such a rich history, the violin has a lot of fun facts and trivias worth knowing! Curious? Let’s check it out!
Stay tip-top healthy! If you think that the violin is an artistic activity, note that you can burn almost 170 calories per hour when playing the violin. What a workout!
The most expensive violin in the world is valued at $18million, and was made by Giuseppe Guarneri back in 1741.
The largest playable violin in the world is 4.27 meters tall and 5.22 meters wide. How many people made it? 15 luthiers from Germany.
Luthiers are the name given to violin crafters.
The tiniest violin in the world is only 37 millimeters, though it is still unknown if it was playable.
A violin’s bow is made of 150 to 200 hairs, which are constructed out of different materials. Other than horsehair (expensive), many luthiers also use nylon.
Variety of sizes. Usually, young children will kick off their first violin lesson with a 1/32 or 1/16-size violin. Until they advance and grow up, they will then require full-sized ones, which are measured to around 14 inches. Imagine how tiny a 1/32 is!
Wood used. Maple and spruce are the primary and preferred woods to craft a violin.
The art of violin crafting is complicated. It is as complex as playing it, uniquely! It takes putting together 70 different pieces of wood to create a modern violin.
An electric violin is not necessarily made out of wood, as the material does not amplify or resonate sound.
Here comes the end to our violin series! What are the other fun facts you know? Share with us in the comment section below!
You can start learning the violin by participating in our trial class. Everyone who has an interest in music will have the opportunity to explore the instrument of your choice and capability with Ensiklomusika Music School. You can book a private violin class by contacting us here!
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