eMedia My Violin - Interactive Violin Learning Software for Beginners | Learn Violin at Home with Step-by-Step Lessons & Video Tutorials | Perfect for Kids & Adults

I have purchased e-media's Piano software. It has been wonderful for 4 members of our family to learn piano from the utmost beginnings. I purchased violins and this software for at least 3 in the family to try our hand at Violin. I love the simplicity and the kids like the instructor -she is a bit quirky :) . I have figured out how to use the finger tracker to be sure the notes are being played correctly. It should have been intuitive, I was just expecting it to be like Piano Method that highlights the notes as played. I was able to make fret markers on the violins (4/4, 1/2, and 1/8th sizes) with the finger tracker. That was a huge relief. This program is the only way I could see our family being able to learn violin- especially for 3 children and a pleasant challenge for myself. Otherwise, instrument lessons would be cost prohibitive. The software is a little dated, but for the price, I have absolutely no complaints. I will likely purchase more from them. (Already have Piano Method- which has also been great!) I am confident my kids know how to properly hold the bow and instrument, tune an violin and ...well now we are beginning to dive into the lessons to begin real songs. Very exciting.I've always wanted to learn to play the violin so about a month ago I broke down and bought my instrument. The next step was to find lessons and I looked all over. Bottom line: Every instructor was in high demand and lessons were expensive, about $30 for a 1/2 hour.When I saw this software I figured that it was about the cost of a lesson and I could do it on my own time. My two concerns were that 1) it's geared towards children and 2) it does not say if it's compatible with Windows 8. Well, it arrived today and put all my fears to rest. I just stopped using it after two hours because I realized it had gotten dark outside!It works with windows 8, so no trouble there, and the lessons are basic but really helpful. After just two hours I feel so much more confident and I sound a lot better. It has some great features, like a tuner, and it shows me if I'm putting my fingers down on the correct part of the string (remember that you need a microphone on your computer to use these features). It goes through everything from how to hold a bow to how to read music to what the different parts of the violin are called.Those two hours I just spent with this program would have cost me between $90 and $120 with any teacher in town. I saved money and am having a lot of fun. Just what I need to keep me motivated!I have always wanted to learn to play the violin, and happened to recently recieve one.I have experience with music (playing the bass guitar, and years of the clarinet when I was in middle and high school) so I know how to read music. Been a few years since I have really played anything, so I have been searching for a program I could do myself as a refresher and teaching.After looking at some other programs I settled on this one. It is great for teaching some basics, but I am not expecting anything elaborate from it. It has so far given me a refresher on reading music, and some decent techniques on learning to play. So far the tuner on the program seems to work quite well, along with it telling me where to put my fingers propperly to achieve the right notes. One thing for sure make sure the microphone on your computer works properly and well.Don't be discouraged about it looking on the childish side, it is a pretty good program for someone looking to teach themselves and learn.For age reference I am 24.I just got my copie of "My Violin" today in the mail. After playing with the program for about 3-4 hours, I have to say I LOVE! it. I am 31 years old, and I'm just now begining to learn the violin. I have had no priore contact with reading music or ever playing it before , which is why I picked this program. It was ment to be use for children 6 and up, and my only thought was, "Hey if a 6 year old can learn to play violin off this, then maybe I can as well." The program is truly simple to follow, easy to understand, mixes video and visual componates at EVERY step, and passivly teaches you how to read music and learn rythm. The instructor obviously loves teaching and is very friendly and easy to understand. It is a bit childish in its content, how ever it was designed for children! as an adult beginner i realy recomend this program not only for kids, but anyone who may have a hard time learning. The use of games to help remember the lessons and the use of video help was ingeniouse. This program gets a full set of 5 stars from me. *****I bought the guitar version for my 6 year old son, and being the good mother that I am I got the violin version for myself to learn the violin that I received as a graduation gift for college. Cant have the boy doing "lessons" if Mom is ducking, right?Well, I must say that I am impressed with this software. You do not need to have any background whatsoever in music, which I don't. My son is very enthusiastic, and I have practiced everyday since it arrived. My three year old daughter is now asking for a violin for her birthday.The animated characters are not annoying at all, and the games are brief, but meaningful. The games are like pop quizes that give you a wake-up call to point out where your short-comings are so you can reveiw if neccessary.Another feature about the software I like is that you don't need the disc to run it. My husband has gotten a guitar so that he can play with the boy, and we have the software installed on 3 different computers.Honestly, if you don't play an instrument, but you have always wanted to, you will not be disappointed with this software.I started playing the violin recently and thought I had few classes before, this PC tool is a great way for children and adult to learn the fundamentals of the instrument. Simple and direct, the many lessons (with your own personal virtual teacher) allow you to understand the basics in many fun ways and tricks when it comes to handle a bow, And trust me; it's ALL in the bow. I enjoyed it, and expect my future kids to enjoy it as well.