Learn or revise the first principles of good violin playing ... play fluently, confidently, and with a beautiful sound, in just a few hours!
See a list of all upcoming class dates, including the next available live sessions!
Whether you're a first-time beginner, a restarter, or you've already been playing the violin for a while, we'd like to invite you to the Violin Fundamentals classes here at ViolinSchool.
The core principles of good violin playing are complicated and counterintuitive.
They can be confusing, because there's so much to consider, and it's easy to get things wrong!
But ViolinSchool's Violin Fundamentals program will help you to avoid all the most common mistakes, and master the basics of good violin playing in just a few hours!
For Beginners, Restarters and if you Already Play
This class is a perfect way to start if you're a first-time player who's never played a note on the violin before.
But it's also a fantastic refresher course if you're restarting the violin after some time away... ... or if you *already* play, but feel that your bow hold, bowing and tone production aren't as fluent or consistent as you'd like them to be.
An Established, Proven Program
Violin Fundamentals was the very first program we offered here at ViolinSchool. It's now been running for well over a decade, and for very good reason ... we've helped many hundreds of people to master the core principles of violin playing and create a beautiful sound - quickly, easily, and consistently.
One of the hardest things about starting to play the violin is that there are so many things you have to do simultaneously ... you need to hold the violin correctly, use the bowing arm to make a good sound, place the fingers accurately to play the notes ... there's just loads to think about!
But the Violin Fundamentals program helps you to cut through that frustration, and enjoy the incredible sense of achievement you'll get from performing successfully for the first time.
We do this by distilling all these complex ideas down to simple, universal principles.
First Principles
The reason the program works so well for all levels is that we use a series of activities and practical exercises to explore and understand the physical first principles that are true for everyone.
You'll be empowered to start building your own, personal violin technique in the way that works best for YOUR body.
You Don't Need to Read Music
Both Fundamentals classes are taught entirely by ear, so you don't *need* to be able to read music to take part.
Finding a Violin
If you're joining us remotely via webcam, you'll obviously need your own violin and bow.
Alternatively, if you can come and visit our school in London, England, to take the class in person, then we can provide a violin and bow for you to use.
If you need help finding an instrument, then check out our free 'How to Get Started with the Violin' course, or contact us first before you order one online!
It's very easy to make a poor choice when buying a violin online, so we are very happy to advise you and answer any questions you may have, BEFORE you make a purchase from a violin shop!
We also offer a free setup service for anyone who books the Violin Fundamentals class online.
Once you've registered for the Violin Fundamentals and you have a violin, you have the option to schedule a free Setup call with one of our Learning Advisors.
They will help you to get your violin set up, tuned and ready to play, so that you can begin your first session knowing that your violin is well set up, and isn't going to get in the way of your learning!
Great Results ... Fast!
People who learn the violin at ViolinSchool have the opportunity to make amazing progress with the violin. Here are some of their stories:
How can learners at ViolinSchool achieve incredible results so quickly?
We make the learning process more efficient, by helping you to learn intuitively. You'll learn to play the way a child would ... but much more quickly!
So by the time you *understand* everything, you can instinctively already do it.
Proper Research & Professional Experience
It's a powerful approach and it's fully backed up by the academic research of our Director, the violinist Simon Hewitt Jones, whose work originated at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and later evolved into ViolinSchool's core curriculum.
The class also draws on decades of teaching experience across the whole ViolinSchool Coaching team, and the expertise of our lead course designer, David Worswick, a former first violinist of the London Symphony Orchestra.
You Can Play The Violin!
Whatever your age...whatever your skill level... YOU have the inbuilt ability to play the violin!
It’s startling what can happen when you let yourself succeed... just give it a go, see what can happen, and allow yourself the opportunity to try the violin.
That's exactly what BBC presenter Julian Marshall experienced when Simon showed him how to play a simple melody on the violin - live on BBC Radio:
Do It - Understand It - Internalise It
The Violin Fundamentals is a really practical program. It's not just about understanding, but about DOING.
We'll take you through a series of carefully designed activities that will get you playing and making music straight away - even if you don't yet read the notes!
Of course, we'll also give you plenty of theory and new knowledge as you learn each topic. But more importantly, we'll help you to internalise what you are learning through intelligent repetition.
Realise Your Potential
You'll start to build up good habits from the very first time you start to play!
You'll develop a beautiful sound, then use the violin to communicate the music exactly how you want, so you can share your music with friends and family, and enjoy amazing musical experiences together!
You'll be able to realise your musical potential, and bring to life your natural musical ability. In a few hours, you'll be making music with the violin, and starting a thrilling and rewarding journey that will bring you great joy and happiness ... now, and in the future!
Live Classes, Experienced Teachers
Violin Fundamentals is a short course, presented through a repeating series of two hour-long classes. You can attend the sessions as many times as you like, until you feel you've mastered the concepts and you're really confident about how to play the basic techniques.
