Beginner Violin Course B (10 Weeks)

Beginner Violin Course B (10 Weeks)

Consolidate your skills, and build up your repertoire and technique!

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Day: Wednesday 8pm to 9.30pm
• Tutor: Simon Hewitt Jones / David Worswick
• Venue: Whitcomb Street Studio, WC2H 7DT

Term Dates - Summer Term 2024

Week 1: Wed 24th April / Sat 27th April
Week 2: Wed 1st May / Sat 4th May

Week 3: Wed 8th May / Sat 11th May

Week 4: Wed 15th May / Sat 18th May

Week 5: Wed 22nd May / Sat 25th May
Half Term: week of 27th May (no regular classes)

Week 6: Wed 5th June / Sat 8th June

Week 7: Wed 12th June / Sat 15th June

Week 8: Wed 19th June / Sat 22nd June
Week 9: Wed 26th June / Sat 20th June
Week 10: Wed 3rd July / Sat 6th July

Introduction 

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

Whether you've just completed Violin Course A, or you've had a few lessons and can already play fluently in 1st position, this course will help you to refine and build on your existing skills, so that you can continue 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:

• G, D and A Major Scales (Revision)
• Bowing and Coordination
• Bow Strokes
• Rhythm and Pulse
• Intonation
• Sight-reading
• Dotted Rhythms
• Bowing
• Half Steps (Semitones)
• C major
• Improvisation
• Minor Scale
• Chords and harmony
• Playing in a Group
• Practising 

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for beginner violinists who have either completed Course A, had a few one to one lessons, or are returning to the violin having previously played to an intermediate level.

To get the most out of Course B, we recommend that you are already able to play G, D and A major scales in first position - in time and in tune, with a good sound. You should also be comfortable with basic note reading, time signatures and key signatures in the treble clef.

If you are unsure, please contact us. We will be very happy to guide you to the right starting point in the curriculum!

Why take this course?

• Technical and Musical Development - consolidate and build up the skills that you have already learnt at Course A level. Improve the accuracy and co-ordination of what you can already do, and enhance your practice and performance skills!
• Expand Your Repertoire - Have fun learning lots of new music, including famous songs, traditional melodies and classic violin repertoire!
• 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.

To get the most out of Course B, we recommend that you are already able to play G, D and A major scales in first position - in time and in tune, with a good sound.

You should also be comfortable with basic note reading, time signatures and key signatures in the treble clef.

If you know that you can play G, D and A major accurately in first position (and are comfortable reading basic sheet music), then you are most welcome to go ahead and register directly online! 

Full course registration also includes full access to our Fundamentals Violin Class at no extra cost. This is a brilliant opportunity to revise the 'first principles' of good violin technique, and make sure that there are no gaps at the foundational level of your technique.

If you’d like to try a ‘taster session’ first, then we recommend taking part in an Introductory Fundamentals class before joining Course B. This also gives you an opportunity to get to know our teaching style, and is helpful for us to be sure that you are starting at the point of our curriculum that's best for you.

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, the lead tutor of London String School, will guide you through this learning journey with support from our outstanding team of teachers including Marisol and Simon.

David has years of experience both as a teacher and performer, and was previously a first violinist in the London Symphony Orchestra. He is a kind, caring teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to help you succeed.

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