Adults start the violin for all kinds of reasons. Some have a piece they have always wanted to play (Ben Culp, writing for the Suzuki Association of the Americas (opens in a new tab)). Some are parents who learned alongside their child, and many of those parents go on to lessons of their own (University of Northern Iowa Suzuki School (opens in a new tab)). For others, a change in their lives makes room for music at last (Taylor, Psychology of Music, 2011 (opens in a new tab)). Whatever brings you, you are welcome at our studio.
Does the Suzuki method work for adults?
Yes. The Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) trains its teachers to work with "beginners of all ages, from Pre-Twinklers to adults" (SAA (opens in a new tab)). One Suzuki teacher writing for the SAA teaches "students from age four to octogenarians" and calls the method "a powerful toolkit" for students of any age (Culp (opens in a new tab)). University Suzuki programs agree: "Adults are welcome!" (University of Northern Iowa (opens in a new tab)).
Research on adult learning points the same way: "most adults remain capable of acquiring and using new knowledge and skills well into older adulthood" (Myers, 2012 (opens in a new tab)).
What adults bring, and what takes patience
Adults often find reading music easier than children do, and they bring their life and work experience to lessons (Strings magazine (opens in a new tab)).
Some things take more patience. Physical playing skills usually come harder for adults, and a busy week has less built-in structure for practice (Strings (opens in a new tab)). Many adults also carry memories of lessons that went badly long ago, and the frustration of not meeting your own expectations can weigh more on an adult (Culp (opens in a new tab)). A patient teacher helps with both.
Lessons at your pace
Suzuki teachers are encouraged to pace adult lessons to each student's "needs and capabilities," at a steady pace, because many adults want to move quickly onto the next thing (Culp (opens in a new tab)). In one study, adults who were new to playing wanted more direction from their teacher than experienced players did (Leahy and Smith, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). So tell your teacher what you hope to play one day. It helps set your long-term goals.
Our tuition page lists the lesson lengths for every age.
Practice that works
- A little every day. "Practicing every day is more valuable than how long" (University of Northern Iowa (opens in a new tab)). A few minutes each day does more than an hour followed by days off (Strings (opens in a new tab)). In one study of musicians learning a new passage, those who practiced it again a day later improved in accuracy; those who practiced again minutes or hours later did not show that gain (Simmons, 2012 (opens in a new tab)).
- Record yourself. The SAA gives adults preparing for its teacher training this advice: "Make some practice recordings and evaluate yourself." (SAA (opens in a new tab)) A recording lets you hear progress you might miss while playing.
- Stop if it hurts. The old saying "no pain, no gain" has "no place in the adult beginner's life" (Strings (opens in a new tab)). Tell your teacher about any health limits, so practice can be planned around them (Culp (opens in a new tab)).
Playing for others
Making music with other people is a common goal among adult beginners (Strings (opens in a new tab)). At our studio, adult students are welcome in our recitals. Our group classes are part of the nurturing setting we build for young children, so adults usually share their music at recitals instead.
Renting a violin
Adults play a full-size violin, so there is nothing to outgrow. Renting is still a good way to begin: one university string program advises adults to rent full-size instruments, since an adult "might want to upgrade the quality of the instrument as they progress" (Northern Kentucky University (opens in a new tab)). A local violin shop can also fit your chinrest and shoulder rest and help you choose a bow (Strings (opens in a new tab)). Our article Should You Rent or Buy a Violin? has more.
What adult students say they gain
In a survey of 711 adults studying piano, the benefits they rated highest were "Dream Fulfilled," technique, and accomplishment (Jutras, 2006 (opens in a new tab)).
Ready to start?
Start with a free trial lesson to meet your teacher and try the violin. Virtual lessons are available too; our FAQ explains how. If the viola's deeper voice draws you, see our viola lessons page.