What you can learn
Three instruments, five teachers
Each is taught by someone who plays it. The age beside each is where most students begin.
Ages 3 and upViolin
Where most students begin. Small sizes begin at age 3, and every new player starts with listening and a few open strings.
Taught by Conrad, Tilly and Darnell
Ask before you buy or rent
Ages 6 and upViola
A larger, darker sound that suits players who like to listen. Many students come to it after a year or two on the violin.
Taught by Ning
Ask before you buy or rent
Ages 5 and upCello
A low, warm voice for children and grown-ups. Gerri fits the size of the instrument to the player before anything else.
Taught by Gerri
Size matters: ask before you rent
Your first lesson
A first lesson has three parts
It is the same for a five-year-old and a grown-up.
- 01
Step 1: A warm-up
You and your teacher play or sing something easy together, so nobody starts cold.
- 02
Step 2: Something new
One new idea, small enough to take home: a sound, a bow stroke, a first tune.
- 03
Step 3: A plan for the week
Your teacher writes down what to listen for and what to play, in plain words.
At home
Before you buy or rent an instrument
Violins and cellos come in small sizes, and the right one depends on the length of the arm, not the age. Ask your teacher first. They will measure and tell you what to look for. We never ask you to buy from us.
Small sizes begin at age 3
Renting is common for the first year
A teacher checks the size before you buy
Not sure which instrument?
Book a placement visit and try two. Nobody minds if you change your mind.