This is a question I am asked on a regular occurrence. The answer depends on so many factors.
- How quickly do you want to Improve
- Do you want to take exams or diplomas
- Do you want to play in concerts
- Would you like to compete in competitions
- Do you want to become a professional musician
- Do you want to play just for fun
These are few questions I ask a new student. Not everyone wants to take it to the very highest level. Most importantly what your goals are you need to enjoy what you are doing
ANSWERS
All of my students have a weekly lesson the more advanced students have two lessons a week. I encourage my students to practice every day for as long as the lesson is. The best practice session is usually after the lesson when things are fresh in the mind.
I didn’t start playing the violin until I was 10. I had been asking for a couple of years and was busting to start but my parents toke me I couldn’t start until my sister gave up. When she did I went for it in a big way. It took me 2 years to get to grade 8 with distinction on violin and viola on the same day but at that stage I was practicing 3 hours a day. At that point I knew I wanted to train to become a professional musician.
When working at home by your self it is important to develop strategies on effective quick practice techniques which I help all my students to develop. I left school age 16 and practiced effectively for 18 months. I went to music college in London, won most of their prizes/competitions and at age 21 started working with professional symphony/chamber orchestras.
Playing with other musicians in many of the worlds greatest concert halls is an amazing experience. I now dedicate my time to teaching the violin and viola from my studio at home – the previous 42 years had been teaching at various London Music Colleges
I also teach many students who just want to play for enjoyment asyou should always enjoy playing your instrument and having lessons.
