ToughJobs may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 must-haves for the professional violinist

Many people mistakenly believe that a career as a violinist isn’t viable. The fact that one doesn’t tend to hear about classical musicians in general, let alone violinists, in today’s pop culture is part of the reason. Another is that the modern world often considers classical music as an extracurricular, not something to be pursued at the professional level. Unless you’re the next Yo-Yo Ma of the violin world, according to this view, you’re better off picking an instrument like the guitar or the bass.

Fortunately, the truth is that becoming a professional violinist is still possible, and it remains a worthy vocational path. As evidence, here are some products that will jump-start the career path of any who aspire to play the violin as more than just a hobby.

Every violinist needs to start from somewhere, and the Mendini By Cecilio Violin Beginners Kit represents a start with a strong foundation. The kit, containing a beginner violin and its accompanying accessories, as well as a Mendini Violin First Lesson book, has everything necessary to start learning how to play this classical instrument.

The Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Solid Wood Violin is a fine choice for a musician moving beyond the beginner level. The violin itself is composed of a hand-carved solid wood spruce top, wood maple back & sides, and beautiful inlaid purfling & varnish finish. Meanwhile, it comes with a form-fitting hard case with pockets, backpack straps, and shoulder straps; two Brazilwood bows with unbleached genuine horsehair; an extra set of violin strings, and more.

This Cecilio CVN-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Violin is another wonderful choice for a budding violin career. The violin, at a full adult-size of 4/4, is outfitted with a solid spruce wood top, flamed maple back, neck, and sides, with inlaid purfling in a satin antique finish. It is also strung with D’Addario Prelude Strings.

Cecilio’s CVN-EAV Ebony Fitted Solidwood Violin in Antique Varnish is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship for both the fledgling and master violinist. Sized at a full 4/4, it has a solid, hand-carved spruce top with a maple back & sides, and possesses beautiful inlaid purfing (not painted), as well as an antique varnish finish.

For those daring enough to venture from the classical acoustic to a more electric sound, the Cecilio CStyle 2 Silent Electric Violin 4/4 might be the best option. Powered by a 9V alkaline battery, it is an electric/silent violin in yellow maple metallic varnish. It is composed of a hand-carved solid maple wood body with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chin rest and tailpiece, and a mother of pearl inlay.

Recommended Videos

To be clear, those who pursue professional violin-playing will face unique challenges. The violinist’s employment options, for instance, would not be as expansive as those of a typical white-collar worker –  symphony orchestras, high-end venues, or private individuals would be the main employers. Similarly, the audience for violin music is markedly smaller now than in centuries past. However, as the above products demonstrate, the path of the career violinist still exists, and it can be a fruitful one when pursued diligently. With the right tools and the right mindset, a violin can earn not only applause but a dedicated income as well.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
5 products to distract kids as you work from home

If you work from home, like so many people do, or run your own business from home, it can be difficult juggling work and kids. With the uncertainty that is still happening, many people find themselves needing to work while their kids are home with them. This situation can be a difficult one to be in, but there are some things that can help.

One of them is setting boundaries, and another is giving your kids a distraction. They need something to keep them busy while you work, and you need to be able to be confident that they aren't getting into trouble so you can actually get your work done. The products below can be a lot of help to maximize your productivity and keep the kids busy while you get things done.

Read more
Tweezer sets every esthetician should have on hand

Any esthetician worth their salt will have an arsenal of tried and true tools at their disposal at any given moment. That includes things like small towels, unscented baby wipes, gloves, and of course — tweezers.

If you're interested in becoming a skincare professional, wax specialist, facialist, or any number of career paths in this field, you'll find yourself constantly reaching for a set of tweezers. That's why it's vital to keep several pairs on hand with particular sets devoted to specific tasks, like one for blackhead removal, another for facial hair cleanup, and one for getting at pesky ingrowns. Here are five sets that'll have you prepared for whatever a client throws your way.

Read more
Must-have posters for your gym business

Whether you own your own gym, or have a gym within your office for your employees, there are some great ways that you can add to your visitors' or employees' experience. You have all of the equipment they need, now it's time to add some inspiration and decoration to the space.

You may have focused so much on what equipment you needed for the gym, but you may have ignored additional tools and décor. Exercising in a pleasant space will go a long way to inspiring gym-goers. You can also sneak in additional tools on the walls with these great gym exercise posters to help inspire them. The products below are great ways to accomplish this.

Read more