THE VIOLIN FUNDAMENTALS CLASS
Learn the core principles of good violin playing ... Play fluently and confidently in just two hours!

Whether you're a first-time beginner, a restarter, or you already play the violin, you're about to discover how it’s possible to master the core principles of good violin playing in just a couple of hours ... 

... and play fluently, confidently and with ease. 

It sounds extraordinary, I know! But that's exactly what happens every single week at ViolinSchool.

Whatever your age, let me show you how it’s possible to start playing the violin successfully in the quickest possible time ...

AS FEATURED ON:

For Starters ... And 'Restarters'!

Violin Fundamentals gives adult learners the best possible start in learning how to play the violin. But it's also perfect as a ‘refresher’ if you've played before (e.g. as a child) and want to come back to the violin. We also recommend Session 2 as a useful revision for any Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced player who wishes to refresh their bowing technique!

TECHNIQUE

We’ll teach you the fundamental principles of how to move your body in a way that allows you to make a beautiful sound on the violin.

MUSIC

We’ll help you understand how to apply technical principles to the music itself, by exploring rhythm, pitch and sound on the violin.

PERFORMANCE

We’ll talk about the basics of performing on the violin, and you’ll learn how to prepare a piece of music to perform confidently to other people!

Get started right with the violin!

Phone: +44 (0)20 3051 0080   Email: [email protected]

© Copyright ViolinSchool 2021

All classes are relayed ONLINE via Zoom, but you can also attend live at our London School ... if you're in (or visiting) the UK, come and join us in person!

You don’t need to read music! You'll just need access to a violin.

If you don't yet have a violin, click here and we'll help you find one!

PRACTICE

We’ll show you how to practise the violin to get better and better. By the end of the class, you'll know exactly what to do next to get the sounds you want.

What You'll Learn in the Violin Fundamentals Classes

The Violin Fundamentals Classes will give you clarity about the first principles you need to know in order to play the violin well. You'll learn about:

How It Works

The classes are designed so that you learn intuitively – similar to how a child would learn a language. 

During each lesson and live class, we cover a small but critical number of tasks (both technical and musical). We repeat them really efficiently until you have completely internalised them and they feel really natural for you to do.

What They Say

“I enjoyed the whole session. Thank you very much! Re-familiarizing myself with my violin, starting at scratch and going over the fundamentals… I just loved soaking it all in and the emphasis on the checklist before you start playing – posture etc. I’ve been trying to stand up straight ever since!”

- Leela, Violin Student

About the Violin Fundamentals Classes

ViolinSchool’s Violin Fundamentals classes were originally developed by renowned British violinist Simon Hewitt Jones, Director of ViolinSchool, as part of his research at the Royal Academy of Music. 

We’ve been running the class for over 10 years now, and it never fails to get people really excited about the violin. After just two hours, you too will be able to:

  • Play a tune on the violin
  • Know all the strings
  • Give a confident performance
  • Make a good sound
  • Play music with other people
  • Know what to do next!
BOOK NOWBOOK NOW

You'll need a violin before you take this class!

If you don't yet have a violin, then check out ViolinSchool Beginner Setup - our 5 step process for getting started with the violin in the best possible way! We'll start by helping you find the right instrument for you. Read more here:

Find me a violin!

The Violin Fundamentals live classes now run on a weekly cycle, every Wednesday on Zoom, and selected Saturdays!

We usually recommend attending Session 1 before you attend Session 2. Once you've registered for the classes, we'll send you the Zoom link for the next available session!

What's Included in the Violin Fundamentals Classes:

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Learn from anywhere with live online classes, video lessons, and learning support from the ViolinSchool Coaching team!

... or visit us at our school in London, UK!


Let me explain how it works ...

My name is Simon Hewitt Jones, and I passionately believe in the transformative power of music.

I've been playing the violin since I was a child, but I'm still in awe of how its sound transforms how people feel.

It seems amazing that a simple wooden box can move people in such profound ways!

If you’ve always dreamed of playing violin, I’m willing to bet that you have felt its emotional impact yourself.

