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BEGINNER VIOLIN LESSON

Congratulations if you have made it here in your quest to start violin

lessons for beginners. You might wonder what to expect during the initial stage of learning the play the violin. You may have psychological fear as you do not know what to expect. This may cause you to delay learning this wonderful sounding musical instrument.

Do not worry. Here, I will go through what you can expect when you start violin classes for beginners.

For young children age three to six, we may plan lessons of thirty minutes each. The reason being young children typically have shorter attention span. Some kids may start fidgeting after a short time period. So an experienced teacher skilled in making lessons interesting, will be important in guiding a young kid to progress smoothly. Tactics used to make lessons lively include singing and clapping exercises for rhythmic training, helping the child relate to music note reading via the use of animal names to identify notes, rewarding the child with stickers on completion of a musical task and so forth.

Adult learners may start off with lessons which are either forty five minutes long, or an hour long. Frequency of lessons are typically once per week, although some adult students prefer to plan lessons two times a week initially, so as to progress faster. An alternative to that is to plan back to back lessons of one and a half hours each, once a week. Each student’s time commitment is different but as a general rule, we recommend minimum frequency of once a week for lessons.

Violin lessons for beginners also entail aural training as well as intonation pitching. If one can sing and pitch correctly, one has a higher probability of playing the violin to perfect pitch. The teacher may use a piano, or an intonation trainer to coach aural singing. My advice to my violin students is not to be shy about sight singing during lessons. Imagine that there is no one in the practice room and just sing. Even if it is initially off pitch, just go ahead and practice. The violin teacher can assist to help the student to pitch properly only if the student sings. The ability to sight sing will aid the student tremendously to sight read and play correctly, faster.

I hope that after you have read through the above points, your will have clarity on what to expect from the initial lessons.

Keen to join our violin classes for beginners? Call +65-98137769 to arrange. We can arrange lessons either at your home, our teacher’s studio or at our music studio at Sultan Plaza.

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MEET OUR VIOLIN TEACHERS

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Kevin

Violinist

Kevin began to learn violin at the age of 9 and started off as a CCA under Michael Tong. He has also went through the tutelage of renowned SSO members Wu Man Yun, Foo Say Ming and Nikolai Koval.

He has achieved a Distinction in Grade 8 ABRSM exam and went on to participate in numerous competitions where the most notable one is achieving Gold standard in the Singapore Performers Festival.

After serving his National Service, Kevin attended the Diploma and Degree from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) where the Degree programme was in collaboration with RCM (Royal College of Music) and was under the tutelage of Professor Michal Cwizewicz.

To further hone his techniques and interpretations, he attended masterclasses held by Chua Lik Wuk, Lynette Lim and Zhao Tian.

Kevin currently holds the Bachelor of Music (Hons) and even took the DipABRSM exam. He is able to teach repertoires to any level and explores not just classical music, but jazz repertoires as well. He also holds a Grade 8 certification in Music Theory where most of his students achieved Distinction in their Grade 5 exam.

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Joanne Zhang

VIolin, Theory

A professional level violin teacher, Joanne graduated from Northeast Nornal University (Chang Chun of China) in 2001, attaining Bachelors degree in music teaching. She is also familiar with the ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal School of Music) and Trinity exam board grading system, having attained ABRSM.grade 8 (Distinction) in 2006, In 2020, she graduated from NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) obtaining music diploma in teaching.

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Clement Lim

Violin, Theory

Local violinist, Clement Lim has been teaching in Singapore as a full time violin instructor since 1995.

Born in 1972, Mr. Lim started his journey in practical violin at the age of 8. He had received his violin training with several renowned violinists. Among were Pavel Prantl (first SSO concertmaster); Chua Lik Wuk; Kong Zhao Hui – members of SSO. Lynette Lim.

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James Wong

Violin, Viola, Theory

Jameson is a passionate Violin Teacher and Viola Performer with more than a decade of teaching and orchestral experience. He is committed to nurturing young musicians, helping students build a strong musical foundation while enjoying the learning process.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance from the National Taiwan University of Arts, and also trained at the University of Central Arkansas. His diverse international musical background allows him to bring unique insights and inspiration to every lesson.

