The violin is one of the most beautiful and complex instruments on earth.
Its distinctive tone can be heard a mile away, but unfortunately, it’s not easy to achieve. If you’re a beginner violinists, it’s easy to feel lost before you’ve even started.
Learning the violin requires intense amounts of concentration, dedication, and skill. You’ll need to set aside plenty of time to get to grips with the instrument, and you can expect your journey to be just as frustrating as it is rewarding.
So, what happens if you want to learn the violin from the comfort of your own home? Is it possible to master this complex instrument without face-to-face guidance?
Well, you’ll be pleased to know that the answer is YES. It’s absolutely possible to learn the violin in your own home. However, you’ll need a helping hand.
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of our favorite violin learning apps to learn the violin with. Whether you want online lessons or a more independent approach, you’ll be sure to find the right resource for you.
Ready? Let’s kick your journey off with a bang with these five best apps to learn violin.
1. Violy
Violy takes the top spot on our list, offering a versatile app that caters to teachers, students, and independent learners alike. While the app is free to download, it also provides a premium subscription for those seeking additional features and content.
Violy has been running since August 2017 by the Shenzhen Mango Future Education Technology Co, and it’s trusted by thousands of violin players across the world. It’s available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. This self-described ‘smart music classroom’ can bring students and educators together (completely remotely) to practice the violin.
With the ‘live class’ feature, teachers can call their students. When paired with the ‘classroom’ feature, teachers can set a time in advance, notify students when the first violin lesson is about to begin, and more.
Students can also use ‘smart audition’ – simply enable the feature, play your violin, and the app will evaluate your rhythm and intonation as an instructor would. You can also find plenty of violin music scores, ensembles, and accompaniments to play the violin along with, too.
Let’s not forget the metronome that’s built into the app – this saves you buying one separately, and it’ll keep you on track with your practice. We found this app to be simple and responsive yet loaded with the most important features you’d need to learn on your own and practice with others.
Pros
- Smart Music Classroom feature offers a seamless and free connection between music teachers and students, facilitating remote learning and practice.
- Its intuitive interface allows for easy scheduling and real-time interaction, enhancing the overall learning experience without incurring additional costs.
- Students can still practice on their own by using the metronome or playing with a score or accompaniment on the app
- Educators can upload their own scores to Violy and share them with their students
- Violy can also be used with other instruments, such as the piano, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, and more.
Cons
- The app doesn’t get updated very often, with the last update being over a year ago, potentially causing compatibility issues with newer devices or missing out on feature improvements.
- The library of available sheet music and accompaniments is relatively limited, which may be insufficient for users looking for a wide variety of genres or skill levels to practice with.
2. Trala
Next on our list is Trala’s violin tuner. The Trala App was made BY professional violinists, with both violin beginners and experienced players in mind. While both Violy and Trala launched in 2017 with a focus on accessible music education, Trala distinguishes itself with a central emphasis on personalized instruction and a vast library of video lessons taught by professional musicians.
Trala is best for complete beginner violin students or rusty players who need a helping hand getting to grips with their instrument again. With Trala, the main focus is on teaching – so you can find violin lessons and teachers through the app and begin your lessons as soon as you’ve signed up.
Although these 1:1 lessons are the main point of Trala, the app also has a few other great features to explore. If you’re not ready for 1:1 lessons, you can explore Trala’s video library – this provides students with plenty of exercises to try at home that can help them warm up, tune, and improve their playing.
There’s also a built-in violin tuner and plenty of interactive violin sheet music inside the app – you can play along to this in real time, and it’ll let you know if you’re out of tune! With plenty of great features on offer, we’d have no hesitations recommending Trala to any beginner player wanting to level up.
Trala offers subscription plans with varying lesson frequency and duration. The app is free to download, but a subscription is required to access lessons and materials. Monthly and annual plans are available, with discounts for the latter. Trala sometimes offers free trials for new users.
Trala’s violin instructors are professional musicians with diverse backgrounds and experience, passionate about teaching students of all levels.
Pros
- 1:1 lessons are fun and easy to access
- A built-in violin tuner so you can get in tune wherever you are
- Trala provides interactive violin sheet music that you can play along with in real time; this is ideal for solo practice
- Great for all ages and experience levels – even advanced players can benefit from practicing with Trala
Cons
- The subscription costs may be too high for some beginners who are just starting their musical journey and have a limited budget
3. Modacity
If you haven’t heard of Modacity, allow us to introduce you…
Modacity describes itself as ‘a new way to practice jazz sheet music. Modacity has made itself the number one place to be for musicians.
If you’re fed up with having loads of different tools, sheets, and learning notes all over the place during practice, this is the app for you.
