Private violin lessons

Now that you have decided to learn the violin, you will need to do some budgeting for affordable violin lessons. Before you decide on this, you need to understand what factors are involved in determining the fees for such lessons. Let me go through these here:

The qualifications of the music teacher. Music teachers can have a wide range of qualifications. These range from a basic grade 8 qualifications from an accredited world recognized music exam board (such as the Associate Board of Royal Schools of Music ABRSM, Trinity College London, Australian Music Exam Board AMED), Diploma music qualifications, to Bachelor’s of Music qualifications from any music conservatory around the world. Some teachers have Masters degree qualifications. Suffice to say that the higher the qualifications, the higher the lesson fee.

A professional level teacher commands a higher fee. By definition, this would be someone who has made a career from performing professionally as a violinist, and have years of teaching experience. For example, a violinist from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra would be able to impart flawless violin techniques and performance direction. The energy level during lessons will be much elevated accordingly.

The teaching experience of the teacher. Junior level teachers would have less than two years of experience, normal level teachers between three to five years of experience. Senior level teachers with decades of experience command a higher fee for private violin lessons as they know how to coach effectively, any type of violin student from any age group. During their teaching career, such experienced senior violin teachers would have taught thousands of students. As such they know which method to use depending on how the student learns music.

Full time coach versus part time teacher. A teacher who makes it his (or her) career as a full time music teacher, commands a higher fee versus a part time coach. Part time teachers may have other full time commitment — they could have a full time job or could be completing their higher level academic qualifications. So their fees may be lower.

Is the student beginner, intermediate or advance level? Beginner level private violin lessons are lower comparatively. Some teachers charge a flat fee based on the duration of lesson. For this situation, the fee may be fixed for forty five minute versus sixty minute lessons. But the teacher will mandate that the student go for one hour lesson once grade five level is attained. Other teachers employ a stepped up level fee according to grades.

The location of the lesson. If the music lesson is located at the teacher’s studio, the fees will be lower since the teacher will not need to spend time travelling to the student’s location for lessons. The distance between the teacher and student’s place also make a difference too. If a teacher needs to travel an hour to a student’s place for lesson, the fees would be higher to account for time and travel costs. In addition, if the lesson is arranged at a music studio, then the student will need to factor in the rental costs of the studio. For affordable violin lesson, you may wish to consider going to the teacher’s location or a music school for lessons.

Private violin lessons versus group violin lesson. The fee for the former will be higher as compared to the latter. However, don’t expect the lesson fee to be half of that for a group of two students, versus one to one lesson.

Usually, expect to pay seventy percent of the fee for one to one coaching, if there are two students in a class. If the group is bigger, the lesson fee per student will be lower. Do note that there is a trade off in the pace of the lesson as well as the quality of the attention from the teacher, if you decide to enrol in group classes.
Check out Stradivari Strings for affordable violin lessons. Contact us at +65-98137769 to find out more about the range of teachers available. Chat with us to find out more in terms of locations as well as lesson scheduling. We can arrange lessons either at your home, our teacher’s studio or at our music studio at Sultan Plaza.
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MEET OUR VIOLIN TEACHERS

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Elaine Mai

Violinist

Elaine achieved Masters Degree in from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2011). Prior to that, she attained a professional diploma in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (2004) as well as Bachelor in Music from Xing Hai Conservatory of music (Guang Zhou, China).

Her performance experience with Global Symphony Orchestra (Mak Ka Lok -2018-2021) includes highlight performances such as:  New Year’s Concert on CCTV in January 2020 (Filmed in Shenzhen with Macau Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra), World Symphony Concert: Fur Elise (October 2021), Peace concert in Hong Kong (November 2019), Concert in Shanghai for 12th China Art Festival (May 2019), Concert in Vienna for Austrian Music Theatre Honorable Prize (June 2018), “All About Love” Concert in Hong Kong String Orchestra Jockey Club Power of Music Programme (April 2020) , Tutti violin Hong Kong String Orchestra (Yao Jue, 姚珏, 2016-2022, Tutti violin I: HKFW Six Arts Orchestra (2013-2022), guest violinist with City Chamber Orchestra & Hong Kong Virtuosi Orchestra (2009-2022).

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Kevin

Violinist

Kevin began to learn violin at the age of 9 and started off as a CCA under Michael Tong. He has also went through the tutelage of renowned SSO members Wu Man Yun, Foo Say Ming and Nikolai Koval.

He has achieved a Distinction in Grade 8 ABRSM exam and went on to participate in numerous competitions where the most notable one is achieving Gold standard in the Singapore Performers Festival.