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Kendra Sim

Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele & Music Theory

Kendra is an experienced multi-instrumental music educator with more than two decades of teaching experience. She began teaching piano in 2002 and subsequently expanded her teaching to violin, viola, guitar, cello, ukulele, drums, erhu and guzheng.

Her formal music qualifications include a Performer’s Certificate in Solo Piano, ABRSM Grade 8 Violin, ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory, ABRSM Grade 5 Cello and Trinity College Grade 5 Guitar. She is also proficient in viola, ukulele, drums, erhu, guzheng and harp. She has extensive experience teaching cello and has successfully prepared students for ABRSM Cello examinations up to Grade 8, with students achieving Merit.

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Tevy Tang

(Violin, Theory)

Tevy graduated from La Salle Singapore & Kingston University (DIP. BA in violin music performance, Hons upper 2nd Division) in 1998. He also has piano as minor study for his Dip. BA. He has 9 years of solid coaching experience with private students as well as in music schools.

Tevy’s appreciation of western classical music originated from his coaches from Singapore and UK. Notably, he took master classes from Mr Jonathan Rees (a recipient of the BBC Award violinist in 1978).

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Elaine Mai

Violinist

Elaine achieved Masters Degree in from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2011). Prior to that, she attained a professional diploma in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2004) as well as Bachelor in Music from Xing Hai Conservatory of music (Guang Zhou, China).

Her performance experience with Global Symphony Orchestra (Mak Ka Lok -2018-2021) includes highlight performances such as:  New Year’s Concert on CCTV in January 2020 (Filmed in Shenzhen with Macau Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra), World Symphony Concert: Fur Elise (October 2021), Peace concert in Hong Kong (November 2019), Concert in Shanghai for 12th China Art Festival (May 2019), Concert in Vienna for Austrian Music Theatre Honorable Prize (June 2018), “All About Love” Concert in Hong Kong String Orchestra Jockey Club Power of Music Programme (April 2020) , Tutti violin Hong Kong String Orchestra (Yao Jue, 姚珏, 2016-2022, Tutti violin I: HKFW Six Arts Orchestra (2013-2022), guest violinist with City Chamber Orchestra & Hong Kong Virtuosi Orchestra (2009-2022).

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TESTIMONIALS

STUDENTS SAY

We walked into Rita’s shop that day despite in searching for a 1/2 size violin for our 6-year old boy. Despite of no appointment made, Rita was very patient in understanding our needs. She recommended Mr. Yeo Teow Meng knowing the boy was having some violin posture problems. Glad we followed her recommendation. The boy has been enjoying every single lesson with Mr. Yeo, and made lots of improvements since enrolled at Stradivari Strings. The classes are engaging and fun. Thank to Mr. Yeo and Rita, the boy also found his new violin he treasures as his baby.
Zhen Gu

Violin student

I have always like the sound of the violin and finally took my first step in Nov 2020 to take violin lessons & contacted Rita from Stradivari Strings. Rita selected some violins and bows for me to shortlist by listening to their sound. I am glad to have chosen a violin that I feel a connection with. During my weekly violin classes, Rita is very encouraging and reassures me that I’m progressing well. Her confidence in me is my motivation to practice & improve. I look forward to taking my first exam next year.
Shirleen Teh

Violin student

As an adult learner with no musical background, I am so glad to have chosen Stradivari Strings to kickstart my violin lessons with. The experience was a pleasant one from the very beginning: Ms Rita took great care in helping me select a suitable violin and violin bow, guiding me on what to look out for in an instrument. We also listened to several violins closely before settling down on one that I liked. A patient and encouraging violin teacher, Ms Rita tailors each violin class in a way that would maximize my learning. Her pedagogy made sense, and she always explains her intents clearly. Importantly, every lesson made me feel like I was actively progressing—despite my own doubts—and what a wonderful feeling that is. Already this short experience with Stradivari Strings has helped me to discover a new horizon to music, and I couldn’t be more delighted.
Zeng Hao

Violin student

I started my violin lesson with Stradivari Strings after a 10 years break. Without any proper knowledge on how to choose my instrument, I was glad to have walk into this place where I was educated on the different violin choices as well as the separate bow pairing for each violin. I was given the opportunity to try the violins and the different bow pairings to hear and see for myself which is the best for me. Learning under Rita allowed me to build stronger basic skills as she made sure that every single lesson was efficient and every small bad habit was brought to light. I am glad to have started my second round journey in learning my violin here as i can see myself progressing and loving my instrument more every day.
Pearlin

