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Violin

Violin

Borrow a violin from the library and learn how to play it with the resources below.

Choosing a Violin

VPL has four different violin sizes that are available to borrow: ¼, ½, ¾, and full size violins.

Which violin size is right for me? To determine the size you need, you will need to find the length of your fully extended left arm from the neck to the centre of your palm. Match the violin size you need with the chart below.

Violin Size Player's Arm Length* (cm / in)
1/4 Size 45.7cm - 47cm / 18" - 18.5"
1/2 Size 50.8cm / 20"
3/4 Size 54.6cm - 56cm / 21.5" - 22"
Full Size 58cm+ / 23"+

*Approximate sizing and measurements

For more information about choosing a violin, see Fiddleheads.ca.

Instructional Books
Cover Image for The ABC's of Violin for the Absolute Beginner

Janice Tucker Rhoda

Call Number
787.107 R47a1 MUSIC
Publication Year
2009
Cover Image for Play Violin Today!: A Complete Guide to the Basics.

Sharon Stosur

Call Number
787.107 S88p MUSIC
Publication Year
2006
Cover Image for Mel Bay's First Lessons: Violin

Craig Duncan

Call Number
787.107 D91f MUSIC
Publication Year
2002
Cover Image for Violin for Dummies

Katharine Rapoport

Call Number
787.107 R21v2
Publication Year
2015
Cover Image for Principles of Violin Playing & Teaching

Ivan Galamian

Call Number
787.1 G14p2
Publication Year
2013
Cover Image for Fiddle for Dummies

Michael Sanchez

Call Number
787.107 S21f
Publication Year
2015

Jeanine R. Orme

Call Number
787.107 M51f MUSIC
Publication Year
1995

Instructional DVDs
Cover Image for The ABC's of Violin for the Absolute Beginner
Call Number
787.107 R47aa
Publication Year
2006
Cover Image for Play Violin Today!: A Complete Guide to the Basics: The Ultimate Self-Teaching Method!
Call Number
787.107 H14p
Publication Year
2011
Cover Image for Fiddle for the Absolute Beginner
Call Number
787.107 W87f
Publication Year
2009
Cover Image for Anyone Can Play Violin
Call Number
787.107 A63a1
Publication Year
2002

Violin Magazines

Call Number
787.1025 S89

Online Tutorials

Violin resources for beginners including violin basics, exercises, sheet music, and more.

YouTube channel featuring violin techniques in detail.

Recommended Apps

A tuner app measuring sound pitch and intensity. Can be used with various musical instruments.

A tuner app measuring sound pitch and intensity. Can be used with various musical instruments.

Additional Resources

Free sheet music featuring the violin.

Search for a music teacher in your area. Provided by the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Search for qualified music teachers in B.C.

Digital Library Resources

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A music streaming service featuring classical, jazz, folk and world music.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
Arts and Recreation Subject Icon

A jazz music streaming service with an extensive collection from over 150 jazz labels including Blue Note and Fantasy Jazz.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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The complete Smithsonian Folkways catalogue, featuring folk music from more than 150 countries.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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LinkedIn Learning offers video courses in business, computer technology, software, and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.

New to LinkedIn Learning? View a video tutorial or visit the LinkedIn Learning FAQ page for more information.

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders
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The largest classical music streaming library in the world featuring over 1,600 classical music videos, concerts, operas, ballets, documentaries and more!

Access:
Everywhere for VPL cardholders

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