Violin and viola taster
- Course Code: ME914
- Dates: 29/07/24 - 29/07/24
- Time: 19:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Mon, Evening
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Robert Puzey
Course Code: ME914
Duration: 1 session
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.
What is the course about?
Enjoy discovering what is involved in learning to play the violin or viola, in a friendly, supportive small group. This course is designed as an introduction to Violin and viola 1A starting in September.
What will we cover?
- how to hold the instrument and the bow
- how to use the bow correctly to make a good tone
- the open strings and basic fingering patterns
- simple tunes using a few notes
- the basics of music notation.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- hold the instrument and bow correctly
- use the bow to make a good tone
- know the names of the open strings
- play a few simple tunes by ear and from notation.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for complete beginners. You need to be able to follow instructions in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor demonstration and explanation
Playing in a group and individually
Learning by ear and from music notation.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a violin and bow if possible. There will be a very small number of instruments to use during the class if you do not have your own, but you may have to share it with another student. Other materials will be provided by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course is an introduction to Violin/Viola 1A, starting in September.
You may also be interested in complementary classes from our wide range of Music theory and musicianship courses.
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.
