Learn to Play

Whether you are new to the violin, or you are at a higher level of playing, I teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced classical violin lessons to players of all ages. I also offer lessons for juries, auditions, regionals, all-state, string festivals, competitions, and preparing for college auditions. Lessons in fiddling styles are available to intermediate and advanced level players.

Online lessons are available via Zoom.

I also offer Traditional Irish Tune Learning Classes & Fiddling Classes both in person and online.

For Educators, I am always excited to work with your students as a sectional coach or by providing a workshop.

Getting Started

Beginning Violin

Using a combination of traditional violin pedagogy and materials from the Suzuki Method, I'll show you or your young one how to start forming the right habits and techniques from the beginning. We will get familiar with the anatomy of the instrument and how to hold it with good playing posture and comfort.  I teach beginners both by ear and by learning to read music notation as they learn how to hold the bow and position the left hand. With short pieces, scales and exercises, the player learns finger placement, playing in tune, bowing mechanics, how to produce a good tone, lifting the bow, and string crossings. Taking the time to lay this foundation will encourage a player to continue with ease and efficiency and make playing the violin enjoyable. Once a solid foundation of skills is accomplished, the beginner can move to intermediate techniques.

$35/ half hour lesson

$55/ 45 minute lesson

Beyond the Basics and New Styles

Intermediate Violin

As you progress, lessons focus on the techniques that will advance your playing, and allow you to begin playing musically.  Most important at the intermediate level is developing a good ear for intonation, and learning how to problem solve for efficient practice time.  Knowing how to practice efficiently will make playing the violin rewarding, allow lesson time to be more beneficial to the player, and provide necessary skills to take you to the next level.  The intermediate player strives to master left hand technique including finger preparation, shifting and playing in higher positions, higher octave scales and arpeggios, trills, double stops, broken chords, and vibrato.  Right hand technique studies include bow control and bow speed and contact, bow strokes such as spiccato, portato and martele, rhythmic bowing patterns, and playing dynamically while maintaining a good tone. Intermediate players work on coordination of both right and left hand techniques, focusing on combining skills with etudes, small concertos and solo works. Lesson time at this level may focus on school, youth orchestra music, auditions and competitions. Students at this level are also able to learn fiddling and alternative styles.  

$55/45 minute lesson

$70/ 60 minute lesson

Expanding Repertoire, Styles and Audition Preparations

Advanced Level and Coaching

With great playing ability, the fine tuning of technical ease and striving for great musicality begins, and continues to be mastered over time.  Continued work is spent on technique including vibrato, bow strokes, tone quality, three octave scales, thirds and arpeggios, fast playing, ornamental playing, complicated passage work and double stops, higher positions and mastering concertos and orchestral works. This is the level at which the player makes music communicate, learning appropriate style, creative imagination, and a personal emotional approach to the music.  Whether the goal is competition level and professional playing for classical violin, or performing various styles and genres on live stages, artistry, interpretation skills and improvisation are the advanced player’s final goals of study.  Classically trained violinists seeking help with various styles, such as country, jazz, rock and Celtic can benefit from evaluation and direction in the style they are seeking to master.

$70/ 60 minute lesson

Longer lessons available upon request.

Testimonials

“Heide is the consummate professional, whether as a performing artist, classroom teacher or private lessons tutor. I have worked with her on stage in a professional setting myself, and she also has privately taught my daughter off and on for a few years. Heide's overall understanding and mastery of her instrument shows in every aspect of her playing and teaching. She has helped my daughter work through very complicated arrangements for auditions and showcases with great patience and understanding. The pointers, tips and knowledge given by Heide has helped my daughter progress in her quest as a violin player. She is very personable, and more than accommodating. I would recommend her to anyone at any level in their career.”  - Paul Williams

“Heide is an exceptional violinist who readily shares her joy of music with her students.  My daughter started lessons with Heide at a point where she had lost her desire to continue to play; Heide fully re-inspired her by making music fun again, relating personally to my daughter in way that brought my daughter’s love of music back to life.  She helped us pick out the right bow, found fun music, and teaches technique in a way that speaks individually to each student.   Heide is truly a gem and has my highest recommendations.” - Cheryl Dalsin