Beginner Violin Course A (10 Weeks)

Beginner Violin Course A (10 Weeks)

Play the violin fluently in just 10 weeks!

• Duration: 90 minutes
  
• Day: Tuesday 8pm OR Friday 6.30pm OR Saturday 10am
  
• Tutor: David Worswick (Tues/Sat) / Marisol Craig Hillier (Fri)
  
• Venue: Whitcomb Street Studio, WC2H 7DT

Term Dates - New Year Term 2025

Week 1: week commencing 13th January
Week 2: w/c 20th January
Week 3: w/c 27th January
Week 4: w/c 3rd February
Week 5: w/c 10th February
Half Term: week commencing 17th February (no regular classes)
Week 6: w/c 24th February
Week 7: w/c 3rd March
Week 8: w/c 10th March
Week 9: w/c 17th March
Week 10: w/c 24th March

End of Term Concert: Saturday 29th March
(venue and times to be confirmed)

Introduction 

Welcome to Beginner Violin Course A, a 10-week in-person program (90 minutes per week), designed to help you master the basics of good violin playing.

Whether you're a first-time beginner or have some prior knowledge, this course will equip you with the skills and experience you need to start your journey with the violin in the best possible way!

You'll also learn:

- Violin Technique: Explore all the fundamental skills needed to play beautifully on the violin.
- How to Read Music: If you don't already read music notation, you'll learn how to do this during the course!
- How to Practise: Learn how to practise effectively in order to develop a secure technique and make speedy progress.
- How to Perform: Develop the skills and confidence to perform in front of a live audience!

Course Curriculum

In this 10-week course, you will explore a wide range of topics, including:

• Posture and the Body
• Holding the Violin
• Holding the Bow
• Making a Good Sound!
• Musical Fundamentals
• Open Strings
• Playing with the Fingers
• Intonation (playing in tune)
• Slurred Bowing
• Major and Minor
• Scales and Arpeggios
• Coordination and Dexterity
• Rhythm and Pulse
• Practising
• Improvisation
• Playing in a Group
• Performing

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for both first-time learners, and for people returning to the violin after some time. You don't need any previous musical experience to take this course - we'll teach you everything you need to know (including music notation if you do not already read music).

Why take this course?

• Personal Development - Connect with your creative side, and develop practice methods and performance techniques that will can be transferred to many other areas of your life!
• Meet Likeminded Learners - London String School learners come from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life,
• Take Time for Yourself! In our busy, connected, city lives, there's rarely a time to stop and disconnect. Switch off to focus entirely on the violin, and 90 minutes later you'll emerge refreshed and energised by the power of music!
  

Course Requirements

To enroll in this course, you'll need your own violin and bow. We also recommend buying a music stand. There are no other requirements for taking the course, and you don't need to know how to read music (we'll show you how to do that)!

If you’re already committed to learning the violin, then you can sign up straight away for Beginner Course A.

If you’d like to try a ‘taster session’ first, to be sure that the violin is the right instrument for you, then we recommend taking part in the introductory Fundamentals class before joining the full course.

This also gives you an opportunity to get to know our teaching style, and for the introductory 'Fundamentals' class we can also provide you with a violin and bow, at no extra cost!

Course Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a record of achievement certifying that you have completed the Beginner Violin Course!

Course Instructor

David Worswick or Marisol Hillier will guide you through this learning journey with support from our outstanding team of learning advisors.

David is a distinguished violinist and pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. Originally from Liverpool, after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music he served as a first violinist with the London Symphony Orchestra from 2010 to 2017. David has performed worldwide, contributed to award-winning recordings, and premiered numerous new works. His extensive experience as both a performer and teacher enriches his supportive and insightful teaching approach, guiding students to achieve their musical aspirations.

Marisol is a music graduate of KCL with extensive experience teaching learners of all ages and levels. Formerly managing ViolinSchool programs in London, she has taught and performed for many years, including in schools in Dartford and Tonbridge. She also worked for several years at Stringers Violin Shop in London, where she developed a deep understanding and expertise of how to support beginner violinists. Now a professional singer and guitarist, Marisol brings practical performance insights and a thoughtful, supportive teaching style that helps elevate your playing to new heights.

Course Reviews

Here's what some of our past students have said about our courses:

”[You have] enabled me to relearn the violin! Over the last few years I’ve gone from playing open strings to grade 5, enjoying performing solos and a wide variety of group numbers along the way. With no auditions or minimum standard it really is open to all and a great supportive environment!” - Georgina