violin instruction questions...

[tiffani]

not sure if this is the right forum... will cross-post in unschooling...

we're looking for a violin teacher for our 9 year old beginner, and I'm wondering what we should ask them -- my husband is a musician, but has never played the violin. He's really nervous about someone ruining the experience for her, and is hesitant about lessons, as he feels that no lessons (just having and playing with a violin) is better than bad lessons...

so how do we avoid bad lessons? we're new in the area, so have few people to ask for recommendations... we'd like a playful, fun, interesting, inspiring, no pressure type learning situation for her, but I don't know anything about violin instruction, so I don't really know what to ask potential instructors...

thanks!

[journeymom]

Originally Posted by tiffani

He's really nervous about someone ruining the experience for her, and is hesitant about lessons, as he feels that no lessons (just having and playing with a violin) is better than bad lessons...

I totally know what he means. But I don't think it has to be all or nothing. Don't be afraid to try different teachers.

Look into the Suzuki method. http://www.suzuki.org.nz/suzuki/index.html

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My keyboard died and then I had to leave before I could finish.

Look for recommendations from music shops. Ask the local college music department. Just ask straight up, Can you recommend a violin teacher who has a reputation for making it fun and engaging for a nine year old? Mention that you're not interested in high pressure lessons intended for competitive kids on the fast track.

My husband plays bass violin and his brothers all play violin. They grew up in the bluegrass/folk music community. They learned to play from fiddle players and had almost no formal lessons. They had a wonderful time at it, too. They're all decent players, not virtuosos, and can get together and play tune after tune and entertain us for for hours.

[tiffani]

thanks so much! I wasn't planning on Suzuki method, but the teacher in my area who has been recommended over and over again is a Suzuki instructor, so we shall see...