VIOLIN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
DO YOU HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN AGE TO PLAY THE VIOLIN?
No you can be 5 ,95 or anything in between! Please note, if your child wishes to have violin lessons you may have to hire or buy a violin that is a suitable size.
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WHAT SHALL I BRING TO A VIOLIN LESSON?
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I suggest you bring the following items:
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*a violin
* a bow
*a shoulder rest/sponge with some elastic bands
* a music stand (if I am coming to you)
* a pencil
* a folder or bag to protect your music,
* some music
* silky cloth or duster to protect your instrument whilst it’s in its case
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Apart from gaining lots of musical knowledge, learning technique and finding out how to care for your instrument, you will also learn and develop skills in:
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* Performance * Listening
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* Pitch * Rhythm
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* Co-ordination * Creativity
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* Improvisation * Reading Notation
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* Playing a variety of musical styles * Musical theory
Most importantly I hope you will develop a love of music that will stay with you for life!
​WHY LEARN THE VIOLIN WITH HL TUTORING SERVICES?
Learn the violin with
HL Tutoring Services
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DOES THE LEARNER NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ MUSIC?
No, although you can learn to read musical notation at the same time as learning to play the violin.
DO YOU PROVIDE A VIOLIN?
No, you’ll have to provide your own unfortunately. Occasionally, I can lend you a violin for the duration of the lesson. It is worth getting in touch, just in case!
One solution is to hire a violin from a reputable string rental company. Prices start from about £8 a month for a minimum of 3 months. Make sure the hire instrument gets to you before booking any lessons. This is a popular option for beginners.
DO YOU REPAIR VIOLINS?
No, violins are not repaired unfortunately. I could point you in the direction of someone who might be able to help though.
MY VIOLIN IS BROKEN CAN YOU FIX IT?
No. Please check your violin several days before the lesson and especially the day before the lesson. If you have ordered a violin then please OPEN the case and ensure that the instrument is ready to play. If it isn’t then you will need to get it repaired at a specialist string music shop or violin repairer found in Leeds, Bradford, York or other areas of West Yorkshire. If you have bought a new instrument make sure it is ‘set up’ correctly so that for example the strings ‘stay’ in tune. I suggest sorting out your violin BEFORE booking your first lesson.
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HOW DO I KNOW IF THE VIOLIN IS 'SET UP' CORRECTLY AND READY TO PLAY?
The instrument is set up correctly and ready to play if:
-there are tuning pegs that stay in tune,
-there are four strings
- the bridge is stable and vertical
- the chin rest is in the correct position and is comfortable for you,
and
-fine tuners are installed and turn easily
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You’ll also need a bow and a shoulder rest.
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Seek advice from a good string-instrument shop or violin repairer if you’re unsure.
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WHICH MAKES OF VIOLIN CAN YOU RECOMMEND?
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This is down to personal choice, how the violin feels to play, the sound it produces and most importantly budget.
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WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A GOOD VIOLIN FROM?
I feel that music is a very important part of life; it brings relaxation at times, as well as joy and happiness at other times. This can be achieved, whatever your age or ability!
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During my teaching career, I have been responsible for music within schools due to my role as music co-ordinator. I am also a member of a local orchestra within this area. I enjoy playing music with other musicians, whether they are in a band or a string quartet. Playing an instrument is a great way to make friends: lots of my friends are musicians!
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I have taught music across both key stage 1 & 2, taught whole class violin lessons as well as running school choirs. Choir members and violinists had many opportunities to perform. I understand the importance of ensuring correct technique right from the very beginning, as well as ensuring lessons are fun and enjoyable.
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CONTACT HL TUTORING SERVICES:
Musical Background and
Qualifications
Personally I would suggest looking for a string-instrument shop rather than a general music shop. They will advise you accordingly. Buying online can be a false economy too because often the large online retailers don't set up the instruments properly. Beware of flat-packed violins or 'Violin Shaped Objects'!
If it’s too late and you’ve already bought your instrument on-line I think it’s still a good idea to take it to a string-instrument shop or violin repairer for them to check everything is set up and ready to play. Replacing ‘factory’ strings for higher quality ones for example can really make a difference to the sound produced. Once again seek advice from a good string-instrument or violin repairer if you’re unsure.
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What size of violin should I have?
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When placing your violin on your left collar bone and under your chin, if you can stretch out your left arm and your left hand curls around the scroll comfortably then your violin is the appropriate size.
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If you’re unable to reach the scroll with your left hand then you may need a smaller violin. If you’re able to stretch past the scroll then you may need to try the test again with a bigger violin.
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If you’re unsure then as previously mentioned seek advice from a specialist violin shop or a violin repairer.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY VIOLIN IS THE CORRECT SIZE?
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My experience includes the following:
Qualified Teacher Status = Fully Qualified Teacher
25 years of experience as a qualified teacher
Graded ABRSM exams
A Level Music
Grade V Music Theory
Experienced violinist in orchestras and string quartets
Experienced music teacher in schools
Experience of teaching whole class violin 'wider opportunities'
All ages welcome including adults
Online and face to face tuition
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Book lessons online or an introductory chat to discuss your violin tutoring requirements.
​WHY
CHOOSE
HL TUTORING
SERVICES?
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20 British pounds
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1 hr
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