All classes are relayed via Zoom, but if you can visit our school in London (England), you're welcome to participate in person, too!
We can even provide a violin if you don't already have one, and you DON'T need to read music either - all sessions are taught by ear!
We encourage you not just to watch the video course, but to join in with the live classes as well.
This is because everyone's body is different, and having live interactive feedback from an experienced teacher during a class, is an invaluable benefit that you just can't get from a series of videos.
Different Options for Different Timezones
We run live classes regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for American and European timezones.
And we frequently add in extra class times for Australasia, Asia Pacific and West Coast USA.
If none of the upcoming class times are suitable for you, it's no problem - just email [email protected] with your preferred dates and times, and we'll do our very best to accommodate you!
Repeat Classes - Reinforce Your Learning
Once you've attended Session 1 and Session 2 for the first time, you are welcome to repeat the two classes as many times as you wish via Zoom, to help reinforce and practise what you have learnt.
You'll then be perfectly set up for learning the violin, and you'll also have the option of joining our renowned series of Violin Courses, which run three times a year.
Visit Us In London?
All tuition at ViolinSchool is available for remote learning. Some of our classes run only on Zoom; others are relayed live from our school in London, England.
If you are visiting or passing through London, you'll always be assured of a warm welcome if you choose to come to a class in person, and we also have violins available for you to use.
All our venues are based in, or near to Westminster in Central London, and are easily accessible from all major stations and airports, so come and visit if you would like to!
Support & Certification
When you register for the Violin Fundamentals, you're not only buying a transformative violin class, but also the support YOU need to master the fundamental techniques of violin playing.
In addition to the two live classes, you'll receive:
Community & Membership
But that's not all ... you'll also be able to join our friendly, helpful community of learners, and a 30 day ViolinSchool membership is included too, giving you instant access to thousands of great learning tools in our digital library - including all the resources you need to learn how to read music if you don't already.
Class Topics
In Session 1, we explore how to hold the violin and bow - which is more counterintuitive than you might think! - and make sure that you're using your body in a balanced way, so that you always have good posture - this is essential for smooth and balanced bowing movements.
We'll also learn how NOT to hold the bow ... and understand how to create a good sound from the very first time the bow touches the string ... completely avoiding any 'screechy cat' sounds!
Session 2 is all about making a beautiful sound, changing the sound to create different emotions, and understanding how to start practising and performing on the violin.
And throughout both sessions, we'll come to understand how good violin playing depends on the musical fundamentals of good timing and accurate pitch.
By the end of the Fundamentals classes, you'll be able to perform a piece of music on the violin - in time, in tune, and with a good sound.
Most importantly, you'll have gained the confidence to know that you really CAN play the violin, and make music that you want to play ... and that others want to hear!
How Quickly Can I Complete The Course?
Most people complete the Violin Fundamentals program within a couple of weeks, by attending the two hour-long live classes then submitting a video assignment.
If you're in a hurry, you could probably complete the course within a day. Or if you'd like to take your time, you have up to a month to submit your optional assignment and earn your certificate.
Start Learning Today!
We love delivering these classes because it's always so rewarding to see people's faces light up with excitement when they realise they really can play the violin.
If you'd like to feel that same sense of accomplishment and find out what you can do with the violin, then join the Violin Fundamentals classes today!
Once you register, you can choose the date for your first Session 1 live class, and you'll get instant access to all the digital learning materials, so you can start learning straight away!
Book Online Now
The Violin Fundamentals classes make it easy to get started with this incredible instrument, so come and join us and you'll be playing the violin sooner than you think.
Take a look at the upcoming class dates, and then you can go ahead and book online.
Any Questions?
If you've got any questions, or if you would like to request a specific class time that's more convenient for your time zone, then don't hesitate to drop us an email or give us a call, and we will look forward to meeting you soon!
Already playing violin? The Fundamentals program is included FREE with our renowned 10-week Courses. Find out more here:
A comprehensive series of Beginner Violin Courses - from first-time player through to fluency in 1st position (G, D, A Major)
A continuing series of Intermediate Violin Courses for violinists ready to begin shifting into different positions, develop vibrato, and more!
Session 1: Posture, How To Hold the Violin, How to Hold The Bow, Basic Note Reading, Your First Piece
Session 2: - The Right Hand, Bowing, Making a Beautiful Sound, Open String Pieces, Your First Performance
We recommend attending Session 1 before coming to Session 2!
Upcoming Dates:
NEW FOR 2022!
We will be running the Fundamentals classes EVERY week from January 2022 ...
New schedule starting Wednesday 5th January ... for full listings check the new live schedule page on the main website!