Modacity is your one-stop music shop, loaded with all the resources you need to have a successful practice session. With Modacity, you can take notes on your practice directly inside the app, watch instructional violin videos, make your own practice playlists, record and playback your sessions, set timers, and more!
Of course, you’ll also have a few of those awesome, ‘can’t do without them’ tools like a metronome and a tone generator built directly into the app. Modacity has some pretty unique features.
For example, although the record and playback feature may sound a little basic, you can use it to record your practice, track the time you’ve spent practicing, and then use Modacitys own scientific improvement process to help you speed up and improve. This is something we personally haven’t seen with other apps, and it’s an incredibly useful tool.
Although Modacity doesn’t provide 1:1 lessons like our other apps, you can still get guidance from the experts straight from the app.
Whether you want to know how to improve or you want some different ideas for your practice sessions, you can ask Modacity’s expert time via in-app messaging.
Modacity offers a freemium model with a free version and a premium subscription for $8.99/month or a discounted annual subscription for $85/year. The premium version unlocks features like statistics, practice breaks, and unlimited notes. Modacity also offers occasional discounts and a scholarship program for eligible students.
Pros
- Record and playback feature that can help you track your progress and give you suggestions on how to speed up your playing
- You can set timers when you’re practicing and create alerts to remind you to practice
- Submit questions to expert professional musicians from inside the app
- Can be used with various instruments, not just violins
Cons
- Currently, Modacity is exclusively available on iOS devices, limiting its accessibility for Android users.
- Lack of 1:1 lessons may not be good for inexperienced players
- You’re unable to export audio recordings out of the app
4. Jameasy
Now, let’s take a look at Jameasy. This is one of our favorite practice apps ever, and we’re excited to share it with you!
Since its inception, Jameasy has boomed in popularity and has since gained plenty of recognition from some pretty big names, including the BBC, Bloomberg, Samsung Newsroom, and more.
Jameasy aims to take the monotony out of regular practice by making training fun. So, how do they do it? Well, Jameasy offers its users plenty of tools to keep things interesting.
When you download the app, you’ll have access to fun tools for your practice; for example, learning to play violin along to your favorite song in the form of a rhythm game to help you keep focus and improve your skill!
Like any good learning/teaching app, you can receive feedback directly inside the app. When you’re playing, you’ll see real-time feedback appear on the screen, which can help make your practice easier. Jameasy stands out with a unique feature, the world’s first Bluetooth wireless tuner, designed to function accurately even in noisy environments.
This innovative tuner utilizes advanced technology to filter out background noise, ensuring precise pitch recognition for hassle-free tuning. We’ve tried it ourselves, and it’s incredibly resistant to external noise. Plus, thanks to its polyphonic detection technology, it has excellent pitch recognition. Jameasy can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Jameasy offers a free version with limited features and a premium subscription for $9.99/month or $59.99/year to unlock all tools and songs. However, the app hasn’t been updated in several years, and user reviews are mixed, with some praising its unique features while others report technical issues and limited song selection.
Pros
- Helps eliminate the monotony of practice with fun features like rhythm games. These are great for kids and learners who break concentration easily
- Get feedback in real-time
- World-first Bluetooth tuner works incredibly well
- Built-in metronome
Cons
- No 1:1 lessons
- The app and website appear outdated and haven’t been updated recently, suggesting a lack of active development and potential compatibility issues.
- User reviews express frustration with occasional connectivity problems, inaccurate feedback for certain songs, and difficulties using the Bluetooth tuner with some devices.
5. Tonara
Last but not least, we have Tonara. Tonara aims to be the home of musical world-class music education – this app is ideal for players of all abilities, and although our review focuses on violins, this app can be used for plenty of other instruments, too.
Tonara is particularly beneficial for teachers. Its built-in learning studio has plenty of great features to help keep violin students on track.
You can assign tasks, create and organize lessons, track progress, give rewards and points, and share all sorts of media, including audio, video, images, and PDFs.
For students, it’s never been easier to find a violin teacher. You can browse Tonara’s catalog of experienced teachers and find the right one for you. You can schedule lessons inside the app and choose from a range of packages to suit your learning needs. Although Tonara’s primary focus is learning through 1:1 lessons, there are other resources available, too.
For example, you can use AI groundbreaking technology to listen to your playing, compare it with a teacher recording, and receive feedback in real-time! As a student, you can also record violin tones and upload your practice sessions for your teacher to listen to, which is a great way to improve your learning experience.
Overall, if your preferred learning method is 1:1, Tonara is one of the best resources you can use.
With so many features at your fingertips, and a host of five-star reviews in its corner, Tonara is ideal for beginners and musicians seeking a little more guidance.