You heard someone playing and wondered, ‘What if I could do that too?’

One of the most fulfilling things for me and my fellow teachers at ViolinSchool is meeting new students like you, who possess this burning desire to play the violin ...

... because I know that all we have to do is remove the obstacles and barriers that stand in your way!

It’s why so many of my students have excelled within months of joining ViolinSchool. 


Here are some their stories:

You see, you don't need to start learning as a child in order to play the violin brilliantly. 

In fact, it’s never too late for you to start ... you can achieve outstanding results at any age!

And I can help you prove it to yourself.

Whatever your age...whatever your skill level...

...YOU have the inbuilt ability to do this! 

It’s startling what can happen when you let yourself succeed... when you put aside any limiting beliefs, and allow yourself the opportunity to try the violin.

That's exactly what BBC presenter Julian Marshall experienced when I showed him how to play a simple melody on the violin - live on BBC Radio.

Come and learn the Fundamentals of good violin playing!

Violin Fundamentals: 
A Strong Foundation For Your Learning

ViolinSchool is an extraordinary place for people who want to learn and grow as musicians. We're dedicated to helping people become the best musicians that they can be.

By the time you finish the Violin Fundamentals Classes, you'll have started to build up powerful, healthy habits that will set you up for whatever you want to achieve with your violin playing.

And if you want to take your learning further, you'll be correctly set up and ready to begin our renowned series of 
Beginner Violin Courses.

Optional Live Zoom Classes

Once you register for the Violin Fundamentals Classes, you'll have immediate access to the online video lessons.

But you can also join in the optional live classes which run every Wednesday and selected Saturdays throughout the year!

Live classes run regularly at the following times:

WEDNESDAY start times: 10:30 (San Francisco), 13:30 (New York), 18:30 (London), 20:30 (Jerusalem) ... arrive early if your violin needs tuning!

SATURDAY start times (selected dates only!): times vary - please check the calendar-- these sessions are often presented live from our London (UK) school - come and join us in person if you are in or visiting England!

BOOK NOWREQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Book Now and Get Started Today!

Violin Fundamentals runs throughout the year, so you can get started at any time!

Book today for instant access to the Online Lessons, and then join in with the next Live Session 1 Class - see the schedule below for next available dates!

Don't have a violin yet? Contact us today ([email protected]) and we'll help you find an instrument that's right for you!

REQUEST MORE INFORMATIONBOOK NOW

The class is divided into two sessions:

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 starting with Session 1, and then you are welcome to repeat the live classes as many times as you wish until you feel you know the material!

Can't make the live class times? No problem! All sessions are recorded for replay (tutor and screenshare only), so you can log in and watch the lessons whenever it's convenient for you!

No Experience Necessary!

For the first 8 years, the class wasn't available online ... but we always used to bring biscuits! You'll have to bring your own for the online version ... or perhaps we can email you some ... :)

+44 (0) 20 3051 0080

Email: [email protected] 

Online Video Lessons

Our easy to use online lessons guide you step by step through all the topics using videos, PDF downloads, backing tracks, and an interactive digital player to show you how to read the notes!

Live Online Classes

Join in with the optional live classes, and get top quality guidance and feedback from our highly experienced Coaching Team. Meet your fellow learners and the friendly ViolinSchool community!

Optional Coursebook*

Wherever you are in the world, we'll mail you a gorgeous, full-colour printed Coursebook so you can play along, complete music-reading activities, and learn ... with or without a digital screen!

*available from June 2021 - $12.95 / £9.95 plus shipping

ViolinSchool's Violin Fundamentals Classes will get you playing comfortably and confidently on the violin, so that you can start playing pieces of music straight away. 

The Fundamentals take the form of a short course, presented as two live Zoom classes (Session 1 and Session 2). There's an accompanying series of video lessons to go with it too!

Most people complete the class within a day or two, but you have up to 30 days to send in your (optional) assignment, and earn your certification of completion!

Your Violin Fundamentals registration includes:

You don't need to read music for this class! If you're learning online, all you'll need is your own violin!

