Violins can play flute music – the music for both instruments is the same. Flutes and violins have several similarities; both instruments are non-transposing that are written in treble clef; both instruments are C instruments; they are generally played in the same range, and they carry the melody of most songs.
If you want to play a flute piece on a violin, there are some adjustments that may need to be made. For example, flutes can play above the clef much more easily than violins can; thus, when writing music for both instruments it’s important to account for this difference. Also, flutes can’t do double stops (playing 2 notes at once); thus, to achieve harmony and/or a richer, more emotional sound, you may want to add double stops to flute music that will be played on the violin.
Are Violins and Flutes In The Same Key
Violins and flutes are both C instruments. The violin and flute play in the key of C without having to transpose keys. In other words, if a note is written as a C it will sound like a C on the piano.
Violin vs. Flute: Which Is Easier To Learn To Play
Violins are much more difficult to learn to play than flutes, but it’s worth it in the end when you master the instrument. Let’s take a look at why this is so and what makes violins so much harder than flutes.
For most, the flute is easier to learn to play than the violin because, with flutes, there’s less to learn than with violins. The things you’ll need to learn are fingering and proper embouchure techniques.
Learning to play the violin, on the other hand, is much more difficult. With unfretted instruments like the violin, you have to find notes by feel. Additionally, you have to learn bowing techniques that will generate good strong sounds.
To reduce the learning curve, you can get a violin teacher. You can also use a fingerboard chart (available on Amazon) to practice and play as you learn to play the violin.
Violin or Flute: Which Is The Best Instrument To Learn To Play
Both violins and flutes are great instruments. Many musicians will say that both instruments are equally important for different sounds and music styles. Still, most people think one instrument is better than the other. Teachers and students may disagree on the best instrument to use, but both violin and flute offer a lot of versatility and can be used in nearly any setting. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of each instrument so you can choose which is best for you to learn.
Some of the benefits to learning to play violin are that you can learn how to read music, perform in orchestras, and accompany other instruments. Some of the best violinists in the world play for movie soundtracks and perform with some of the biggest bands and orchestras. Not only that, playing the violin is just really fun.
Learning to play the flute can also be very beneficial for many reasons. Flutes are instruments that are not too hard to learn to play, and they are versatile enough to be used in many different styles of music. Flutes are also very small and portable, so they are perfect if you live in a small space or want to play a lightweight instrument.
Violin or Flute: Which Is Harder/Easier To Play [Video]
This couple switch instruments to see which is easier to play. I think this video proves that the violin is much harder to learn than the flute. Check it out …
If You Can Read Music, Can a Beginner In Violin and Flute Learn to Play Them Simultaneously?
Knowing how to read music will give you an advantage when learning to play a new instrument.
This will allow you to start learning a new instrument sooner and spend less time learning the basics of reading music. However, many teachers encourage students to learn the two instruments separately.
There are a few drawbacks to learning flute and violin at the same time.
- More time is required for practicing both instruments;
- It’s difficult to learn the fundamentals of both instruments;
- There is a risk of overtraining;
- It is more expensive to learn both instruments; and
- It will take longer to learn than if you were focusing on just one instrument.
If you’re up for the challenge and you have enough time to dedicate to learning both instruments there’s no reason you can’t do it.
How Do You Make a Violin Sound Like a Flute
You can make a violin sound like a flute using a technique called forced harmonics. When playing, your goal is to achieve an airy flute sound (flautando).
To achieve these forced harmonics, you press gently with your left hand on the string to generate a tone that’s one octave higher than the initial note.
This is an advanced technique that you will probably find easiest to play in the 4th position since there is already a natural harmonic when you put your first finger on the fourth position on the string. You can play other notes in this position; just keep your first finger on the string.
It takes practice to get a clean-sounding harmonic but it is worth it to add this technique to your set of skills.
Conclusion
Violin and flute are both difficult instruments to learn. They each have benefits that make them easier for some people than others, but it can be argued that the violin is harder to master.
If you’re looking at learning one or the other as an adult beginner, we recommend taking into consideration what your goals might be before making up your mind. I hope this post has helped you choose the right instrument.
