Learning to play a musical instrument is a great way to help children improve their cognitive skills – while also allowing them to master a new and lifelong ability. Studies have concluded that musical training has a positive impact on children’s attention and memory span and their overall mental and physical health. However, the question comes down to which instrument is best for children.

Although there are a number of instruments considered to be great for children, you should consider your child’s interests, the different techniques required for learning the instrument, differences in music styles, to name a few.

As traditional musical instruments, violins and fiddles are great for children to pick up – especially when paired with professional violin or fiddle lessons and an excellent teacher.

The Difference Between Violins and Fiddles

If you search for violins and fiddles online, you will see similar images for both instruments. While there isn’t much of a difference between a fiddle and a violin – especially in terms of appearance, style, or body, both instruments are used for their own unique music style.

Music Style

Violins are typically associated with classical music, symphonies, and jazz. On the other hand, a fiddle is a perfect instrument for folk, country music, and bluegrass. Simply put, a violin is seen as the “fancier” of the two, while fiddles are known as folksy, traditional instruments.

Playing Technique

Violins are great for learning classical techniques, but with a fiddle, players can experiment with different playing styles.

Placement

Both instruments are held differently by players – a violin is held between the jaw and shoulder, and a fiddler uses an arm for placement.

Strings

One of the main differences between violins and fiddles are their strings. Violinists prefer to use synthetic strings, whereas fiddle players prefer steel strings.

Flat Bridge

Additionally, fiddlers prefer a flat bridge instead of an arched bridge, as this allows them to play two or more notes simultaneously.

Can Your Child Learn to Play Both Instruments?

Learning both of these instruments is possible but will require lessons to master. The transition from a violin to fiddle is achievable as well – after all, they are similar instruments, with different playing techniques and music styles.

Before choosing the violin – or a fiddle – for your child, know what type of music they are more interested in learning as that will inform your choice. Regardless, once your child learns how to play either instrument, they can easily branch off into different music styles.

A good fiddle or violin teacher will be able to teach your child how to translate written notes into music – or how they can pick up techniques from simply listening to others play.

Why A Music Teacher Is Important

Typically, in the first few weeks, the teacher will focus on lessons related to different scale techniques. This will help build a good base for your child, as they would learn about techniques such as different bow strikes and finger patterns – and even the right posture for playing a fiddle or violin.

Additionally, they will help your child thoroughly understand how different scales are created, which will help them identify and play the right notes. In order to create notes on these instruments, learning how to use the fingerboard is critical.

With the help of an instructor, they’ll learn how to identify when a note is in tune. Knowing when a note sounds too sharp or too flat allows students to adjust their finger patterns.

As a traditional instrument, violins require music sheets. However, an expert teacher will work on your child’s auditory skills and help them learn without music sheets – at least initially, as this method allows young learners to develop their own style.

With different beats, modes, and styles, both violins and fiddles are great musical instruments for children. If you want your child to have a professional music teacher that will come directly to your house for lessons, contact Lessons In Your Home today. Our outstanding teachers are in nine major cities around the U.S. teaching a variety of instruments.