Just want to try the violin, and see if it's right for you?
Come and visit us in London, UK, and you can borrow a violin during the class for free!

Check out the info pages from last term's 10-week Courses:

10 Week Beginner Courses

A comprehensive series of Beginner Violin Courses - from first-time player through to fluency in 1st position (G, D, A Major)

Read More
Read More

A continuing series of Intermediate Violin Courses for violinists ready to begin shifting into different positions, develop vibrato, and more!

10 Week Intermediate Courses

Every session of the Fundamentals is really PRACTICAL. Through a comprehensive series of video lessons, optional live Zoom classes, and support from ViolinSchool's super-experienced Coaching Team, you'll learn how to apply all the techniques in the way that works best for you.

In just a couple of hours you'll be able to play all the strings of the violin with a beautiful sound, and perform to others with clarity and confidence.

TELL me and I will forget
SHOW me and I will remember
INVOLVE me and I will understand.
- Chinese Proverb

  • a 30 day membership to ViolinSchool (including full access to the practice tools and music player in the digital library)
  • help and support from the ViolinSchool Coaching Team (contact us anytime at [email protected])
  • an optional assignment where you can send in a video for personalised feedback from our coaching team
  • a certificate of completion ... if you successfully send in your assignment!

Violin Fundamentals is a perfect 'taster' class if you'd like to see if the violin is right for you ... and an essential foundation if you've already committed to learning the violin!

ViolinSchool Term Pass

— WELCOME! —

You are about to discover how to access world-class opportunities for learning and grow your violin-playing and musicianship ...

... whilst connecting with a community of like-minded musicians who, like you, are passionate about music and the violin!

4 Pillars of Skill: Music, Technique, Performance & Practice

Saturday ViolinHubs offer a varied mix of classes, workshops and repertoire sessions, all designed to  build up your experience and knowledge in the key areas of: 

  • Technique
  • Music (Repertoire and Ensemble Playing)
  • Performance skills... 

...all underpinned by How to Practise

Our expanded programme for 2021 will include many different topics and class types, with options to suit a wide variety of interests and experience levels.

Guest Tutors & Special Topics

As ViolinHub grows, we'll be inviting more guest tutors to come and teach their specialist topics - bringing world-class insights to the ViolinSchool community!

We carefully select and invite super-creative performers who are also great teachers. It's hard to find people who are great at both, but it's what brings a topic alive for all ages and experience levels.

If you know your way around a violin, but seek new opportunities to improve and grow, then welcome to your new home!


2022 - Tutors & Team

Here are some of the people who'll be on hand to guide, facilitate and teach at ViolinHub!

Simon Hewitt Jones

David Worswick


What is ViolinHub?

ViolinSchool's Saturday ViolinHub is a centre for creative music making and learning, relayed live via Zoom from our school in Central London, England. We now welcome Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced violinists of all ages!

ViolinHub runs for 30 Weeks a year, during 3x 10-Week 'Terms', beginning in January, April and September. We offer a wide range of Classes, Courses, Ensembles, Workshops, Guest Events, and a twice-annual Violin Orchestra.

If you are learning with us remotely, your enrolment also includes Zoom-only practise sessions during the week. You  can also come and visit us in London at any time!

It's possible to book for a one-off visit, but most people save with a 'Term Pass', which gives unlimited access to ALL classes and events, and includes full ViolinSchool membership.

A wide range of Workshops, Classes, and Ensembles

Saturday ViolinHubs offer a varied mix of classes, workshops and repertoire sessions, all designed to  build up your experience and knowledge in four key areas: Technique, Music (Repertoire and Ensemble Playing), Performance and Practice Skills. Our expanded programme for 2021 will include many different topics and class types, with options to suit a wide variety of interests and experience levels.

Upgrades to ViolinHub for 2022

We are gradually expanding ViolinHub to cater for violinists of all ages and experience levels. We are pleased to announce that the 2022 program includes a new series of classes and workshops, including Performance Classes with David Worswick, Rhythm Workshops with Maria Thomas, Improvisation and Composition Workshops, and Ensembles with Simon Hewitt Jones and David Worswick.

