Group Course for Beginners
Comments from Students
Teachers
Schedules & Fees
Enrolment
Let’s start by getting rid of the myth: if you want to play the violin you don’t have to start at an early age. True, if you want to be the next Maxim Vengerov, Anne-Sophie Mutter or Nigel Kennedy it helps if you begin quite young, but at the New School we believe that students at any age can learn to play the violin, and play it well. All it takes is time…and commitment.
Designed especially for adult beginners, this course covers posture, holding the violin and bow, basic technique, scales, pieces and ensemble playing. Classes, though relaxed and enjoyable, are designed to build your skills methodically and thoroughly. By the end of the course you will have learned some essentials of reading and performing music on this magnificent instrument.
Participating students will need to have have a violin to bring to class and to practice at home. If you do not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments, some of which are available on payment plans, for students at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
Introducing Violin for Adults is one of our group courses for adult beginners. Introducing Violin for Children is offered for children aged 6-8. Private, partner, group and intensive violin lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Strings for more information.
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Comments from Students
'This course gave me a great introduction to a difficult instrument in a friendly, fun environment. It was challenging but thoroughly enjoyable, which I think should be credited to the patience and helpfulness of the teacher.'
– M. Joyce
'This course is great! My class has a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere that is a pleasure to be part of, and I’ve learned loads.'
– E. Finnegan
'[T]his course has opened up new horizons for me. I never thought I could learn a musical instrument, and so far Waltons New School of Music has allowed me to dream that it is possible, no matter what age I am.'
– S. Flonn
'I have really enjoyed Violin for Adults at the school, especially the outstanding teaching skills, kindness and patience of the instructor. I have to say that choosing this course was a very good decision.'
– S. Zhou
'Having just retired from work, I decided to have a go at learning the violin. I was apprehensive about the prospect, not having any experience of playing a musical instrument. However, all my concerns were unnecessary as I found the course relaxing and my progress of learning the instrument quicker than anticipated.'
– D. McKeon
'I'm finding [the course] very enjoyable and not at all intimidating. The teacher makes us feel at ease as we learn the violin.'
– D. Forsyth
'I had no music background but the teacher was very helpful and made it very enjoyable. I really enjoyed the classes. Thanks!'
– J. Vasseur
'Stimulating and enjoyable.'
– V. Shortt
'Great teacher!'
– M. Cullivan
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Teachers
Elena Elioutina
A native of Russia, Elena received her Diploma in orchestral playing and violin teaching, with distinction, from Voronezh State College of Music, as well as a BA in Music Performance, specialising in orchestral string instruments, from Voronezh State Institute of the Arts. She has continued with postgraduate studies at the Royal Irish Academy of Music with Professor Eyal Kless. In Russia Elena taught violin to students from beginner to diploma level, as well as youth violin ensembles. With extensive experience in children’s music education, she currently teaches violin to children from four years up at several Dublin-area schools, in addition to her work teaching both children and adults at the New School since 2003.
Catherine Humphreys
Catherine began studying the violin at the age of six at the Cork School of Music, and went on to receive ATCL and LTCL diplomas from Trinity College of Music in London, achieving distinctions in both, as well as an MA in Classical String Performance from the University of Limerick. Catherine also holds a BSc (Hons) in Clinical Speech and Language Studies from Trinity College Dublin. A keen orchestral and chamber musician, Catherine has been invited to perform with the World Youth Orchestra on three occasions, and has also performed with the University of Limerick’s Academos Irish World Academy Strings ensemble, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Lyric Opera Orchestra, Goethe Institute Choir and Wexford Opera Festival Orchestra. In addition to private teaching, she has been actively involved in primary school and community music education projects, organising and teaching a string instrumental education programme in Ballyfermot and community music classes for St. Vincent de Paul. She has taught at the New School and in our In-School Music Programme since 2010.
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2012-2013 Summer Term Schedules & Fees
July
(Elena Eliotina)
5 weeks, 2 – 30 July 2013
Tuesdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Tuition Fee: €170
August
(Catherine Humphreys)
4 weeks, 7 – 28 August 2013
Wednesdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Tuition Fee: €135
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Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2013 Summer Term Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places in each class are limited to eight.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
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