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Can I Get Violin Lessons to Improve My Playing?
Gum D asked:
I’ve been playing violin for close to three years now. I want to improve and I think that getting a teacher might help, but all the places I go to seem like they only offer lessons to new players.
I’m in my high school orchestra.
I’ve been playing violin for close to three years now. I want to improve and I think that getting a teacher might help, but all the places I go to seem like they only offer lessons to new players.
I’m in my high school orchestra.
Tags: Violin Lessons, Gum, Violin Playing
Hmm, that’s odd. Usually places will take on anyone that wants to learn. Have you tried all the music stores for names and phone numbers? Be prepared to work on breaking bad habits first. Breaking bad habits can be frustrating and repetitive but it will improve your playing dramatically. Most music stores have a bulletin board with people willing to teach and most can refer you to someone in the area.
I played clarinet through middle school and high school. I never did take lessons, but I wish I had. Do you take orchestra/band through school? Talk to your teacher and see if he/she recommends someone. If you’re not in school, please forgive me. It’s hard to tell somone’s age over the internet ;)
Or call these places that are only taking new students to see if they know of someone who will take an experienced student.
Another option is if you are in a larger city that has a community college or university is see if they have a music program. If they do, contact the instructor there and see if there’s someone interested in giving private lessons.
Of course, there’s always the option of putting an add in the paper or craigslist.com, but then you don’t know what you’ll end up getting.
No, plenty of teachers take students who have played a bit already. See:
How to locate teachers and violin shops
Yes, you absolutely can get lessons! I think it’s great you want to improve your violin playing. How old are you? If you’ve had some playing experience (high school/community orchestra etc. you pretty much qualify for private lessons. Check with professional players in your local symphony; often times they give private lessons right out of their homes. Ask your school band or orchestra who they suggest is good for a first teacher. Depending on your district’s fine arts budget, you may even be able to get funding for your lessons! Be sure that you find a teacher that suits your style of learning, and will push you to reach your full musical potential. Don’t be a fraid to shop around a little.
Good luck, and don’t give up looking for a teacher; someone’s out there just for you…;)
Well, if they only offer lessons to beginners then you know that they are not very good teachers. I have come across this too ; they just want to do the easy stuff and do not really want to work with a student.Their knowledge of violin playing is obviously very limited.
Ask at the nearest university music department and see if any of the lecturers give private lessons. Even a final year student would be good.
You could also try the violin shops and see if they have lists of violin teachers you can call.
A teacher is essential to learn the violin. I am surprised that you have been able to learn for three years without one.
They only offer it to new players? Then don’t go to those teachers because they don’t really know what they’re doing, at some point their student is going to be at the same level that you are. Unless they just teach for 2 years and say “here you go!”
Ask your orchestra director if he/she knows of any violin teachers in your area. If you have a local symphony, contact them and ask. A lot of violinists (any instrument really) that perform in orchestras, also teach. Ask your friends in an orchestra to ask their teacher if they could have another student or know of someone who needs students.
If you’re close to a college or university and it offers a music major, a lot of students are willing to give lessons for cheap prices. And they’re majoring in the instrument so they know what they are doing.
Having a teacher for violin helps a ton! You approve at a MUCH faster rate. Good luck and keep it up!
It is NEVER too late to ask for a private instructor. They are an excellent resource, and can definitely improve your playing, although it may cost a little. You should look into taking lessons with someone in your local symphony orchestra. Ask people in your orchestra class who they take lessons with. Local music stores are probably not your best bet, but you could give them a try too. If you know the basics, a teacher can sharpen bowing, technique, and overall playing ability. If you are serious about playing, a private teacher is essential. Good Luck!