After serving his National Service, Kevin attended the Diploma and Degree from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) where the Degree programme was in collaboration with RCM (Royal College of Music) and was under the tutelage of Professor Michal Cwizewicz.

To further hone his techniques and interpretations, he attended masterclasses held by Chua Lik Wuk, Lynette Lim and Zhao Tian.

Kevin currently holds the Bachelor of Music (Hons) and even took the DipABRSM exam. He is able to teach repertoires to any level and explores not just classical music, but jazz repertoires as well. He also holds a Grade 8 certification in Music Theory where most of his students achieved Distinction in their Grade 5 exam.

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Edgar Lucena

Violin, Theory

Edgar is pursuing Bachelor’s of Music Degree (BMUS) in the violin at Yong Siew Toh Music Conservatory. He graduated from Latin America Violin Academy (Venezuela) in 2018.

His performance experience include: National Youth Symphony Orchestra, Lima (Peru) between 2019 to 2021; concert master of Lara Youth Symphony Orchestra (Venezuela) between 2015 to 2018; principal second violin at Yaracuy Youth Symphony (Venezuela) between 2013 to 2017.

Edgar started coaching from year 2014 and the countries which he has taught included Peru, Venezuala and Singapore. He has experience coaching young children and adults.

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Joanne Zhang

VIolin, Theory

A professional level violin teacher, Joanne graduated from Northeast Nornal University (Chang Chun of China) in 2001, attaining Bachelors degree in music teaching. She is also familiar with the ABRSM (Associated Board of Royal School of Music) and Trinity exam board grading system, having attained ABRSM.grade 8 (Distinction) in 2006, In 2020, she graduated from NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) obtaining music diploma in teaching.

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Sarah Ng

Violin, Music Theory

Sarah achieved Masters in Music degree in violin performance from Schulich School of Music (Montreal, Canada) in 2018. Prior to that, she achieved Bachelor’s in Music in violin performance from Eastman School of Music (New York, USA) in 2016.

She has been teaching since 2010 in Singapore and Montreal, and has been full time violin coach since 2020. Sarah has experience coaching students from age 4 to adults.

Sarah also has vast performance experience in Chamber and Orchestra. Notable ones include: Thunderbay Symphony Orchestra (2018-2020), National Academy Orchestra (2019-2020), Vermont Mozart Festival Orchestra (2017), Mcgill Symphony Orchestra (2016-2018), Orford Orchestra Academy (2016), Roundtop Festival Orchestra Principal 2nd Violin (2016), Eastman Philharmonic (2013-2016), Singapore Lyric Opera Orchestra (2012).

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Clement Lim

Violin, Theory

Local violinist, Clement Lim has been teaching in Singapore as a full time violin instructor since 1995.

Born in 1972, Mr. Lim started his journey in practical violin at the age of 8. He had received his violin training with several renowned violinists. Among were Pavel Prantl (first SSO concertmaster); Chua Lik Wuk; Kong Zhao Hui – members of SSO. Lynette Lim.

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Tevy Tang

(Violin, Theory)

Tevy graduated from La Salle Singapore & Kingston University (DIP. BA in violin music performance, Hons upper 2nd Division) in 1998. He also has piano as minor study for his Dip. BA. He has 9 years of solid coaching experience with private students as well as in music schools.

Tevy’s appreciation of western classical music originated from his coaches from Singapore and UK. Notably, he took master classes from Mr Jonathan Rees (a recipient of the BBC Award violinist in 1978).

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Chai Siak Lee

(Violin, Piano, Keyboard, Theory)

Siak Lee achieved ABRSM grade 8 qualification in violin and piano. She is currently pursuing Diploma qualifications in both music instruments. She has ABRSM grade 5 qualification in music theory and currently pursuing ABRSM grade 8 theory.

She started coaching violin and piano in 2015. She scored Gold in the National Music Strings Orchestra Competition as a violinist and soloist. In 2016, she was selected to attend Clement Curtin Violin masterclasses and was recognized for her skills. In 2018 she was awarded Silver in Euroasia Competition.

