The Intermediate’s Guide

In this guide, we define an "intermediate" violinist as a conservatory student or anyone with serious ambitions to pursue violin professionally. You’re beyond the beginner stage but not yet making a living as a violinist, which is what would classify you as a professional. This guide is designed to offer specific guidance to help you progress on your path toward a professional career.

As an intermediate player, you may be focused on refining technique, upgrading equipment, and enhancing ensemble and solo performance skills. Here, you’ll find recommendations for essential accessories, instruments, and bows that can support more advanced techniques. We also cover ensemble accessories, effective tools for practice and performance, and tips on managing stress as you take on increasingly demanding pieces and performances.

This guide provides insights to help you continue building the solid foundation necessary for a professional musician’s journey.

Still life painting of a violin with sheet music and letter

The Old Violin, 1886, William Michael Harnett

  • By Viktor Bobrov - Oberndorfer, Anne Faulkner (1921). What we hear in music. Camden, NJ: Educational dept., Victor talking machine company, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=512898

    1. Instruments & Upgrades

    Discover when it's time to upgrade your instrument and learn how to recognize the signs. Get expert advice from professional luthiers, including personalized recommendations and adjustments, plus tips on finding reputable violin shops and specialists. Explore my top picks for the best resources to guide your decision.

    Learn more
  • http://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/detail.php?ID=47718

    2. Strings

    Learn how string materials impact tone and playability, and find the best string options tailored to your playing style and preferences. Plus, get expert tips on cleaning, maintaining, and knowing when to change your strings for the best sound. Check out my top picks for strings and maintenance tools.

    Learn more
  • Victorian-era women practicing archery in a garden, wearing elaborate dresses and hats, with mountains and a building in the background.

    3. Bows

    A high quality bow can significantly improve your sound and technique. Find expert tips on choosing the right bow and the must-have accessories for maintaining its quality. Explore my top recommendations for bows and essential care tools.

    Learn more
  • The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, depicting a male figure in two superimposed positions with arms and legs apart inscribed in a circle and square, symbolizing the ideal human body proportions.

    4. Technical Development

    Find the best practice mutes for quiet sessions that don’t sacrifice technique, along with top-rated metronomes for precise rhythm training and tuners for accurate, consistent tuning. Check out my top picks for these essential practice tools.

    Learn more
  • Lavish opera house interior with audience in formal attire, opulent balconies, and decorative chandeliers.

    5. Mastering Performance

    Elevate your stage presence with ergonomic music stands and quality accessories, and use top recording devices to track performances and monitor progress. Explore my curated list of the best tools for mastering performance.

    Learn more
  • Expressionist painting featuring a figure on a bridge with a distorted face, hands on cheeks, and a swirling, vibrant sky in the background.

    6. Managing Performance Stress

    Overcome pre-performance nerves with proven strategies, from relaxation techniques to mindfulness practices designed for musicians. Discover what works best for you and take control of your performance mindset.

    Learn more