We will also be introducing visits from guest presenters and visiting artists ... Full repertoire and schedules for the New Year Term will be announced soon!

Experienced Tutors and Guest Tutors

Core ViolinHub sessions are led either by Simon Hewitt Jones or David Worswick from ViolinSchool, both of whom have many years of experience leading workshops and teaching learners of all experience levels. 

Our regular visiting tutors and guest tutors are carefully selected to include performers with a proven track record of teaching and facilitating in a workshop environment, so we can guarantee learning sessions to be engaging, interactive and often transformational! 

Recent visiting tutors incude violinist Christian Howes and cellist Matthew Forbes, and further visits by guest tutors will be announced soon!

ENROL NOW!TALK TO A LEARNING ADVISOR
 

Learn and Play violin every Saturday during term time ... Tuition, Ensembles, Workshops, Classes, Events & More ... for Violinists of All Ages ... Relayed live via Zoom - join from anywhere!

for Intermediate and Advanced Violinists

TALK TO A LEARNING ADVISOR

Learn from anywhere! Or come to our school in London, England

Select Country: United KingdomUSA / International

🌎 You've found the international course page for our remote learning courses!

If you're looking for in-person tuition at our school in London, England, click here instead!

Summer Term 2022 - The Essential Info!

Term Dates
Term Time: Monday 25th April to Saturday 9th July 2022 - register at any time!
Half Term: Monday 30 May 2022 to Saturday 4 June 2022 (no classes)
Summer Concert (Livestream): Saturday 9th July 2022

Term Pass Fee
GBP £320 or USD $440. Instalment plan available. 

Live Sessions
Our live sessions now take place throughout the week via Zoom (Wednesday and Saturday sessions are relayed live from our school in London, UK). Your enrolment is all-inclusive, so come to as many sessions as you like - it's up to you!

The term pass does not include our core training courses A, B, C and D. If you wish to participate in one of these courses in addition to the options here, please enrol on the Violin Course instead!

Our live schedule is published in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Convert to your timezone here!

  • Tuesdays - Violin Clinics (various times, see schedule)
  • Wednesdays* - Fundamentals OR Livestream with Featured Guests - from 7pm to 9pm UTC, Violin Clinics (various times, see schedule)
  • Thursdays - Practice Sessions from 5pm to 10pm UTC
  • Fridays - Violin Clinics (various times, see schedule)
  • Saturdays* - Instructional Classes (times below), Workshops 12pm-2pm or 2pm-4pm UTC, Ensembles 4pm to 6pm UTC, Jam Sessions / Events from 7pm UTC to late.

What's On at ViolinHub?

4 Pillars of Skill: Music, Technique, Performance & Practice

Saturday ViolinHubs offer a varied mix of classes, workshops and repertoire sessions, all designed to  build up your experience and knowledge in the key areas of: 

  • Technique
  • Music (Repertoire and Ensemble Playing)
  • Performance skills... 

...all underpinned by How to Practise

Our expanded programme for 2022 will include many different topics and class types, with options to suit a wide variety of interests and experience levels.

Performance Classes

To get really good at performing, you need to practise! Bring along your (optional!) solo and play it to the class.

Get constructive feedback and practice tips on what to improve. Try out your solos before a concert or an exam - or just for fun!

Ensembles

The more you play in a group, the easier it becomes. And it's really enjoyable, too!

Each week, we look at a new piece of (multi-level) ensemble music together. Choose a part to learn in advance... or just turn up and sight-read the easier levels - it's up to you!

The Term Pass now includes:

  • All ViolinHub Saturday Course D Sessions (2.15pm to 3.45pm)
  • All ViolinHub Saturday Ensemble Sessions (4.15pm to 6pm)
  • The Violin Orchestra Project (Christmas/Summer) or alternative events
  • All Participation costs for the End of Term Concert
  • All Sheet Music for the Orchestra and the Ensembles
  • 3 months of Full ViolinSchool Membership - access ALL digital courses and library resources on ViolinSchool.com at no extra cost.
  • Repeat participation in Course C/D sessions as required

If you'd like to ask a question, find out where you should start, or just have a chat about the Term Pass option, then just get in touch with us. 