Pros
- Gamification such as XP and points makes learning fun, especially for kids
- Record and upload audio, and schedule lessons directly from the app
- Keep in touch with teachers between sessions
- Receive real-time feedback on your playing with AI
Cons
- The app can be buggy and slow
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few programs that didn’t make the list but we think they’re worth a shout-out:
Simply Violin
Simply Violin caters to beginners with a user-friendly interface and step-by-step lessons covering violin basics like posture, bow hold, and finger placement. It offers interactive exercises, a tuner, and a metronome to guide your practice sessions. The app provides a solid foundation for beginners before transitioning to more advanced learning tools.
Yousician
Yousician is a popular music learning app for various instruments, including the violin. It gamifies the learning process with fun challenges and rewards, making practice engaging and motivating. Yousician offers a wide range of songs and exercises across different genres and skill levels, catering to both beginners and experienced players.
Fiddlerman
Fiddlerman focuses on traditional fiddle music, offering a vast collection of fiddle tunes and lessons. It’s perfect for those interested in folk, bluegrass, or Celtic music styles. The app provides detailed instructions, sheet music, and backing tracks to help you learn and play fiddle tunes authentically.
Things To Know Before Installing Your 1st app
If you’re ready to start learning from violin teachers, congratulations! This complex instrument can be incredibly rewarding to learn, and although it takes time and you have to do violin practice, with the right resources, you can set yourself up for success.
Learning doesn’t have to take place in a classroom. If you want your journey to be remote, there are plenty of quality learning best violin apps to choose from.
However, before you sign up and dive in, here are a few things you should be considering…
Your Learning Style
What’s your learning style? Do you need 1:1 lessons, or would you prefer a more independent learning experience?
There are plenty of apps that offer either one or both of these options, but it’s important to know HOW you want to learn before you sign up.
If you’re unsure of your learning style, consider these options:
- Trala or Tonara: For beginners seeking structured lessons with personalized guidance.
- Violy, Modacity, or Jameasy: For independent learners who prefer self-paced practice with real-time feedback.
Your Budget
Budget plays a crucial role in choosing the right app. While most apps offer free basic features, unlocking the full potential often requires a subscription.
- For budget-conscious learners: Violy and Modacity offer robust free versions with valuable tools like metronomes, tuners, and practice exercises. Jameasy also has a free version, but its premium features are essential for optimal learning. Consider these options if you’re looking to minimize costs or test the waters before committing to a paid subscription.
- For those willing to invest: Trala and Tonara are excellent choices if you’re serious about learning and have a budget for lessons. While their subscription costs might be higher, they offer personalized instruction from qualified teachers, structured lesson plans, and a more comprehensive learning experience.
The best app for you depends on your financial flexibility and learning goals. Weigh the benefits of each app’s free and premium features against your budget to make an informed decision.
Your Skillset
Your current skill level should also factor into your app choice.
- Beginners: If you’re new to the violin, Trala and Jameasy offer structured lessons and simplified interfaces that are perfect for learning the basics. They focus on fundamental techniques, posture, and bowing, providing a solid foundation for beginners.
- Intermediate or Returning Players: If you have some experience or are picking up the violin again after a hiatus, Violy, Modacity, and Tonara might be more suitable. These apps offer a wider variety of sheet music, complex exercises, and personalized instruction from experienced instructors who can help you refine your existing skills and introduce you to more advanced techniques.
By choosing an app tailored to your skill level, you can avoid wasting time on content you already know or struggling with material that’s too advanced. It ensures a smoother and more efficient learning experience, allowing you to progress at a comfortable pace and focus on areas where you need improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from those interested in learning to play the violin using technology:
Can you learn violin on an app?
Yes! You can learn to play on an app. Apps like Tonara and Violy can give you access to lessons with experienced musicians and help you learn how to practice in your own time, too.
App lessons are just as effective as face-to-face lessons; you’ll learn how to tune, practice rhythm and intonation, receive feedback, and more.
How can I practice violin by myself?
If you’re practicing by yourself, be generous with your time. Give yourself at least an hour of practice time a day, and listen to practice pieces as often as possible.
We’d also recommend watching videos to practice your violin techniques and using guided resources from apps, if possible.
Can I learn violin in 1 year?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to learn the basics of violin in under a year with dedication, consistent practice, and the right tools. Apps like Trala and Jameasy offer structured lessons and exercises specifically designed for beginners, guiding you through essential techniques and fundamentals.
Though mastering the violin takes years of practice, these apps can equip you with the knowledge and skills to play simple melodies and understand the core principles of violin playing within a year’s time.
What’s the Right Choice for Me?
The violin may be difficult to learn, but with the right resources, you can learn to play from the comfort of your own home. Best of all, you won’t need to break the bank to do it, and you can learn whenever you feel like it!
If you’re ready to commit to your remote learning journey, feel free to explore some of the incredible apps to learn violin in our roundup, and get ready to start learning today!
