How much does it cost for violin lessons?
Private violin lessons with me are £30 for a full hour, or £15 for half an hour.
What length of time should my violin lesson be?
Shorter violin lessons are often better for smaller children of a primary school age so they don't lose concentration. For everyone else, the choice is yours.
Do you offer music theory lessons?
Yes I do offer tuition in music theory, as grade 6 ABRSM violin exams cannot be sat until grade 5 music theory has been passed. I am passionate about making theory lessons fun and enjoyable. It is possible to play the violin without doing music theory lessons, in which case we can sit Trinity music exams. However my personal preference is the ABRSM exam board, as I believe passing and having a strong understanding of music theory is invaluable in becoming well-rounded musician and violinist.
Do you enter children for violin exams?
Yes absolutely. I believe are exams are a brilliant way to set targets and keep pupils motivated. They're also a great indicator of progress, plus violin/music exams give you credit (such as UCAS points) toward entering further education such as university.
Do I have to sit exams?
No, not at all. If you would rather just play the violin casually that is fine.
Do you only teach classical music?
No absolutely not! We can of course learn classical, but I am more than happy to teach you the kind of music that you enjoy, whatever that is! Recent pupils have requested music by Queen, Kylie Minogue, Muse, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and even the Match Of The Day theme!
Can you teach yourself the violin?
I wouldn't recommend it. Your technique will struggle as a result, and bad habits can be picked up without realising. With a teacher, you'll have someone to correct your sound, posture and technique, as well as teaching you a range of violin pieces and notes you may be unlikely to find yourself.
How much is a violin?
Costs of violins do vary. My advice would be to visit Soundhouse in Gloucester city centre (their website is here), the staff there are very helpful and will measure the pupil to check the violin size needed. Second-hand violins are often available here at a cheaper or reduced price, so it's well worth asking about this.
Can I rent a violin for myself or my child?
Yes you can. Visit Gloucestershire Music (link here) for more information. Prices per violin are around £16 per term (three months).
Can you learn the violin at any age?
Yes - I start teaching children the violin around age 3-4 (which is the age I started learning too) and I currently have some incredible pupils learning the violin in their 60s! It's never too late!
How long should I practice the violin for?
It depends on your age. For KS1 children I'd suggest around 20 minutes of violin practice, 4 times a week. For KS2, 30 minutes of violin practice 4 times a week. For secondary school and upwards, 45 minutes 4 times a week.
As a parent, should I sit in on my child's violin lesson or wait elsewhere?
For KS1 children, it would be useful for the parent to attend to take notes & to learn how to aid violin practice at home. For KS2 it's optional depending on how independent the child is & how much ownership the child will take of their own learning. Secondary school age children should be encouraged to take full ownership of their own learning, so I'd recommend not sitting in on violin lessons for this age range.
Will I need to purchase a book/materials to learn with you?
If you are a complete beginner I recommend buying Vamoosh Violin, Book 1. It can be purchased via Amazon (link here) or from Soundhouse in Gloucester. It costs around £5.
Private violin lessons with me are £30 for a full hour, or £15 for half an hour.
What length of time should my violin lesson be?
Shorter violin lessons are often better for smaller children of a primary school age so they don't lose concentration. For everyone else, the choice is yours.
Do you offer music theory lessons?
Yes I do offer tuition in music theory, as grade 6 ABRSM violin exams cannot be sat until grade 5 music theory has been passed. I am passionate about making theory lessons fun and enjoyable. It is possible to play the violin without doing music theory lessons, in which case we can sit Trinity music exams. However my personal preference is the ABRSM exam board, as I believe passing and having a strong understanding of music theory is invaluable in becoming well-rounded musician and violinist.
Do you enter children for violin exams?
Yes absolutely. I believe are exams are a brilliant way to set targets and keep pupils motivated. They're also a great indicator of progress, plus violin/music exams give you credit (such as UCAS points) toward entering further education such as university.
Do I have to sit exams?
No, not at all. If you would rather just play the violin casually that is fine.
Do you only teach classical music?
No absolutely not! We can of course learn classical, but I am more than happy to teach you the kind of music that you enjoy, whatever that is! Recent pupils have requested music by Queen, Kylie Minogue, Muse, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and even the Match Of The Day theme!
Can you teach yourself the violin?
I wouldn't recommend it. Your technique will struggle as a result, and bad habits can be picked up without realising. With a teacher, you'll have someone to correct your sound, posture and technique, as well as teaching you a range of violin pieces and notes you may be unlikely to find yourself.
How much is a violin?
Costs of violins do vary. My advice would be to visit Soundhouse in Gloucester city centre (their website is here), the staff there are very helpful and will measure the pupil to check the violin size needed. Second-hand violins are often available here at a cheaper or reduced price, so it's well worth asking about this.
Can I rent a violin for myself or my child?
Yes you can. Visit Gloucestershire Music (link here) for more information. Prices per violin are around £16 per term (three months).
Can you learn the violin at any age?
Yes - I start teaching children the violin around age 3-4 (which is the age I started learning too) and I currently have some incredible pupils learning the violin in their 60s! It's never too late!
How long should I practice the violin for?
It depends on your age. For KS1 children I'd suggest around 20 minutes of violin practice, 4 times a week. For KS2, 30 minutes of violin practice 4 times a week. For secondary school and upwards, 45 minutes 4 times a week.
As a parent, should I sit in on my child's violin lesson or wait elsewhere?
For KS1 children, it would be useful for the parent to attend to take notes & to learn how to aid violin practice at home. For KS2 it's optional depending on how independent the child is & how much ownership the child will take of their own learning. Secondary school age children should be encouraged to take full ownership of their own learning, so I'd recommend not sitting in on violin lessons for this age range.
Will I need to purchase a book/materials to learn with you?
If you are a complete beginner I recommend buying Vamoosh Violin, Book 1. It can be purchased via Amazon (link here) or from Soundhouse in Gloucester. It costs around £5.