MINNEAPOLIS, MN, June 07, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Choosing the right violin is one of the most significant decisions a violinist can make. It directly impacts their sound, technique, and overall playing experience. Marnie Thies, founder of proviolin.com and Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, has made it a priority to guide students through this important process. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Marnie Thies of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons has helped a wide range of students, from beginners to advanced players, find violins that meet their unique needs and musical goals. To contact Marnie Thies, call 763-413-4791 to learn more.

Since 2004, Marnie Thies has focused on providing personalized guidance through Marnie Thies Violin Lessons to help each student choose a violin that suits their individual style and supports their musical growth. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, her approach is designed to facilitate your development and enhance your playing experience. Marnie offers violin lessons near Minneapolis and St. Paul. For appointments or inquiries, feel free to call 763-413-4791.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Violin

"Choosing the right violin isn't just about finding an instrument that makes sound," says Marnie. "It's about finding one that helps you fully express yourself as a musician." This philosophy lies at the heart of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons' approach to violin selection.

While many factors play a role in choosing a violin, Marnie emphasizes that sound quality and comfort are paramount. The right violin must resonate with the player's body, technique, and musical goals. A properly fitting instrument can significantly enhance a player's progress, while a poorly suited violin can hinder growth and limit potential.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Violin

Sound Quality: Tone and Resonance

Sound quality is the primary factor when selecting a violin. "A violin's tone should resonate with you," explains Marnie. "The richness and warmth of the sound should reflect your playing style and the music you wish to express."

When testing violins, it's essential to focus on how clear, warm, and projecting the sound is. A good violin produces a balanced tone across all strings without harsh upper or muted lower notes. Classical musicians should seek an instrument that delivers a pure, focused sound, while folk musicians may prefer a more rustic and broad tone. For advanced players, it's important that the violin maintains tonal clarity and depth, especially in the higher ranges. A well-balanced instrument improves musical expression and enables a more dynamic performance.

Comfort and Playability

Comfort is a key factor in choosing a violin. Playing the violin requires maintaining a specific posture for extended periods, and an uncomfortable instrument can lead to physical strain and poor habits. The violin must be balanced on the shoulder, supported by the chin and jaw, while the bow is held with the right hand and the strings are pressed with the left hand. If the violin doesn't fit correctly, tension may build in the arms, shoulders, and neck, which can interfere with good posture and technique as well as sound quality.

Marnie Thies stresses the importance of a violin that feels natural and comfortable. For beginners, ensuring the right size is crucial for developing proper technique and avoiding strain. Violins come in fractional sizes, from 1/4 for younger players to full-size for adults. A well-fitted violin enhances tone production, improves control, and ensures comfort, helping the player execute movements more precisely and comfortably, which is key to long-term progress.

Craftsmanship: Materials and Build

The craftsmanship of a violin significantly influences its sound and durability. Most violins are made of wood, with the top crafted from spruce, the back and sides from maple, and the fingerboard from ebony. High-quality materials contribute to resonance, while skilled craftsmanship enhances tonal richness and longevity.

Marnie Thies explains that violins crafted by skilled luthiers produce a more refined tone compared to mass-produced instruments. Handmade violins offer superior craftsmanship and sound quality, making them a preferred choice for serious musicians. However, many well-crafted, mid-range violins are available at more affordable prices and can offer excellent value for beginner and intermediate players without sacrificing sound quality.

Budget Considerations: Finding the Best Value

While it's important to find a violin that fits within your budget, Marnie Thies advises students not to base their decision solely on price. "Just because a violin is expensive doesn't mean it's the best choice for you," she says. High-end violins often offer superior craftsmanship and tonal qualities, but they may not always meet the needs of beginner or intermediate players.

Marnie recommends testing multiple violins before making a decision. Renting a violin is a good way to explore different instruments without committing to a purchase. Working with a teacher or an experienced violinist can ensure that the chosen violin complements the player's style and sound preferences. With research and patience, students can find violins in their price range that offer great sound and lasting value.

Setup and Maintenance

Proper setup and regular maintenance are crucial for maximizing a violin's potential. The violin should be tuned correctly, and the soundpost adjusted to achieve the desired sound. Regular maintenance, such as string changes and bow re-hairing, are also essential to preserve the instrument's performance and longevity.

Marnie Thies emphasizes that working with a skilled luthier for repairs and adjustments is critical to keeping the violin in top condition. A well-maintained violin sounds better, plays more easily, and lasts longer, helping the player maintain consistent progress over time.

The Emotional Connection: Trusting Your Instincts

Choosing a violin is not only a technical decision; it's also an emotional one. Marnie encourages players to trust their instincts when selecting an instrument. "The best violin for you is the one that feels right in your hands and sounds beautiful to your ear," she says.

The emotional connection to an instrument can have a profound impact on a player's performance. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced musician, it's important to test multiple violins to find one that resonates with you. The connection you feel with the instrument can boost your confidence and passion for playing.

Marnie Thies offers violin lessons both online and in-person in St. Paul, Minnesota, including the cities of Falcon Heights and North Oaks. She teaches students ages five and older, as well as adults. Since 2020, Marnie has been providing online lessons, with many of her students continuing their studies virtually.

Marnie is also considering expanding her teaching locations to Blaine, Coon Rapids, or another area in Anoka County. Her online violin lessons page on proviolin.com highlights the success story of a student who learned vibrato exclusively through online lessons with Marnie as their sole instructor. To contact Marnie Thies directly, call 763-413-4791.

To collaborate with Marnie, please visit proviolin.com.

# # #