Diane’s Violin and Viola Teaching Studio Bonsall, CA. 92003
Hello. I’m a violin and viola teacher with 20 years experience teaching violin and viola in my home studio in Bonsall, CA. My speciality is teaching young children and youth (age 6 and above) to help them discover music. I introduce them to the wonderful world of learning a stringed instrument. I also teach adults.
Diane’s Teaching:
With beginners, my teaching centers around learning the violin/viola by starting off with using the bow correctly for beautiful tone. My introduction to reading music is learning to read the open strings with exercises, then starting to understand the notes on the finger board and how they correlate to simple tunes and exercises.
Each lesson introduces right and left hand technique along with good posture, while incorporating a basic understanding of music theory as it pertains to the violin or viola. I strive for a young person to have a well rounded musical experience through creative, fun and enriching lessons. For older, experienced students we collaborate and set up a plan of action to further their skills.
I use a variety of modern method books to instill new ideas and focus, including light classical, folk, hymns and exercise books and scales. Scales are the “back bones” of music. I use books that are appropriate for the students learning level and music theory books tailored to the age and skill level of the student.
My lessons range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the age of the student and where they are in the learning process. I require a parent to be present and an active listener during the lesson time I write up a “practice plan” at the end of each lesson so the parent and student know what to work on during home practice. Practice is essential for progress with an instrument so that an individual gains confidence and discovers the fun of making music. It all centers around a positive experience in the lesson and invites the student to learn that mistakes are helpful learning tools.
I ask that parents be active with the home practice, setting up times during the day and helping students focus, especially with younger students. Setting up a practice area with a music stand away from the busy home life helps to create a positive space for the student to learn in. For a young student 15 minutes a day and for a student 12 or over, 30 minutes a day is adequate.
Practice should be fun and the student should be focused and engaged.
Parents will need to tune younger students instruments before each practice… this is best done with a small clip-on tuner on the instrument. A student needs to hear correctly tuned open strings in order to be able to learn correct fingered notes. Youth and older students enjoy tuning and it gives them a sense of accomplishment that they are growing as a young musician.
Bob’s Violins and Bows:
My husband, who is a professionally trained luthier, has a violin shop in our home. He makes, repairs, restores, and sells violins and violas. He also repairs cellos and repairs and sells bows. We rent and sell appropriate size violin/viola outfits to students who need an instrument or who might want to up-grade their instrument or bow. We encourage parents of young students to rent an instrument before purchasing one. A well set up instrument is a joy to learn and play on.
Lesson Fees:
I charge $45 for a 45 minute lesson for younger students.
I charge $60 for a 60 minute lesson, for students 12 and over.
Families who give music lessons to their children are giving the “gift of music“ that will last a life time.