Violin student

I’ve been playing the viola for about 5 years having learnt the violin prior to switching instruments. I haven’t had any formal viola lessons before this year, and as the viola is not as popular an instrument as the violin or cello, finding a viola teacher proved difficult, and finding a GOOD viola teacher was almost impossible. As an adult with autism, just finding a teacher who could connect with me on my wavelength is a challenging task, and I’ve gone through numerous music teachers in the past, and many could not break down the barrier that is autism. On meeting Mr Yeo, my worries dissipated. Mr Yeo is very patient and encouraging during lessons, and explains things in a way that is both easy to grasp and fun! Mr Yeo also further motivates me in my practice by giving me feedback on video recordings of my practice sessions when I send them to him so that I can make the most out of my viola practice. Since starting viola lessons, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds. I’ve only had 4 adult viola lessons with him and yet I feel like I’ve had many more because of my progress. I am looking forward to learning more from him!
Lydia Tay

Violin student

I have been always eager to perform violin someday after years of experience in playing the piano. The first time when I fell in love with the violin was after enjoying the duet performance by pianists and violinists. And my journey with the violin finally started at Stradivari Strings. With Rita’s detailed guidance, I chose my favourite violin and violin bow. Thanks to Rita also for helping me choose Mr.Yeo as my violin teacher. Every violin lesson to me is informative and Mr Yeo has been so supportive that he could appreciate every single improvement I have made. I was not confident when the sound was out of tone or too sharp. Howeverwith,Mr Yeo’s expertise, friendly personality and passion when playing the violin, I have received lots of courage and motivation to practice more. When struggling between pursuing my master’s degree and work, Mr Yeo and Rita has helped me re-arrange the classes to fit my schedule. Thank you Mr Yeo for your patience and encouragement, I will give the Grade 4 ABRSM exams my best shot!
Xin Ping

Violin student

Teacher Hughes is a dedicated teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that his students enjoy learning. His teaching is very musically based, with many different genres of song selected to develop one’s technique and musicality simultaneously. His witty and friendly personality makes lessons fun, and his deep knowledge and appreciation of music makes songs come alive during his lessons. Hughes is definitely one of the best music teachers around!
Nicholas Tan

Adult cello student

One of the best things that happened to me this year is getting in touch with my cello teacher Ms Rita. I started lessons since January and have come to enjoy my Singapore cello lessons for a variety of reasons: First, for effective learning to occur, it’s important that there is a personal student-teacher fit. This is the first consideration in learning an instrument on a 1-1 basis. Right from the get-go, I found Rita to have an excellent social and communication skills and a winsome sense of humour, a prerequisite for me. This has made cello classes for me really enjoyable. Second, very early in our pre-lesson discussion, Rita impressed me as a very knowledgeable person about the art and manufacture of the cello and cello bow. Her intimate historical and technical knowledge of how the instrument is crafted and it’s impact on its sound quality (and intrinsic value) persuaded me that I have made a good decision to take beginner cello lessons from her. A third reason why I eagerly look forward coming to Stradivari Strings each week is no less because of her unusual pedagogical approach – fun, supportive, encouraging, and pertinently informative. More delightful for me is her use of taking live videos of parts of my lesson for me to view as personal feedback based on the laudable principle of “seeing yourself play as
Tian Rui

(72 year old cello student)

I had an amazing experience with Stradivari Strings, beginning with my first cello and cello bow purchase and subsequent cello lessons. The owner, Rita, is knowledgeable on all matters pertaining to string instruments. Rita is must-see for anyone interested in purchasing quality string instruments (violin, viola, cello and bows). Cello lessons with Rita is challenging yet enjoyable. I always look forward to our next lesson. Thanks a lot, Rita.
Wei Yang

Cello student

With any learning curve, Stradivari Strings focuses and emphasizes a good foundation through a fine selection of top tier teachers. In my case, Mr. Yeo has an exceptional approach to teaching and learning through his methodology which allows for a true understanding of the violin instrument and technique. His utmost faith in me has led me to immediately jump the hoops to prepare for Grade 5 within a short time frame, and I’m truly excited to undertake the ABRSM Grade 5 Practice Exam soon! I’d personally recommend Mr. Yeo’s teaching capabilities to anyone who would seriously consider learning the violin or for someone to sharpen their prowess on the violin! Always inspired, always focussed and always fun!
Hans

