violinist

A violinist is a musician who plays the violin, a four‑stringed bowed instrument used in many musical traditions. Violinists perform as soloists, chamber musicians, or members of orchestras and ensembles, and work across genres including classical, folk, jazz, and contemporary music.

Training typically involves extensive study at conservatories, music schools, or universities, often beginning in childhood. Core techniques include bowing, left-hand fingering, intonation, vibrato, shifting, and articulation. Equipment includes the violin, bow, strings, chin rest, shoulder rest, rosin, and occasionally a mute; some players also use electric violins or extended techniques.

Repertoire and roles vary by context. Classical violinists perform concertos, sonatas, and chamber works and may work in symphony orchestras, opera orchestras, or as recitalists. Folk violinists, or fiddlers, play traditional tunes; jazz violinists improvise. Performances occur in concert halls, recording studios, festivals, and various venues.

Violinists often also teach or coach ensembles. Pedagogy ranges from private instruction to conservatory faculty, with methods such as the Suzuki approach and traditional conservatory training. Notable violinists include Niccolò Paganini, Jascha Heifetz, Itzhak Perlman, Yehudi Menuhin, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Midori, and Hilary Hahn.