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A few years ago, a new student came to me with a single request. She didn't want to start with scales, or a beginner's method book, or "whatever's traditional first." She wanted to learn one piece: Pachelbel's Canon in D. It had been her grandmother's favourite. I've taught a lot of adult beginners over the years, and almost all of them arrive with some kind of reason underneath the reason. "I always wanted to" is rarely the whole story. For Sue, the real story came out slowl

One of the things I hear again and again when I speak to adults who are interested in learning the violin is, “I've been thinking about taking up the violin for a while.” Sometimes that means a few months, but quite often it means several years. They have thought about having lessons, listened to music they love, perhaps even looked at violins or watched a few videos online, but for one reason or another they have never quite taken that first step. I completely understand it.

There is a particular difficulty in beginning the violin as an adult that I don't think we talk about very often. It has very little to do with age. It is the strange experience of already knowing what beautiful music sounds like. Most adults who decide to learn the violin for the first time do not arrive with empty ears. They have spent years listening. Perhaps they have favourite composers, favourite recordings, or particular violinists whose playing they return to again an

When I first started teaching violin online, I honestly wasn't convinced. Like many teachers, the pandemic changed the way I taught almost overnight. Suddenly, lessons that had always taken place in person were happening through a screen. I adapted because I had to, but if I'm completely honest, I couldn't wait for the day when I could return to teaching face-to-face. For me, there was something special about being in the same room as a student. I loved being able to hear the

If you are an adult who has always wanted to learn the violin, you may have wondered whether online lessons can really work. Perhaps you have never played an instrument before and are wondering if you can actually learn from home. Or maybe you played the violin years ago and are thinking about returning to it, but you are not sure where to start. You may also be wondering whether a teacher can really see what you are doing through a screen. The answer is yes. Adults can absol

Across the UK, school music lessons play an important role in a child’s wider education, even though they are sometimes given less attention than core academic subjects. Whether it is singing in class, learning an instrument, joining an orchestra, or taking part in a school concert, music education offers benefits that go far beyond the music room. From my experience as a violin teacher, I often see how school music opportunities shape a child’s confidence, motivation, and se

For musically inclined students in Hertfordshire, the transition to secondary school opens up a fantastic pathway: the Music Criterion. Several of our local state, partially selective, and independent secondary schools offer specialized Year 7 placement allocations based purely on musical aptitude or performance ability. However, for parents navigating the admissions system for the first time, the timeline, the different test styles, and the preparation requirements can feel

Starting violin lessons is an exciting step, but it can also feel a little overwhelming for parents — especially if your child has never played an instrument before. You may be wondering whether they are ready, what lessons involve, and how quickly they will progress. This guide explains how I introduce complete beginners to the violin in a calm, structured, and supportive way, so you know exactly what to expect from the very first lesson — whether you’re based in St Albans,

If you’ve just started violin lessons (or you’re thinking about them), you’ll probably hear the term ABRSM grades quite quickly. Most parents immediately ask me:“What do these grades actually mean?”and“Does my child need to do exams?” So here’s a simple, no-jargon guide to help you understand how it all works. What is ABRSM? ABRSM is just a system used in the UK to measure progress in music. For violin, it’s split into 8 grades, starting at Grade 1 (beginner level) and going

There’s this point I see a lot where music starts to feel less like something students are just doing for fun and more like something they are constantly being measured on. Exams especially ABRSM exams can sometimes quietly turn it into pressure without anyone really meaning to. In theory exams are actually fine. They give structure something to aim for and some students really like that. But I also think somewhere along the way the original reason for playing music like curi

One of the violinists I genuinely love listening to — and always come back to — is Mischa Elman. I was first introduced to his playing by my own teacher, and I remember being completely struck by it. There was something about his sound that felt immediately different from anything I had heard before, and it has stayed with me ever since. There are many great violinists from the early 20th century, but Elman is one of those rare players whose sound feels completely unmistakabl

One of the questions I’m asked most often is when a child should begin violin lessons. It’s an understandable concern. The violin is a demanding instrument, and parents naturally want to ensure their child starts at a time when they will feel confident, supported, and able to progress well. In my experience, there is no single “correct” age. Children can begin at different stages and go on to develop beautifully as musicians. The more important factor is readiness rather than

In Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, some secondary schools offer a small number of Year 7 places based on musical aptitude. These places are highly competitive and are awarded through a listening-based assessment designed to identify natural musical ability and musical potential. For families with children who show musical interest or talent, this can be an important part of the secondary school admissions process. What is a music aptitude test? Music aptitude tests are d

Many students preparing for ABRSM exams take private violin lessons in London, St Albans, Rickmansworth, or online. A good teacher will help with: selecting appropriate exam pieces developing scales and technique improving sight-reading building confidence for performance Structured tuition is often the difference between struggling and progressing smoothly through the grades. Common challenges in ABRSM violin exams Students often find difficulty with: maintaining consistent