Our string instructors will teach all styles of music, from learning to play by ear to reading music. If you want to play classical music or the fiddle, we have a teacher for you. Students can be as young as 5 years old, or younger with the teacher's approval. Our students love learning the fundamentals, as well as incorporating your favorite songs into their lessons. Our violin teachers have friendly personalities and love working with children and teens and adults!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer fiddle lessons?
We do offer fiddle lessons. Many of our classical violin teachers also teach fiddle. Fiddle is a reference to using a violin to play folk music. Fiddle is a style that has a many different interpretations. Most people who ask us for fiddle lessons are referring to using a violin to play folk or country music, usually in an improvised way as opposed to using a violin to play classical music that has been written by others. Please see Wikipedia for more info on fiddle.
What age should I start my child on violin?
Five years of age is the youngest we recommend starting children on violin. Violin isn't as easy to learn as piano, so if your child isn't fully committed to learning violin at the age of 5 and 6 we suggest starting them on piano (keyboard) for a year or two first. What they learn about music on the piano will be directly applied to the violin when they start so they will have a much easier time learning it.
Do you offer Suzuki and traditional violin methods?
Yes. Many of our teachers can teach using tradition and Suzuki methods. Please call us to ask about availability in your area
Which size violin will I need for lessons?
Our teachers will help you with this on the first day of your lessons. There are many different sizes of violins. Depending on the size of the student, you may want to purchase a smaller size instrument. As your child gets larger they will need to trade up to a larger instrument, It's very common to start off renting a violin in the beginning stages as it is easier and less expensive to trade up to a larger size that way.
Should I purchase or rent a violin?
There a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a violin. Is your child still growing?, is your child committed to their learning? it is an investment to purchase a violin. There are some very good beginning instruments out there, both used and new for under $200. Please be careful if you are buying used over the internet. We have seen some very unplayable violins come into the school. It's always best to consult with your teacher before you are about to purchase a violin.
Where do you recommend that I go to purchase or rent a violin?
We recommend that you first shop locally. There are a lot of local music stores in the area (Ann Arbor for example) that stock violins for you to try. They have a very knowledgeable staff that can even help size an instrument for you. Another solution is to check out Costco.com. Costco.com sells some decent beginner instruments if you can find the size you need. Also they have an incredible return policy if your teacher doesn't feel that it is a good instrument for you. For the largest selection of sizes and pricing it is usually best to check with your local violin dealer. Call us for names of dealers in your area. Most of these shops offer rentals and violins you can purchase both new and used.
