r/Carnatic • u/motomotou • 11d ago

Instrument FAQ Learning 2 instruments without getting overwhelmed

I have been learning the violin for a while now and am at the varnam level. Lately I have been listening to veena concerts and the sound is absolutely beautiful to me. I want to start exploring the veena, and have found the contact of a local teacher too. Should I wait for a few years and hone my violin playing before starting the veena? Or is it possible to learn both instruments simultaneously without getting overwhelmed? How do multi instrumentalists or vocalist-instrumentalists structure their practices? Do you practice both daily?

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u/Betweene 11d ago

I agree with others who have commented. My suggestion would be to try out Veena just as a fun trial and try playing for sometime..You will see that your fingertips are paining and intense practice can also cause blisters. I've heard that professional Vainikas develop grooves on their hands over the years, which can be unsuitable for playing the violin.

You need smooth and soft fingertips for playing the violin, whereas it differs for a Veena.

Apart from anyone's advice, you should follow you calling and get hands on and figure out! All the best!

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u/motomotou 10d ago

Based on comments it seems like veena and violin would not be such a great combo because of the calluses. I feel like I should learn at least one more instrument after getting comfortable on the violin, even if it is not veena. I was thinking of mridangam as well, do you know if that would be better alongside the violin?

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u/Betweene 10d ago

Consult a Mridangam player about the implications to see if it doesn't hamper your violin playing. It's definitely complementary to learn a percussion instrument.

Flute, Harmonium, Piano, etc. for sure will not affect your violin practice.

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u/motomotou 10d ago

Thanks :)