Adult violin student

I have been taking violin classes from Mr Yeo for since 2016, and each lesson has been very enjoyable and fun. Mr Yeo is always smiling and very happy which puts me at ease while learning difficult passages or techniques. He is also very ha... ppy to explain to me the reasoning behind certain playing techniques which helps me appreciate playing the violin even more. I can confidently say that my progress is largely due to Mr Yeo’s dedication and professionalism as a teacher. I would strongly recommend Mr Yeo to anyone who would wish to start violin lessons!
Kenneth Zhang

Adult violin student

When I first walked into Stradivari Strings to re-string my violin, I didn’t know I’ve walked into a whole new world of experience. Rita could tell I have a lot of interest in picking up violin. And with her sharp eyes, she could tell my old violin was factory made and of low quality. She then proceeded to set up an appointment with me for a new violin since I was so interested. During the appointment, Rita made sure to let me play and emote with each violin and bow, it was a hands on session of playing on a range of violin and bow. She also shared her vast knowledge and experience on violin with me. Throughout the 2 hour appointment on selecting violin and bow, I was taking in all the teachings she had to offer. Alas, I found one that I really loved, although a little out of my budget, Rita took the time and offered to help with financial planning. The class afterwards with Mr Yeo was also amazing. I had learnt so much in 45 mins that I could play twinkle twinkle little star within that session. Thank you Rita and thank you Stradivari Strings for the immersing experience! Highly recommended!
Terence

Student

Teacher Hughes is an excellent cello teacher. He is fantastic and relates extremely well with my 10 year old daughter. He is ever so patient with her and offers words of encouragement during all cello lessons. I highly recommend him to any parent whose child wants to start cello classes. Thanks teacher Hughes for everything!
Jacqueline Liew

Mother of 10 year old cello student

I am an adult cello student with piano background. My buddy and I were looking to start cello lessons and found Stradivari Strings. I was impressed with the patience and knowledge Rita has in helping me to select the cello and bow most suited for me. Her specialized shop has a range of cellos and bows that caters to students with different budget in mind. Group cello lessons under Rita has also helped me to transit from piano playing to cello playing effectively. She teaches in a way that engages me at my level of playing and I find myself improving in ways I didnt expect. She also identifies my strength and weaknesses and teaches me the technique to hold, bow and play the cello. I enjoy playing music with the cello more now.
Mark Anson

Cello student

I’ve always wanted to learn the violin so after doing some research, I came across Stradivari Strings. I decided to contact Rita cos the plenty of positive reviews convinced me to give Stradivari Strings a try. Teacher Rita is very prompt with answering questions on WhatsApp. The violin and bow selection process was very insightful. Teacher Rita let me try out some violins and bows to find the perfect match for me. I initially wanted a factory-made violin but after the selection process I went for a 100% handcrafted violin and I don’t have any regrets. A handcrafted violin produces a more beautiful sound than a factory-made one. For violin lessons, Teacher Rita was patient, stern, and encouraging at the same time. I like how she’s stern when she needs to be for us to perform better, yet very encouraging at things done right. I highly recommend Stradivari Strings. I’m an adult beginner so it’s really never too late to pick up a new instrument and enjoy it with the right teacher.
Gen Narciso

Violin student

I have been playing Chinese musical instrument for many years and one of my dreams is to pick up a western musical instrument – the violin. I decided to start violin classes during this pandemic period so as to make full use of the stay hom... e time. I came across Stradivari Strings and made inquiries for adult violin lessons. As someone who knows nothing about the violin, Rita from Stradivari Strings guided me through the violin and bow selection patiently and the process was very informative. I’m also a student of Mr Yeo, a professional-level violin teacher. He is very professional, passionate, encouraging and inspiring. He makes every violin lesson interesting and worthwhile and I am always looking forward to attend his violin classes. I will be aiming for grade 3 ABRSM exams in 2021. So happy to have Mr Yeo as my teacher.
Vesta Soh

Violin student