YouTube comments on violin instruction videos: an analysis of comments in Turkish

ABSTRACT

This research examines the comments on violin instruction videos on YouTube in the context of practice challenges encountered by learners while playing the violin and solutions provided by instructors to these challenges. 205 comments related to the research context were included in the analysis among a total of 4934 comments from 398 violin instruction videos in Turkish and they were examined through qualitative content analysis. It has been observed that all of the practice challenges experienced by learners while playing the violin are at the beginner level. Furthermore, instructors offer solutions to these challenges by providing short instructions, mainly through the comments section. They also emphasise patience and perseverance for learners. In some cases, it has been noticed that instructors assist learners by suggesting off-site communication, encouraging them to watch instructors’ videos again, and recommending taking private lessons to address their specific problems.

KEYWORDS:

• YouTube instructional videos
• musical instrument instruction
• violin instruction
• YouTube comments
• informal learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Geolocation information

39°57′23.0″N 41°10′12.0″E

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 Turkish long neck lute.

2 There is no difference between ‘lesson’ and ‘tutorial’ in the meaning of the Turkish word ‘lesson’.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ozan Gulum

Dr. Ozan Gulum received his undergraduate degree from Gazi University Department of Fine Arts Education, Division of Music Education in 2010. He received his Master’s Degree (2013) and Ph.D. (2019) from Gazi University Department of Fine Arts Program of Music Education. Since 2011, he has been working as a research assistant in the Department of Fine Arts Education, Division of Music Education at Atatürk University and has had academic publications in the fields of music education, violin education and Turkish folk music.