LEARNING TO PLAY THE VIOLIN ONLINE
Most of the classes I have taught throughout my life have been face to face. However, when I had to live away from a big city, I decided, despite my initial doubts, to try teaching my classes online. After years of experience, I can say without hesitation that online teaching has exceeded my expectations and is a great acceptable alternative. Not only have I kept in touch with some of my former students, but I have also added a considerable number of students from other countries where I teach online (Singapore, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea and the United States).
It is true that there are a number of technological requirements that need to be met in order to teach online, but once these are met, it is even possible to play a duo. I will list some of these requirements below, along with my recommendations for each. (a) The student must have a good internet connection: the minimum acceptable is 20 Mbs, although 100 Mbs is advisable and 600 Mbs is ideal. (b) It is necessary to be registered on an online platform that allows video calls: FaceTime is particularly reliable. Skype can sometimes fail. Other widely used platforms are Zoom, Botim or even WhatsApp. (c) It is possible to use headphones, although they have two disadvantages: if they are not very good, the sound of the violin may be distorted; on the other hand, students may hear the teacher very well, but not themselves clearly enough; I personally prefer not to use them. (d) A mobile phone or tablet can be used to communicate with the teacher, while at the same time a computer or tablet can be used to read or consult the score. (e) The use of loudspeakers, whether connected to the computer, mobile phone or tablet, enhances the learning experience and is highly recommended. Finally, I should add that the immediacy of email makes the exchange of scores with annotations quick and easy.
As for the explanations of position and fingering, which may worry the student thinking of taking lessons online, I must say that, with the experience of these years, I do not find a great difference. On the other hand, although it is obvious, the experience as a whole is more convenient, among other things because no time is wasted travelling (and this expense is eliminated), it is much easier to keep to a timetable and you can enjoy the comforts of being at home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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You should research various online violin teachers and choose one that offers beginner violin lessons tailored to your needs and preferences. Many teachers offer online lessons, including video lessons, live lessons and free online violin lessons for beginners to help you learn the basics of the violin and improve your skills.
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Certainly! Many violin teachers offer their services on online violin lesson platforms, which can include live lessons and video-based lessons. Some sites also have a dedicated violin teacher that can guide you through the learning process, provide feedback on your progress and suggest appropriate learning resources.
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There are several advantages, such as flexibility, accessibility and affordability. You can take lessons online at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home, without having to travel to a violin school. Online lessons are often more affordable than in-person lessons and some platforms even offer free violin lessons. What’s more, online resources can be accessed at any time and you can review lessons and practice as often as you like.
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Yes, there are. Many online platforms offer free violin lessons for beginners and different skill levels as part of their learning resources. These lessons typically cover the basics of playing the violin, including violin technique, tuning and how to hold the violin. Free lessons can be an excellent way to try out online violin lessons without committing to subscription-based courses or paid lessons.
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First determine whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced violinist. Research different online platforms that cater to your skill level, and look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the effectiveness of their lessons. Many platforms also offer trial periods or sample lessons so you can test the quality and suitability of their courses before committing yourself to the full course.
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Absolutely! Many online violin lessons are designed for different skill levels, including intermediate and advanced level. These lessons often cover advanced techniques and repertoire, and offer in-depth explanations and demonstrations of different playing styles and methods. Access to learning resources and personalized feedback from professional violin teachers can help you improve your skills and reach your desired level.
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The amount of time you need to spend practicing depends on your personal goals, your learning style and the complexity of the techniques you’re learning. As a beginner, it is recommended that you practice at least 20-30 minutes a day, ideally every day or at least five days a week. Consistent practice is essential to progress and retain new information. As you progress, you may need to increase your practice time to maintain and improve your skills.
Maite Iglesias teaching online a talented thirteen-year-old student, Max, from Seoul. He was preparing the Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.
““The online classes have exceeded my expectations and are a much more acceptable alternative than I thought.” ”