Saturday 23rd April, 10am to 12pm UTC via Zoom - Session 1 & 2
Wednesday 27th April, 5:30pm to 7pm UTC via Zoom - Session 1
Saturday 30th April, 3pm to 5pm UTC via Zoom - Session 1& 2
Wednesday 4th May, 5:30pm to 7pm UTC via Zoom - Session 2
Wednesday 11th May, 5:30pm to 7pm UTC via Zoom - Session 1
Saturday 14th May, 3pm to 5pm UTC via Zoom - Session 1 & 2
Wednesday 18th May, 5:30pm to 7pm UTC via Zoom - Session 2
Wednesday 25th May, 5:30pm to 7pm UTC via Zoom - Session 1
more dates will be announced soon!
It's time to get started playing the violin!
We offer a 100% money-back guarantee on all ViolinSchool Fundamentals Classes.
If for any reason at all you decide that the Class is not right for you, just let us know by the end of your first session, and we will refund your registration fee in full.
Q: How do I join the live classes?
A: The live classes take place online on Zoom. You will be able to book your first session as soon as you register, then you'll be sent an email with the Zoom meeting link, before the start of the class.
Q: Do you offer the class offline?
A: We occasionally present some of the Fundamentals sessions live from our school in London, England. These sessions will be clearly marked on the schedule. If you are in (or visiting) the UK, you are welcome to come and join us in person at no extra cost!
Q: Do I need my own violin?
A: If you are participating remotely, then you will need a violin. If you don't already have one, click here and we can help you find one that's right for you! Alternatively, if you are able to visit our school in London, England, then we can provide a violin for you to tuse.
Q: Do I need to read music?
A: No, the Fundamentals classes are taught without music notation. But if you'd like to learn how to read music, we can show you that too!
Q: How many people are there in each class?
A: We work to a ratio of 8:1 offline, and for online classes with more than 10 participants there is usually a second tutor or presenter available to answer any questions. We always make sure that there is someone from our coaching team available to answer any questions or help you with any instrument or tuning-related issues.
Q: What comes after the Violin Fundamentals Classes?
A: The Violin Fundamentals Classes lead directly on to our popular series Beginner Violin Courses which run three times a year on a termly basis. Course A starts with an introduction to the fingers, so you can learn how to create different notes by stopping the fingers on the string using the left hand.
There are three instalments - Course A, Course B and Course C. Once you've attended the Violin Fundamentals Classes you'll be ready to join Course A, which will give you all the foundational skills to play the violin well at a basic level. If you go on to complete Course B and C, you'll find that - within a year - you can play pretty much any simple melody fluently and beautifully on the violin!
Q: How can I be sure that the Violin Fundamentals Classes are any good?
A: Our director Simon Hewitt Jones developed the workshop as part of his research at the Royal Academy of Music, refining it over several years to create the quickest possible route to playing the violin in tune and in time with a good basic sound. The class (originally known as the 'Beginner Violin Class') has now been running for over 10 years, and has helped literally hundreds of people to get started successfully with the violin!
It works for everyone because it explains the most important 10 or so core principles of violin playing in a really simple way, without getting into the nitty gritty of complex violin technique. So you really can be playing the violin with a good basic sound in just 2 hours!
Q: I’ve never played the violin in my life / I’d love to try this but I’m a bit nervous…
A: Don’t worry at all. You’ll have a great time. Our tutors are really nice and they take the approach that ‘no question is too silly’. Everyone else at the class will be feeling the same as you! But after a couple of minutes, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. You don’t need any experience at all for this class!
Q: I’ve played the violin before. Is this for me?
A: If you played the violin only at beginner level (i.e. no higher than ABRSM exam grades 3-4) and have not touched it for several years, you’ll certainly benefit from the class – so please go ahead and book today!
If you’ve played quite recently, or if you reached higher than ABRSM grade 4-5, then we are likely to recommend that you take the Fundamentals Classes as a refresher, and then go directly to Course B or Course C (or even one of our intermediate courses, or a personalised Restarter Program). The best thing to do is to send us an enquiry then we can recommend the right class for you.
Q: What happens after the Fundamentals Classes / what do I do next?
A: Our 10-week Beginner Violin Courses lead on directly from the 2-hour Beginner Violin Class. It's possible to join the 10-week course directly, without coming to the 2-hour class, as the same material is covered in weeks 1 & 2 (but in more detail). However, many people like to come to the 2-hour Beginner Violin Class first, to get to know our teaching style before joining the full course.
Following the Beginnner Class, you'll be ready to get started on our Courses, which are available either by membership subscription or through our Coaching Program or Termly Enrolment. Our Learning Advisory team will follow up with you by email to answer any questions and help guide you to the right learning program.
Q: Where do I buy a violin?
A: We can guide you through the process of getting a violin for the first time - click through to our Beginner Setup process and we'll get you started from there. You can also find plenty of advice about finding a violin in our free online course, 'How To Get Started With The Violin'.
Have a question that's not answered here?
Give us a call on +44 (0) 20 3051 0080 or email [email protected] and we'll be very happy to advise you!
