I have been teaching Violin, Viola & Music Theory for over 25 years in various private schools in Melbourne & also from my home studio in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. I have recently commenced online teaching which is proving very popular, especially in these difficult & very challenging times. Online lessons make learning a musical instrument accessible to so many more people. All you need to get started is a smart phone, tablet or computer, an internet connection &, of course, a violin or a viola. Yes, online music stores are still sending out instruments! It’s a great time for you and/or your children to start exploring the wonders of music – they are truly endless! Parents, if you’re wondering how to keep your children entertained and productively occupied during the next few months while we wait for the current COVID-19 pandemic to pass, this could be an excellent opportunity for them to reap the benefits of learning an instrument. Most extracurricular activities have closed down for the foreseeable future so venturing into the world of music may well provide your children with something to stimulate the brain and put some structure in their days. For adults who have learnt in the past, it’s a great time to brush up on your violin/viola skills & revive that sense of pleasure & achievement that you once enjoyed. You’ll wonder why it took you so long to get around to it! For those of you who have always wanted to play the violin or viola but life’s demands kept getting in the way, take heart – it’s NEVER too late to start!
I present students for examinations in both instrumental & theory subjects from beginners to advanced levels in the AMEB, ABRSM & ANZCA systems & also work with VCE students studying Solo Music Performance.
While some of my students thrive on working through the various exam systems & competing in eisteddfods, many others prefer to play for leisure purposes which often involves exploring such areas as folk & traditional music from a varied & interesting assortment of countries. The research into each of these different music types has certainly expanded my musical horizons considerably & the contrasts between the music structures is fascinating – but not as surprising as the similarities between them!