Because they come in so many sizes, violins are ideal instruments for young players. Students may begin with 1/4-, 1/2-, or 3/4-size instruments, and as they grow the instruments can be traded for larger sizes until they are able to handle full-size violins. (Before purchasing an instrument, it is important to get help from a qualified salesperson or other source, to help you determine the size of violin you will need in relation to your child's arm length and hand size.)
Designed for young people aged 6-8, Introducing Violin for Children is a lively first experience with this wonderful instrument. Weekly classes are intended not only to teach children to play the violin but also to make music an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. Students gradually master each step required – from holding the instrument and bow to learning proper finger placement and developing their sense of pitch – to ensure a solid musical foundation on the violin. They are expected to show a commitment to their string study by practicing daily at home, and can make very good progress with consistent practice of 15-20 minutes a day.
Children must have their own violins for this course. These may be purchased from Waltons music shops at special discounts for student enrolled in the school (see below). Parents are also advised to purchase Violin Method Book 1 by Eta Cohen (Novello), available in Waltons music shops, before the start of the course.
Introducing Violin for Children is one of our group courses for beginners. Private and partner violin lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Strings for more information.
2010-2011 Class Schedules & Fee
22 weeks, October 2, 2010 – March 26, 2011
CLASS 1
Saturdays 11 am – 12 pm (Tara Novak)
CLASS 2
Saturdays 12.30 – 1.30 pm (Elena Elioutina)
Tuition Fee: €360
Payment Plan: €126 deposit; two payments (November 1, December 1) of €125
Teachers
Elena Elioutina received her diploma in orchestral playing and violin teaching, with distinction, from Voronezh State College of Music in Russia, as well as a BA in Music Performance, specialising in orchestral string instruments, from Voronezh State Institute of the Arts. She has continued with post-graduate studies at the RIAM 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.
Although originally from a classical background, Tara Novak is one of those rare violinists who is equally at home in a multitude of genres – from jazz, rock, pop, and traditional music to Broadway shows and experimental theatre pieces. She credits the foundation of her technique first to her years spent studying with the international concert violinist Benny Kim, and then to the diversity demanded of a freelancing musician in New York City. While in NYC, Tara became frustrated with the lack of spontaneity in the modern classical music scene and decided to dedicate her time to discovering other styles of playing. In the next few years, she attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mark O’Connor’s fiddle camp in Nashville, studied privately with Irish fiddler Dana Lyn, blues violinist Marty Laster, jazz-rock violinist Rob Thomas, and worked with many bands in NYC within the Irish, glam-rock, punk, and experimental genres. She is currently the solo violinist with both the Three Irish Tenors and Druid, as well as working extensively with singer Fionnuala Gill. She has toured throughout Ireland, the UK, Holland, North America, and the Caribbean, and has performed with Disney’s The Lion King, Rod Stewart and Mannheim Steamroller. In addition to her busy performance schedule, Tara is an active composer, writer and educator and teaches violin, jazz violin and fiddle, as well as Introducing Violin for Children, at the New School.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. 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 six.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Download a gift certificate booking form.
Recommended Instruments
If your child does not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments at special discounts for students starting tuition at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
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