This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.
Break weeksTerm 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026Term 2 No scheduled break weekTerm 3 31st May- 4th June 2027
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
You will develop the techniques of violin/viola playing at an intermediate level.
What will we cover?
- Improving sound quality by developing basic bow strokes - Study of 2nd and 4th positions - Vibrato (starting or developing) - Listening skills for ensemble playing - Aural awareness (especially of intervals for tuning and note finding).
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use vibrato where appropriate - Read notation and play in 2nd and 4th positions - Move between left hand positions - Employ a variety of bowing techniques - Understand elements of music theory relevant to violin/viola playing - Work on individual development points - Scales and arpeggios based on the Grade 4 syllabus.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You need a playing standard of approximately Grade 3-4 and you should be able to tune your instrument independently and read music. You should be fluent in 1st and 3rd positions and familiar with major and minor scales (up to 3 sharps/2 flats) in two octaves with slurred and separate bowing patterns. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The tutor will direct the group, playing along with the whole class (either with the students' line or an accompaniment) or listening to individuals play. We will use some pre-recorded accompaniment and very simple playing by ear. A regular practice routine is essential to make progress, ideally at least 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course leads to Violin and viola 5 next term. You may also be interested in String Ensemble and String Winter/Easter/Summer School. You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For details please visit our post on Musicianship and music theory at City Lit
Robert Puzey has enjoyed a varied career teaching and freelancing on violin and viola in London and the South East. He plays with (and jointly runs) The Oberon String Quartet which provides music for weddings and other functions. His teaching includes schools in north London and work with adult string players at City Lit. He also plays chamber music with the Max Bruch Trio. Other playing in recent years has included concerto appearances on both violin and viola, as well as work with the Orchestra of St John's, London Gala and Brighton Philharmonic Orchestras. His further activity with amateur musicians has included leading The Chamber Orchestra, a string orchestra based in central London. He is now incorporating more conducting for string courses at City Lit and also for an amateur string orchestra in north west London, along with Saturday workshops in north London. At City Lit he teaches Violin and viola classes from beginners to advanced, Chamber music, regular intensive String Schools, and is Principal violin for Orchestra workshops.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/violin-and-viola-4a175023Violin and viola 4Ahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/i/violin-viola_4a-1024.jpg229229GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Strings22851314135113541228513141351<p>This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May- 4th June 2027</p><p> </p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">You will develop the techniques of violin/viola playing at an intermediate level online. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>253034873Violin and viola 4A229229https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/i/violin-viola_4a-1024_7.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceSep 2026Performing artsME144A229229Violin and viola 4A229160229Robert Puzeyviolin-and-viola-4a/me144a-2627<p>This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May- 4th June 2027</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00You will develop the techniques of violin/viola playing at an intermediate level.<p>This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2 No scheduled break week<br>Term 3 31st May- 4th June 2027</p><p> </p>- Improving sound quality by developing basic bow strokes<br>- Study of 2nd and 4th positions<br>- Vibrato (starting or developing)<br>- Listening skills for ensemble playing<br>- Aural awareness (especially of intervals for tuning and note finding).- Use vibrato where appropriate<br>- Read notation and play in 2nd and 4th positions<br>- Move between left hand positions<br>- Employ a variety of bowing techniques<br>- Understand elements of music theory relevant to violin/viola playing<br>- Work on individual development points<br>- Scales and arpeggios based on the Grade 4 syllabus.You need a playing standard of approximately Grade 3-4 and you should be able to tune your instrument independently and read music. You should be fluent in 1st and 3rd positions and familiar with major and minor scales (up to 3 sharps/2 flats) in two octaves with slurred and separate bowing patterns.<br>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.The tutor will direct the group, playing along with the whole class (either with the students' line or an accompaniment) or listening to individuals play. We will use some pre-recorded accompaniment and very simple playing by ear.<br>A regular practice routine is essential to make progress, ideally at least 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.<p>This course leads to Violin and viola 5 next term. You may also be interested in String Ensemble and String Winter/Easter/Summer School.<br>You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For details please visit our post on <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musicianship and music theory at City Lit</a></p>MusicStringsvirtual229229160ME144ANONEMon14/09/26 - 30/11/2619:45 - 21:1519:4521:1511 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRobert PuzeySome experienceAvailable courses2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00EveningSep 2026Performing arts229229Violin and viola 4Aviolin-and-viola-4a/me144a-2627<p>This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2&nbsp;&nbsp;No scheduled break week<br>Term 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31st May- 4th June 2027</p><p>&nbsp;</p>0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00You will develop the techniques of violin/viola playing at an intermediate level.<p>This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.</p><p><strong>Break weeks</strong><br>Term 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26th - 30th Oct 2026<br>Term 2&nbsp;&nbsp;No scheduled break week<br>Term 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31st May- 4th June 2027</p><p>&nbsp;</p>- Improving sound quality by developing basic bow strokes<br>- Study of 2nd and 4th positions<br>- Vibrato (starting or developing)<br>- Listening skills for ensemble playing<br>- Aural awareness (especially of intervals for tuning and note finding).- Use vibrato where appropriate<br>- Read notation and play in 2nd and 4th positions<br>- Move between left hand positions<br>- Employ a variety of bowing techniques<br>- Understand elements of music theory relevant to violin/viola playing<br>- Work on individual development points<br>- Scales and arpeggios based on the Grade 4 syllabus.You need a playing standard of approximately Grade 3-4 and you should be able to tune your instrument independently and read music. You should be fluent in 1st and 3rd positions and familiar with major and minor scales (up to 3 sharps/2 flats) in two octaves with slurred and separate bowing patterns.<br>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.The tutor will direct the group, playing along with the whole class (either with the students' line or an accompaniment) or listening to individuals play. We will use some pre-recorded accompaniment and very simple playing by ear.<br>A regular practice routine is essential to make progress, ideally at least 30 minutes, 4-5 times per week.<p>This course leads to Violin and viola 5 next term. You may also be interested in String Ensemble and String Winter/Easter/Summer School.<br>You may wish to support your learning through a focus on reading, writing and hearing music and musical patterns. For details please visit our post on&nbsp;<a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/blog/musicianship-music-theory-courses-city-lit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musicianship and music theory at City Lit</a></p>MusicStringsconfigurable