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TESTIMONIALS

STUDENTS SAY

We walked into Rita’s shop that day despite in searching for a 1/2 size violin for our 6-year old boy. Despite of no appointment made, Rita was very patient in understanding our needs. She recommended Mr. Yeo Teow Meng knowing the boy was having some violin posture problems. Glad we followed her recommendation. The boy has been enjoying every single lesson with Mr. Yeo, and made lots of improvements since enrolled at Stradivari Strings. The classes are engaging and fun. Thank to Mr. Yeo and Rita, the boy also found his new violin he treasures as his baby.
Zhen Gu

Violin student

I have always like the sound of the violin and finally took my first step in Nov 2020 to take violin lessons & contacted Rita from Stradivari Strings. Rita selected some violins and bows for me to shortlist by listening to their sound. I am glad to have chosen a violin that I feel a connection with. During my weekly violin classes, Rita is very encouraging and reassures me that I’m progressing well. Her confidence in me is my motivation to practice & improve. I look forward to taking my first exam next year.
Shirleen Teh

Violin student

As an adult learner with no musical background, I am so glad to have chosen Stradivari Strings to kickstart my violin lessons with. The experience was a pleasant one from the very beginning: Ms Rita took great care in helping me select a suitable violin and violin bow, guiding me on what to look out for in an instrument. We also listened to several violins closely before settling down on one that I liked. A patient and encouraging violin teacher, Ms Rita tailors each violin class in a way that would maximize my learning. Her pedagogy made sense, and she always explains her intents clearly. Importantly, every lesson made me feel like I was actively progressing—despite my own doubts—and what a wonderful feeling that is. Already this short experience with Stradivari Strings has helped me to discover a new horizon to music, and I couldn’t be more delighted.
Zeng Hao

Violin student

I started my violin lesson with Stradivari Strings after a 10 years break. Without any proper knowledge on how to choose my instrument, I was glad to have walk into this place where I was educated on the different violin choices as well as the separate bow pairing for each violin. I was given the opportunity to try the violins and the different bow pairings to hear and see for myself which is the best for me. Learning under Rita allowed me to build stronger basic skills as she made sure that every single lesson was efficient and every small bad habit was brought to light. I am glad to have started my second round journey in learning my violin here as i can see myself progressing and loving my instrument more every day.
Pearlin

Violin student

I’ve been playing the viola for about 5 years having learnt the violin prior to switching instruments. I haven’t had any formal viola lessons before this year, and as the viola is not as popular an instrument as the violin or cello, finding a viola teacher proved difficult, and finding a GOOD viola teacher was almost impossible. As an adult with autism, just finding a teacher who could connect with me on my wavelength is a challenging task, and I’ve gone through numerous music teachers in the past, and many could not break down the barrier that is autism. On meeting Mr Yeo, my worries dissipated. Mr Yeo is very patient and encouraging during lessons, and explains things in a way that is both easy to grasp and fun! Mr Yeo also further motivates me in my practice by giving me feedback on video recordings of my practice sessions when I send them to him so that I can make the most out of my viola practice. Since starting viola lessons, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds. I’ve only had 4 adult viola lessons with him and yet I feel like I’ve had many more because of my progress. I am looking forward to learning more from him!
Lydia Tay

Violin student

I have been always eager to perform violin someday after years of experience in playing the piano. The first time when I fell in love with the violin was after enjoying the duet performance by pianists and violinists. And my journey with the violin finally started at Stradivari Strings. With Rita’s detailed guidance, I chose my favourite violin and violin bow. Thanks to Rita also for helping me choose Mr.Yeo as my violin teacher. Every violin lesson to me is informative and Mr Yeo has been so supportive that he could appreciate every single improvement I have made. I was not confident when the sound was out of tone or too sharp. Howeverwith,Mr Yeo’s expertise, friendly personality and passion when playing the violin, I have received lots of courage and motivation to practice more. When struggling between pursuing my master’s degree and work, Mr Yeo and Rita has helped me re-arrange the classes to fit my schedule. Thank you Mr Yeo for your patience and encouragement, I will give the Grade 4 ABRSM exams my best shot!
Xin Ping

Violin student

Teacher Hughes is a dedicated teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that his students enjoy learning. His teaching is very musically based, with many different genres of song selected to develop one’s technique and musicality simultaneously. His witty and friendly personality makes lessons fun, and his deep knowledge and appreciation of music makes songs come alive during his lessons. Hughes is definitely one of the best music teachers around!
Nicholas Tan

