Today is the first day of Emma’s violin lessons! Ever since she saw Lettice Rowbothham audition for Britain’s Got Talent, she’s been obsessed with learning how to play the violin. I think it’s amazing when an artist can cross a generational line and bring new interest to a musical instrument. Personally, I’m very thankful! I’m thrilled Emma is so passionate about learning to play music. It’s an amazing activity for a person’s mind and spirit.

The home school that Emma is enrolled in is district sponsored. That means she is still enrolled in our local school district and has a teacher at the homeschool office that sets up curriculum and checks over all of her completed work. She still meets state standards and takes all the state tests. Emma is using the same books and is academically at the same place as all fifth graders at our local school. Because of this, she is allowed to take art and music at our local school. This happens to be the same school she attended for K through 3rd grade. So today, she is venturing out to start her violin journey.

When my Auntie Vickie found out Emma was going to start learning the violin, she mentioned my Uncle Leo had possession of a very special one. Next thing you know, he texted me asking if we were in need of a violin! We were, and now we have one! This is not just any violin. My Great grandfather, Coldevin Anderson, was a Norwegian immigrant, and it’s his violin. Seriously, how amazing is it that Emma is going to learn to play the same violin that her great-great-grandfather played? It’s awesome! What is also amazing is that a 10 year old just happens to be tall and long enough to fit a full sized violin. It’s been a surprise to the nice guy at the music store and her violin teacher.

What stories could his violin tell? Where has it been? Our family has played it and passed it down and around to each other. We are so honored to be able to use it! A million thanks to Uncle Leo for letting us use it, and for making Emma’s musical fantasies come true!

I thought you’d like to see what a family violin that’s about 100 years old looks like. Plus, I really wanted to take some photos of it. Enjoy!

I’m sure someone bought this case for it.

The violin with the original bow.

The bow that is paired with it is no longer usable.

We bought Emma a new bow, and replaced all the strings on the violin.

All of the pegs that hold the strings have been added at some point, because they are the wrong size. Eventually, I’d like to replace them.

I love to think about my great-grandfather holding this violin and playing music. It pretty much blows my mind.

Tape marking correct finger placement was also added at some point.

Certain things in life hang around longer than we originally think they will. Treat them well.

What stories would this violin tell?