Violin Lessons In Northern VA

Violin Lessons For Kids, Teens and Adults in NOVA

Pre-College Violin Lessons

If you have a young child who would benefit from violin lessons, a middle schooler, or a high school student ready to take their talents to the next level, please get in touch. We can make each lesson age-appropriate, from musical games for young students to modern fun music for teenagers. That said, fundamentals always come first - we will remain focused on technique, playing new music, and practice strategies that will lead to consistent improvement. I also help the parents of my young students learn how to practice alongside their child at home.

Many of my students start with me at a young age, and I enjoy watching them progress into confident, skilled high school musicians. We can then work on audition material together if they wish to compete and/or apply for a music degree. That’s not necessary, of course; my main goal is helping students learn to enjoy the violin.

Violin Lessons For Adults in Northern Virginia

Some adult students have always wanted to tackle the Chaconne from Bach’s Partita No. 2, while others want to audition for a community orchestra or learn to sight read through new music at home on their own. Still others want to play country or blues, or simply have no idea where to start. From beginners to experienced amateurs, I’m happy to work with adults on the violin. We will tailor each lesson to your specific goals.

More Information About My Violin Studio

Studio Location

My studio is located in the Landmark neighborhood of Alexandria, easily accessible from Seminary Hill, Rose Hill, Franconia, Belle Haven, and other local neighborhoods. My students also drive in from Falls Church, Burk, Tysons, Arlington, and all across Northern Virginia. Many students visit via 495 and 395, and I’m happy to help with directions if you’d like information regarding the fastest travel routes.

Musical Genres I Teach

As a classically trained musician, my lessons are traditionally-focused. My students learn fundamentals like finger patterns, bowing technique, note reading, vibrato, basic music theory, and more, and these skills will help you succeed in any musical pursuit. That said, I’m happy to angle lessons towards your unique goals. If you want to focus on contemporary genres, for example, please let me know. We’ll come up with a specific strategy for you.

Do I Require Auditions?

No - students of all skill levels are welcome to join my studio. I enjoy my advanced students, but my goal is to help anyone find confidence and joy in music! When you inquire about lessons, feel free to share any information you have regarding experience, goals, or musical knowledge - this will help me create a learning plan for you more quickly.

If you’re ready to start learning the violin, please get in touch! We can schedule a time to chat about my curriculum, teaching philosophy, and your goals.

Principles and Concepts You May Learn in Your Violin Lessons

While this list is far from exhaustive, here are some things you may learn in lessons. If a particular concept piques your interest, please let me know!

Beginner Violin Concepts

The first lesson often focuses on proper posture. Students are taught to stand or sit with an upright, relaxed posture. They learn to hold the violin between the shoulder and chin while maintaining a straight back. You may get tired of hearing me discuss posture in your lessons, but it is so important for your health and overall playing as your progress!

Correct hand positioning is also crucial - we want to facilitate fast and beautiful playing while avoiding injury and tendonitis. You will learn to hold the violin neck with your left hand, using the thumb as support, while the fingers lightly press the strings on the fingerboard. You must get comfortable bowing with your right hand, with your fingers placed correctly to achieve control and balance.

Students will also need to become familiar with the various parts of the violin, including the body, scroll, fingerboard, bridge, tailpiece, strings, and the F-holes. Method books like "Essential Elements for Strings" or "Suzuki Violin School" often include diagrams to aid in understanding these components, and I will use methods and pictures to help you remember.

I will also help you learn to create a beautiful sound via proper bowing technique. You will learn concepts such as whole bows, half bows, and quarter bows to produce different dynamics and articulations.

You will also start to develop finger dexterity and intonation through open string exercises. These involve playing each string individually and in combination, often found in method books like "Introducing the Positions for Violin" by Harvey Whistler.

Once you’ve learned to make a sound and hold the violin properly, you’ll start playing simple, yet beautiful, violin music. We’ll also cover note reading and more – this is where your knowledge of violin technique starts to pay off.

While I’m not explicitly a Suzuki violin teacher, you will learn certain Suzuki techniques and the importance of ear training and playing by ear.

Intermediate and Advanced Concepts

Vibrato, harmonics, double-stops, pizzicato — all can be covered in our violin lessons in Northern Virginia. Intermediate students will learn increasingly challenging repertoire and technical drills, all while continuously working on perfecting their tone and pitch. Advanced violinists will tackle concertos, sonatas, and perhaps even audition for chamber strings groups. I would love to help you reach your goals on the violin, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like more information.