Adult cello student

One of the best things that happened to me this year is getting in touch with my cello teacher Ms Rita. I started lessons since January and have come to enjoy my Singapore cello lessons for a variety of reasons: First, for effective learning to occur, it’s important that there is a personal student-teacher fit. This is the first consideration in learning an instrument on a 1-1 basis. Right from the get-go, I found Rita to have an excellent social and communication skills and a winsome sense of humour, a prerequisite for me. This has made cello classes for me really enjoyable. Second, very early in our pre-lesson discussion, Rita impressed me as a very knowledgeable person about the art and manufacture of the cello and cello bow. Her intimate historical and technical knowledge of how the instrument is crafted and it’s impact on its sound quality (and intrinsic value) persuaded me that I have made a good decision to take beginner cello lessons from her. A third reason why I eagerly look forward coming to Stradivari Strings each week is no less because of her unusual pedagogical approach – fun, supportive, encouraging, and pertinently informative. More delightful for me is her use of taking live videos of parts of my lesson for me to view as personal feedback based on the laudable principle of “seeing yourself play as
Tian Rui

(72 year old cello student)

I had an amazing experience with Stradivari Strings, beginning with my first cello and cello bow purchase and subsequent cello lessons. The owner, Rita, is knowledgeable on all matters pertaining to string instruments. Rita is must-see for anyone interested in purchasing quality string instruments (violin, viola, cello and bows). Cello lessons with Rita is challenging yet enjoyable. I always look forward to our next lesson. Thanks a lot, Rita.
Wei Yang

Cello student

With any learning curve, Stradivari Strings focuses and emphasizes a good foundation through a fine selection of top tier teachers. In my case, Mr. Yeo has an exceptional approach to teaching and learning through his methodology which allows for a true understanding of the violin instrument and technique. His utmost faith in me has led me to immediately jump the hoops to prepare for Grade 5 within a short time frame, and I’m truly excited to undertake the ABRSM Grade 5 Practice Exam soon! I’d personally recommend Mr. Yeo’s teaching capabilities to anyone who would seriously consider learning the violin or for someone to sharpen their prowess on the violin! Always inspired, always focussed and always fun!
Hans

Adult violin student

I have been taking violin classes from Mr Yeo for since 2016, and each lesson has been very enjoyable and fun. Mr Yeo is always smiling and very happy which puts me at ease while learning difficult passages or techniques. He is also very ha... ppy to explain to me the reasoning behind certain playing techniques which helps me appreciate playing the violin even more. I can confidently say that my progress is largely due to Mr Yeo’s dedication and professionalism as a teacher. I would strongly recommend Mr Yeo to anyone who would wish to start violin lessons!
Kenneth Zhang

Adult violin student

When I first walked into Stradivari Strings to re-string my violin, I didn’t know I’ve walked into a whole new world of experience. Rita could tell I have a lot of interest in picking up violin. And with her sharp eyes, she could tell my old violin was factory made and of low quality. She then proceeded to set up an appointment with me for a new violin since I was so interested. During the appointment, Rita made sure to let me play and emote with each violin and bow, it was a hands on session of playing on a range of violin and bow. She also shared her vast knowledge and experience on violin with me. Throughout the 2 hour appointment on selecting violin and bow, I was taking in all the teachings she had to offer. Alas, I found one that I really loved, although a little out of my budget, Rita took the time and offered to help with financial planning. The class afterwards with Mr Yeo was also amazing. I had learnt so much in 45 mins that I could play twinkle twinkle little star within that session. Thank you Rita and thank you Stradivari Strings for the immersing experience! Highly recommended!
Terence

Student

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How much does private violin lessons cost?

    Private violin lessons are held one to one, meaning one teacher to one student. So the teacher’s attention is fully focused on the student. As such the fees will be higher versus group violin lessons. Budget from $30 to $60 for 30 minutes for private violin lessons, with the higher range fees charges by professional violin teachers.

  • How many private violin lessons do I need?

    Do understand that learning to play a more complex musical instrument like the violin takes more time. To be somewhat good at sight reading a music score and be independent of a violin teacher, you probably will need to invest 9 to 18 months of lessons. Based on a monthly count of 4 lessons, that works out to 36 to 72 lessons.

  • How frequent should I have private violin lessons?

    Lesson frequency for private violin lessons is normally once a week. This allows you enough time to internalize what has been taught, and practice over 6 days before your next lesson. A small percentage of students prefer lessons two times a week. This does accelerate your learning progress very fast.

  • How much does affordable violin lessons cost?

    Violin lessons are affordable if you measure them against all the benefits you gain while learning to master it. For some students, the aim is also to get ABRSM or Trinity certification of Grade 8 or Diploma level with the view of teaching in the future. I always advise such students to consider the violin lessons now as investment for the future as this is a skill set no one can take away from you.

  • Is it expensive to learn the violin?

    You can budget $45 to $60 per lesson as a start for private violin lessons. A violin teacher trained in pedagogy and music degree certified will command more per lesson. However, the experience you gain learning under this level of teacher is priceless.