Could you describe what your Website is all about?
I run the website for the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra www.ridgewoodsymphony.org one of the largest (100 member) community type orchestra's in the country. We are actually better described as a regional all volunteer orchestra, since we draw from a wide area, and some members are pros, thought not paid.
Do you have any tips for beginning violin players &/or their parents; such as renting vs. buying instruments, where to shop, practice advice, taking care of the instrument advice.....
They might wish to join the BAVS egroup list http://www.egroups.com/ which has rather lively discussions on beginning violin playing, though oriented more toward adults.
I would recommend Concord Musical Supplies (www.concordmusic.com) for strings etc. It's not a store, so if you need sales help you might be best off going to a local store to start. I tend to prefer going to violinmakers if possible.
Anything you'd care to add..... What are my recommendations for achieving success in music?
I'm an amateur so I can't speak to success as a professional. My major advice is to find ways to play with other people and enjoy making music with others. It's one of life's most enjoyable activities.
Any advice for parents on getting their children to continue with the same instrument from year to year & not quit? How about taking those daily lessons...any way to not make that such a chore?
The violin is started much younger than wind instruments, so I don't have experience as a parent of a string player.. my son plays the flute. I tried to play with him as much as possible, but he didn't "catch fire" until he went to a camp where there was good music, and got swept up in the joy of making music with friends. Imagine my astonishment when he called me up from camp at age 13 saying "Dad, you were right. It is the most fun to play with other people."
What might inspire adults to continue the encouragement is that happiness in life comes not from what you have or what you see, hear or watch, but from what you do. That's why golfers enjoy it so much. Playing a musical instrument is one of the most fulfilling skills you can give a child. It can be carried forth throughout life (try playing football in your 60s). Moreover, as a social paradigm, it's an activity that you do with others
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