Lessons & Learning Violin

​LEARNING VIOLIN:
It's true that violin is a difficult instrument to master, but with motivation, clear instruction, and consistent practicing, almost anyone can learn to play at a satisfying level .

VIOLIN TECHNIQUE
These areas of learning apply to all levels of playing and any genre of music:

•  ​ERGONOMICS: Establishing a comfortable and secure position to hold the violin to avoid physical unease or tension.
• SOUND PRODUCTION: The ability to produce a clear and pleasant sound. (Beginners don't have to sound scratchy!)
• INTONATION: Playing "in tune," listing for the "pitch" of notes and finding the exact finger placement for them to sound correct.
• LEARNING BY EAR & READING MUSIC: A combination of playing "by ear" and note reading, two complementary methods.
•  EXPRESSIVENESS: The enjoyment of creating music, connecting our inner voice with the ability to "sing" on the violin.

PRACTICING
You won't "learn" violin merely from taking lessons, you'll learn through practicing what was demonstrated in your lessons. Setting aside a regular time each day  is the best strategy to fit this into busy schedules.

All students experience ups and downs (particularly about practicing). When problems arise, let me know. We can almost always find a way to get past these hurdles.

​PRIVATE LESSONS:​​
Private lessons build the foundation of a student's technique - skills in violin playing, starting with a basic level and progressing through more challenging techniques. Each week we review what was previously taught and add new skills and music.

Students take weekly lessons of one hour or 45 minutes. Lessons are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.

Lessons almost always include playing duets with me and/or another student, a rewarding experience of creating music together.

STUDIO CLASSES
Group classes are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00. During these, we play for each other and together in ensembles, exploring many different musical genres.

PERFORMANCES
​Students also participate in quarterly outside performances. (See "Events & Ensembles"

​ZOOM LESSONS
I occasionally accept dedicated students as Zoom students.
For more info, see "Zoom Lessons"