Beginner Violin Camp 101: Introduction to the Violin | Taught by a Professional Violinist

Did you just buy or rent a violin and don't know where to start? Maybe you're looking for a fun supplement to your private lessons? This is the course for you! I am a professional, conservatory-trained violinist and I absolutely love to share my love of music with my students. My class sizes are kept intentionally small to ensure effective interaction with each learner. This class pairs very well with private lessons. If you are interested in 1-on-1 instruction, please see my profile for information on private lessons. 

-NO previous musical experience is required. 
-The ability to read music is helpful, but not required. 
-This course will cover the basics from the very beginning (how to hold the violin) through to playing your very first piece. 
-If you do not already have finger tapes on your violin, links are provided below to purchase them (they are about $6 on Amazon) and I will show you how to apply them around Week 2. 
-If you are unsure of what size violin to get, just send me a message and I will help guide you. 

In this exciting 6-week Violin Camp, we will learn the basics of playing the violin. From how to hold the violin and bow, to the names of the strings, to playing your very first piece - this class will set you up with the perfect foundation to continue your musical studies. We will cover topics such as physical set up, technique, tone production, and musicality in addition to some note-reading and music theory as time permits. Learning the violin should be fun and it is my goal for every child to leave the camp feeling confident, empowered, and proud of their accomplishments! I will choose the specific exercises and objectives for each week of the course based on enrollment and the general level of our group and will adjust the pace as needed. The sample schedule below is just a guideline. I may adjust the material according to the needs of the students enrolled. 

SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Week 1: Ice breaker. Parts of the instrument and how to hold it; names of strings. 
Week 2: How to tune your violin and apply finger tapes****
Week 3: 3-finger exercise, begin bow hold exercises, Rocket Song
Week 4: Put it all together and begin simple melodies
Week 5: Warm up, final review and award ceremony

SUPPLY LIST
-Students should have an appropriately sized violin and bow in playable condition. If you are unsure what size violin to get or have questions about buying/renting a violin, please send me a message prior to the start of the course. 
-A shoulder rest or sponge is highly recommended (please make sure you get the correct size for your violin)
-Rosin and a microfiber cleaning cloth 
-Finger tapes (if they do not already have them). Please see links below to purchase. 
-A chromatic tuner app will be very helpful to tune their instruments. Any free chromatic tuner on the app store will do. I recommend the one called Tuner Lite on the Apple app store. 
-Students should come to camp each week prepared with a pencil, their instrument and music, and their cameras on for the duration of the camp. 

****NOTE: Violins do not have frets like a guitar or ukulele, therefore we will be apply finger tapes or stickers together in class to help young learners visualize where to put their fingers. Grown ups are highly encouraged to be present to help their learner during the week that we learn to tune and apply tapes. The class may run longer than 40 minutes that week. Please see below for links to purchase the tapes. 

LINKS TO FINGER TAPES
Option 1:
https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Set-Instrument-Fingerboard-Tape/dp/B0016OMSYU/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=violin+finger+tape&qid=1605657375&sr=8-7

Option 2: 
https://www.amazon.com/Cridoz-Whiteboard-Pinstripe-Graphic-Electrical/dp/B07YHK1V3S/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=violin+finger+tape&qid=1605657411&sr=8-3