What You Should Know Before You Start Private Violin Lessons?
Thinking about starting private violin lessons? Discover everything you need to know before taking the plunge, from finding the right teacher to understanding the commitment involved.
Private violin lessons can be an enriching experience for individuals of all ages. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience playing the violin, it's essential to understand the basics before embarking on this musical journey. In this article, we will explore the different aspects you should consider before starting private violin lessons.
Content
What violin size is right for me?
Buying Vs. Renting: Which is better?
Essential Violin Accessories: What do I need to buy?
Private Vs. Group Violin Lessons: What is right for me?
What should I expect from my first private violin lesson?
What violin size is right for me?
Violins come in many different sizes, ranging from 1/32 (13 inches) to 4/4 (23 inches). For most violin students above the age of 11, a full-size violin (4/4) would be appropriate.
For younger students, the way to find out what size is best is to measure from the base of a student's neck, to the centre of their palm.
For any measurement above 58cm, we'd recommend a full-size violin. For very young students, aged between 1-3 years old, we'd suggest making a cardboard violin or altering a shoebox (there are many templates available to download online for this).
Buying Vs. Renting: Which is better?
Now that you know what violin size you need, you need to decide whether to buy or rent one.
Whatever you do, do not think buying a larger violin to grow into will do your child any favours – it can lead to immense frustration during the learning process or, in the worst-case scenario, injury.
Renting a violin can be an excellent decision for those undecided about committing to violin lessons. Many students taking private violin lessons in London rent until they can commit.
Equally, violin rental companies in London, like Stringers, offer attractive policies on instrument insurance and upgrading your violin size as you grow at no extra cost.
Going to a specialist violin shop to rent a violin also eliminates the worry of choosing a violin online. The shop's professionals will take all the relevant measurements to ensure you get the violin that feels right for you.
In the long term, however, buying a violin makes the most financial sense. Rather than paying a monthly fee, you make a one-off payment. For beginner violinists, if you are considering playing for more than 1.5 years, we suggest buying a violin. Some violin shops also buy back your instrument after your child has grown out of it, allowing you to increase your violin size at a fraction of the cost.
Essential Violin Accessories: What do I need to buy?
Whether you rent or buy a violin, you will need to buy some essential violin accessories to ensure you learn at pace and maintain your violin.
Violin rosin should be at the top of your list. Rosin is a resin that smells a little like pine and has a glassy-orange look. Rosin is applied to a bow to increase the friction as the bow runs across strings, helping to create the best sound.
Naturally, once you have a violin, you'll quickly find that you'll need a bow! Bows come in various sizes and materials, with some bows having ivory, mother of pearl and gold or platinum inlays! As a beginner, these bows would likely be a serious waste of money. Instead, look for a bow that is not too heavy or too light, and feels balanced in your hand.
A violin case is also essential to keep your instrument safe and protected. There are various cases out there, but remember to invest in quality to avoid multiple trips back and forth to a violin shop for replacement violins…
Once you move beyond entry-level violins, we'd also suggest strongly considering violin insurance. Home content insurance often covers instruments, but watch out that the insurance excess isn't worth more than the violin itself!
Music stands are also a worthwhile investment as soon as you begin to play from sheet music. There are many different types out there, but stands that are lightweight and fold up are best for travelling to school, concerts, or moving the stand around the home.
Violin stickers are also helpful for young students when beginning to learn the violin. They help students identify scales quickly.
Private Vs. Group Violin Lessons: What is right for me?
There are various benefits to both private violin lessons and group classes. Group classes allow students to make new friends and are less expensive than private lessons, but there are some severe drawbacks. These include lack of personal attention, inflexibility to schedule classes at a time to suit you and uncertainty about the quality of the teacher.
Private violin lessons, on the other hand, do not have these drawbacks, and there are many benefits, including:
Personalised Attention
Private violin lessons provide personalised attention, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Unlike group lessons, private lessons focus on your specific strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to develop a solid foundation and improve faster.
Equally, the intimate setting of private violin lessons fosters an environment where you can freely ask questions and receive immediate feedback. This direct guidance from a violin teacher not only accelerates your learning but also cultivates a deep understanding of the instrument, helping you to avoid common pitfalls.
Flexibility
Private lessons also allow you to fit learning the violin into your schedule at a time that suits you. You don't have to stick to a set plan like you would have to do for group lessons; you can select the times that work best for you.
If you need to change your lesson time because of a birthday party or family outing, private lessons let you do it without feeling bad for letting down a group. Your teacher or music tutoring agency will help you find a different time that works for your life.
Quality
If you receive private violin lessons in London through an agency, like Prelude Education, you will also be guaranteed a high-quality teacher.
Prelude Education's violin teachers are exclusively graduates of the world's four leading conservatoires; 56% have master's degrees and have, on average, seven years of teaching experience. Equally, as a parent, you are given peace of mind that your teachers have been carefully vetted. All teachers at Prelude Education have an Enhanced DBS, have undergone a rigorous interview process, and have had two reference checks.
Learn At Home
One of the most significant benefits of private lessons is the convenience of having lessons in the comfort of your own home. This makes scheduling easier and saves you immense time travelling to and from a music school.
What should I expect from my first private violin lesson?
Your first private violin lesson is an opportunity for the teacher to ascertain strengths, weaknesses, and your specific learning style. The teacher will then identify areas to focus on and how best to teach you, and then tailor their music education plan accordingly.
Your first lessons will likely involve the following:
Goal Setting
All private lessons start with goal setting. Your teacher will want to know what genre of music you like, if you want to do ABRSM grades, whether you're interested in gaining a music scholarship that could save you up to £50,000 a year of private school fees, or if you are just learning for pleasure. Having these conversations early on will help you to get the most out of your lessons.
How You Should Stand
How you hold your body while playing the violin is an important first step in beginner violin lessons. Your private violin teacher will encourage you to maintain a relaxed posture while standing or sitting to keep your muscles from getting tense and tired. This will help make learning and playing more enjoyable for you.
Having the Correct Bow Technique
Getting into bad habits with your bow hold can lead to injury. There are various bow holds, from the "Franco-Belgian bow hold" to the "Russian bow hold", and your teacher will guide you as to which is best.
Setting realistic expectations
It's essential to set realistic expectations early on. Remember that mastering the violin is a skill that takes time to develop. Embrace the challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth, and trust the process as you work towards your goals.
Developing a consistent practice routine is essential for progress. Discuss the recommended practice duration with your teacher and establish a schedule that fits into your daily life. Committing to regular practice sessions will help reinforce what you learn during your lessons and accelerate your progress on the violin.
Consistency is vital in building muscle memory and developing a deep understanding of the music you are learning.
Conclusion
Private violin lessons open up a new world of opportunities, from playing in school orchestras or small groups to uncovering a new passion that provides fulfilment.
Prelude Education's carefully vetted violin teachers are dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities, so why not start your private violin lessons today with the most sought-after music teachers in London?