You can email [email protected], or call us on +44 20 3051 0080.

Our reception team is available 24/7, so wherever you are, please feel free to call or use the online chat at any time.

If we're not available, leave your name, number and time zone, and one of us will call you back at a convenient time to answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to welcoming you to ViolinSchool soon!

ENROL NOW!TALK TO A LEARNING ADVISOR

because life's better when you play music together!

Earlybird rate ... for a limited time only! A reduced rate £300 pass is available when you register before the Earlybird deadline. Click Book Now to reserve your place today!

Programme April to July 2022

Performance Classes

To get really good at performing, you need to practise! Bring along your (optional!) solo and play it to the class.

Get constructive feedback and practice tips on what to improve. Try out your solos before a concert or an exam - or just for fun!

Ensembles

The more you play in a group, the easier it becomes. And it's really enjoyable, too!

Each week, we look at a new piece of (multi-level) ensemble music together. Choose a part to learn in advance... or just turn up and sight-read the easier levels - it's up to you!

All Saturday sessions are relayed live from our school in London, and our midweek (Thursday) live practise sessions take place exclusively via Zoom. You can join in with all sessions from wherever you are ... all you need is a fast internet connection!

As the pandemic has begun to recede, we've been delighted to introduce expanded Violin Ensemble sessions, led by David Worswick, and the full Violin Orchestra program with David and Simon Hewitt Jones will be returning in late Summer 2022.

ALL music is now available digitally in advance of classes, so you can log in and join in from anywhere! 

As with everything we offer, Violin Orchestra participation is available remotely, but we also perform in London and sometimes Edinburgh and other cities. If you are able to travel, you are welcome to take part in rehearsals remotely then join us in person for any of the live concerts.

Ensembles and Orchestra Repertoire, and Guest Workshops for the New Year term will be announced soon!

Repertoire will be announced here!

Although we will always do our very best to keep to the advertised schedule, please note that all workshops and guest tutors are subject to change.

SUMMER CONCERT
Livestream - Save the Date!
Saturday 9th July 2022 - Live from London

We finish the Summer Term with a live show on 9th July, featuring the violin ensembles! You can join in remotely via Zoom, or travel to London to perform in person. Take a look at our previous concert videos to see how this works!

A Term Pass covers your participation in both the Violin Orchestra project and all of the Saturday ViolinHubs and Ensembles!

Unlimited Ensembles, Events, Orchestra & VS Membership

Save time and money with a TERM PASS at ViolinSchool. The Term Pass gives you unlimited access to everything at ViolinSchool, including classes and other events, and the Violin Orchestra (or equivalent events during the New Year term).

Term Passes are $440 / £320 and are available for booking until the start of term. The Term Pass now includes full ViolinSchool membership so you'll have full access to the whole digital library and all eLearning resources too!

The Term Pass saves you the hassle of booking classes and events individually. You'll be automatically registered for access to all ViolinSchool sessions when you buy the pass - there's nothing else to do, except play the violin!

Repertoire: May to July 2022

The Ensembles Repertoire for Summer Term 2022 will be announced soon!

We will be learning, rehearsing and performing an eclectic mix of music ranging from the medieval to the modern, featuring classics and rarities, brand new arrangements and original music exclusive to ViolinSchool, and a diverse repertoire of baroque, classical, folk, romantic, jazz, and more ...

Workshops: May to July 2022

The Workshops & Classes program for Summer Term 2022 will be announced soon!

From Rhythm to Pitch, Scales to Vibrato, Harmony to Improvisation ... the new ViolinSchool Workshops will explore many different technical, musical, performance and creative topics, and bring you new perspectives, insights and skills across a whole range of musical and violinistic topics.

Earlybird Discount - save $40 or £20!
Book online by Monday 14th March for an early booking discount!