Violin Lessons in Your Minneapolis-St. Paul Home

At City Strings & Piano, our goal is to fit music into your life! Our experienced and friendly violin teachers have advanced degrees from the best music schools and conservatories in the country including the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, University of St. Thomas, and Rice University. Learning violin can be tricky at first. It takes a patient, friendly teacher to instill the skills needed for proper sound production and posture. We use a a variety of methods, including Suzuki and traditional pedagogy.

How it works:

Contact the office via phone, text, or form submission to set up violin lessons with a qualified teacher near you. We'll answer any of your questions, and match you with the perfect teacher. We have open enrollment, so you can start or stop at any time. Sometimes we are able to schedule your first lesson the next day! Fill out a quick registration form online, and you're ready to get started. Lessons are held in your home, once each week at the scheduled lesson time. Need a violin rental? We are happy to help with that, too!

Who will my teacher be?

When you sign up for lessons, we will match you with one of our teachers based on your needs. At City Strings & Piano, there is no "one size fits all" approach when it comes to placing you with a teacher. Some teachers are strict and serious, while others are lighthearted and fun. Every student is unique, and has different goals and learning styles. We always take into account the student's age, personality, skill level, and individual goals.

What ages and skill levels do you teach?

Our team of teachers are able to teach a wide range of students. Some teachers work with students as young as 3, while others specialize in advanced students, or love working with adult beginners! Many of our violin teachers have Masters and Doctoral degrees in Violin Performance, and are equipped to teach college bound musicians of an extremely high level. Others specialize in early childhood education and music appreciation.

What about Suzuki?

Suzuki is a very popular method, particularly with young children. This method puts a heavy emphasis on ear training and technique, right from the start. Students learn without any sheet music for the first couple years, so they can develop excellent memorization and aural skills. Note reading is taught when students are older and have mastered the basics of violin playing.

Many of our teachers use this method, but it isn't right for everyone. Not sure if Suzuki is right for you? Or, are you interested in using the Suzuki songs, but with a flexible approach? Call us or send an email, and we'll be happy to help you decide on the right fit for your family!

What Will I Learn?

In your first lesson, you teacher will go over the fundamentals of violin playing and instrument care. You’ll cover how to tighten and loosen the bow, apply rosin, and set up your shoulder rest. You’ll also learn how to hold the instrument with correct posture, and start playing your first notes! All students learn scales and various bow rhythms as a warm-up. Younger students will learn fun games for note reading or the development of fine motor skills used in a proper bow hold. Some students focus on the classics like Twinkle, Twinkle or Hot Cross Buns. Others learn fiddle tunes, or even pop songs! As each student improves, the repertoire becomes more advanced and students learn vibrato, shifting, and tuning skills.

Do you teach Adult Students?

Absolutely! Whether you are a total beginner, or an advanced player, we're happy to match you with a teacher. The beauty of music education is that it's a lifelong process, and you are never too old to start!