In the G minor scale, we use Finger Pattern 2 on the G string, then Finger Pattern 1 on the D string, but with the 1st finger extended back.

Without using the bow, let's learn how to tap the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers in the right place ... first on your arm, and then on your violin!

Check your hand shape before you start! These finger patterns will help you develop your left hand technique and make your fingers fast and strong!

Here is a piece of music in which the tune comes back again and again. In bars 13 to 16, you can create your own melody in a similar style!

B sits on the middle line and the tail can go either up or down. B sits next to Open String A on the stave, and is played with the 1st finger.

These two songs are based on the scales of G and D. Play them through without stopping, and remember to keep a steady beat throughout!

A syncopated musical rhythm, where a very short note is followed by a long one, is called a scotch snap. Here are some rhythms featuring the scotch snap for you to practise!

Learn notes quickly by tapping different parts of your body with both hands. Each part of the body represents a different note!

We place the fingers on the strings of the violin to create the notes. Here are some 'finger numbers' and grid patterns that you can use to make it easier!

This uplifting tune has become one of the most popular melodies on earth … play it with lots of expression, and don't forget the dynamics!

This exciting tune from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' needs to be played quite fast!

Check these 'musical sums' carefully ... there’s a mixture of plus and minus symbols!

Here is a tune to sing whilst you bring the violin into playing position. Try it without the violin first!

Bear Dance (Course A) is great for practising rapid string crossings and quick, short, energetic bow strokes on open strings! It's not so great for downstairs neighbours, as you'll see...!

This Rhythm Bank from Course B introduces Mixed Rhythms in 2/4 Time. Feel a count of two beats in each bar as you clap and play these rhythms!

Play this beautiful duet as expressively as you can! Practise all the big intervals slowly, until your slurred string crossings are smooth and perfectly in time!

Time for some dynamics! Go from quiet to loud, to quiet, to very loud, to infinity and beyond!! In this lesson, we practise changing the speed, weight and contact point of the bow.

An Adventure in the Air! Can you fill in the note names to discover what happens to the hot air balloon? Only those who know where the notes go can […]

The Creative Strings Workshop with Christian Howes closes today - it's your last chance to enrol! The course, which is highly recommended by all of us here at ViolinSchool, will lead you on a 7-week creative adventure through the world of harmony and improvisation.

Test the speed of your left hand fingers, as Super-Speedy Super Fly flies high into the sky!

Every day from 1st September, we'll be releasing a new lesson for you on ViolinSchool.com ... and you'll find everything right here on the blog! We'll have lessons from across Courses A, B, C and D, as well as our new Starter Course, and ViolinSchool members will be able to log in and download beautiful new printed sheets for every lesson.

One of the outstanding presentations at our Teacher Training Course this week came from legendary jazz violinist and creativity educator Christian Howes. His Creative Strings online workshops are now a recommended part of our curriculum!

We're sooooo excited to introduce to be introducing fully updated courses for the Autumn Term! Here's what we currently offer ... you can register for any of these courses via our Coaching Program today!

September is one of the most popular times of year for starting to learn the violin! See what's coming up at ViolinSchool in September...