Beginner Violin Tips

There is a great deal of repetition in music. Often this could result in lengthy sheet music that just shows the same passages repeated multiple times.

Fortunately, we have a way to shorthand repeated sections: repeats and multiple endings.

Understanding these symbols is crucial for interpreting compositions accurately and performing them as intended by the composer.

Repeats: The Art of Going Back

Repeat signs are straightforward. They instruct the musician to go back and play a section of the music again. The most common repeat signs are:

The Simple Repeat: Consists of two dots with a double bar line. When you encounter this symbol at the end of a passage, it means to return to the start of the section or to a corresponding repeat sign at the beginning of the section. This creates a loop that saves space in the music and allows for musical repetition without visual redundancy on the page.

 

Multiple Endings: Variation Within Repetition

Multiple endings are a way to add variety to repeated sections of music. They are typically numbered (e.g., “1.”, “2.”) and indicate different ways to conclude a repeated section. Here’s how to approach them:

1. Play Through the Section: Start by playing the section of music up until you reach the repeat sign.
2. First Ending: On the first playthrough, follow the passage marked with a “1.” This is your first ending. After playing this ending, go back to the beginning of the repeated section or to the nearest repeat sign.
3. Skipping to the Second Ending: On the second playthrough, skip the first ending (now closed off by a repeat bar or visually indicated as such) and move directly to the passage marked “2.” This is your second ending and typically leads you out of the repeated section or into a new section of the music.

Tips for Navigating Repeats and Multiple Endings

1. Mark Your Music: If you find yourself getting lost, make small notations in your sheet music to remind you of where to go next, especially when dealing with multiple endings.
2. Practice the Transitions: Repeated sections and their endings can sometimes lead to tricky transitions. Practice these transitions to ensure smooth performances.
3. Listen for Contextual Cues: In ensemble settings, listening to your fellow musicians can provide cues for navigating repeats and endings, especially in complex or unfamiliar pieces.

What’s Next?

Go to the next lesson, about Learning How to Read Sheet Music Fast.

See a list all our lessons about How to Read Sheet Music for Beginner Violin.

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Tags: Violin Sheet Music