In most cases, the piano and violin are two first choices once someone decides to learn to play. Whatever choice you make, you will quickly find an adequate repertoire. Plus, both of them will teach you musicality and theory. Keep in mind that these instruments are challenging but in a different way.
If you pick out the violin, you will be horrified in the beginning by the uncomfortable position of holding a violin and all the notes you need to memorize. On the other hand, playing the piano looks like a game in the beginning. After a few years, they will switch positions. So, the piano vs. violin: which is easier to learn?
Advantages of Learning Piano
Satisfying sound
Since a hammer strikes the keys, you can get a pleasant and consistent tone even on your first try, which is impossible with the violin.
Notes are laid out logically
While playing the piano, you will have only one key to perform a specific note since they are laid out sequentially and logically. On the violin, you can play the same note in many places.
Numerous resources for learning
The piano is a highly popular instrument, and you can find a bunch of excellent resources for learning and good piano teachers wherever you live.
Learn to play on your own
You can find many online tutorials and a few excellent piano learning software programs, so it is possible learning to play it on your own.
It simplifies learning other keyboards
Once you learn to play the piano, you will be able to use all other keyboards, including organ, synthesizers, electric piano, and accordion.
It is an easy instrument to learn
It is not complicated to learn to play the piano, but you can’t expect to become a virtuoso quickly. In fact, it is one of the most accessible instruments to learn in the beginning, and you will be able to play a few melodies after only several weeks of lessons. However, you need at least ten years of practice to become a top pianist.
Disadvantages of Learning Piano
It is an expensive instrument
All pianos are expensive. You will need to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a new upright model, while the cheapest grand piano cost at least $10,000.
However, you can start with an inexpensive digital piano that will cost you only $150. On the other hand, the price of a quality professional digital piano is about $2,000.
Piano lessons are expensive
Taking piano lessons is not cheap. You can expect a trained pianist or teacher to charge from $35 to $80 per hour.
It is not a portable instrument
The acoustic piano is bulky, so you can’t move it without help. You can’t carry it with you unless you have a digital, portable piano.
Advantages of Learning Violin
Violin trains the ear
Since the violin doesn’t have any frets, you need to tune the strings and each note while playing. Plus, this instrument requires a trained ear to reach the necessary pitch and harmony.
It is a portable instrument
The violin is small, and you can effortlessly carry it with you wherever you go and practice practically anywhere.
It is ideal for group playing
As soon as you learn the basics, you can start playing your violin in an ensemble or orchestra. Blending and tuning with others will be a valuable experience and help you to progress.
It simplifies learning other stringed instruments
Once you master the violin, you will quickly learn to play the viola, mandolin, cello, bass, or double bass.
Student violin is affordable
The violin for beginners is inexpensive, and you can buy a decent instrument for $100.
Disadvantages of Learning Violin
It is a complicated instrument to learn
Believe it or not, the violin is the hardest instrument to learn. The reasons include the specific head position, absence of markers that determine the finger position, way to hold the bow, and a big learning curve.
It requires routine maintenance
The maintenance of the violin will cost you more than the piano. This instrument requires regular cleaning, bow maintenance, string and peg replacements, and bridge adjustments.
It is a fragile instrument
Firm pressure over your violin will result in crushing. Plus, it is not rare to drop the instrument while learning to play, which can lead to a damaged neck and broken strings.
It is less versatile
Unlike the piano, which has 88 keys, the violin range is more limited.
It is noisy
Playing the violin can sometimes sound noisy and scratchy so that you can lose hearing in your left ear over time. However, when you articulate the sounds appropriately, the audience will hear beautiful music thanks to the dampening effect of a concert hall.
It is hard to accompany yourself
While playing the piano, you can sing simultaneously. Unfortunately, it is impossible while playing the violin because of the particular posture you need to use.
The Differences between the Piano and the Violin
Size
While one piano-size fits all ages, you need to change the violin as you grow. The smallest possible option is a 1/32 size-violin for a 2-year-old child.
Intonation
You are not in charge of the intonation while playing the piano. After hitting the key, the sound will come out as a note. On the other hand, you control the tone while playing the violin. That means you need to train your ears to be sensitive to it.
Right and left-hand functions
When you play the piano, you will use your right hand for the melodic line and the left one for an accompaniment. While playing the violin, you will use the right hand to hold the bow or plucks the strings and the left one to play the notes.
Range
While the piano has a range of 7+ octaves, the violin has a limited range of notes. It has only a range from G to a high C, which is three octaves up.
Violin invisible notes vs. piano pedals
While playing the violin, you will play sounding notes without depressing the finger on the strings, which is impossible to achieve while playing the piano. On the other hand, the piano has three pedals, and you need to use the right one to sustain notes played on the keyboard.
Violin invisible notes vs. piano black or white keys
The notes on the violin are intangible, and you can’t see them. Thanks to the keys, everyone can quickly recognize different notes on the piano keyboard.
Dynamics
When you want to play louder on the piano, you will need to use a lot of energy to strike the keys harder. On the other hand, only slight pressure or higher bow speed will produce the same result while playing the violin.
The bow
You can use the bow in numerous ways or play the violin by fingers, but you can’t use anything but your hands to play the piano.