Speaking calendar/National Violin Day
December 13th · Cultural Insight

National Violin Day

National Violin Day, celebrated on the 13th of December, honours the stringed instrument perfected in 16th-century Italy. The day explores the cultural impact of classical music, the craftsmanship of luthiers, and the emotional resonance of the instrument.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Can a robot feel the sadness required to play a Vivaldi concerto?
  2. Should we force all children to learn an instrument, or is musical talent a choice?
  3. Why do we associate violins with wealth and guitars with rebellion?
  4. If you could download the ability to play any instrument into your brain, would you?
  5. Is perfect sound worth the price of a sacrificed childhood?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Stradivarius Auctioneer

The Task: You are selling a broken violin that was played by beethoven. You have 3 minutes to convince a billionaire that the history is worth more than the sound. Sell the soul of the wood. How do you hype the room?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Talent is a myth; practice is everything.' 2. 'Classical music is an elitist museum for the rich.' 3. 'We should prioritise 'STEM' over 'Music' in every school budget.'