Private Violin Lessons

Violins are made in one-eighth, one-quarter, one-half, three-quarters and full sizes to accommodate children age 5 and above. Teachers select the appropriate size instrument at the first lesson.

Parents and students may come to the first lesson with expectation to “play a song”. This immediate result may be possible for an older beginning piano student; however string instruments require a longer, slower initiation.

Similar to guitar, violin requires separate right and left hand techniques. Beginners begin with the bow hold - picking up the bow, proper positioning of fingers and weight. While 10 minutes is a “long-time” for silent practice of such a small task, students can practice the gesture with a pen /pencil many times throughout the day while at school or out for dim sum (no doubt with regular reminders from mom or dad).

Eventually the exercise will become easy, like tying a shoe. The left hand position and placement of the violin in relation to the shoulder is another silent beginners practice.

For optimal results, I strongly recommend parents attend first lessons, to monitor and support progress through this initial phase. There is no point for teachers or parents to rush “to the song,” allowing bad habits to become ingrained and hard to correct.

Once a student is comfortable and fluent in these tasks, they are ready to begin bowing on open strings and playing simple exercises and songs. It takes patience and a long-term view to become another Paganini!