Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you need to start attending violin lessons in Toronto?
A: You will need a violin, a bow, a music stand, and a notation book.
Q: What is the difference between a violin and viola?
A: The most obvious difference is the size. A violin is smaller than a viola. The violin is typically 13 or 14 inches, while the viola is approximately 15 or 16 inches. The difference between a violin bow and a viola bow is the grip called the frog. The violin bow has a straight edge while the viola grip is larger and curved. Another difference is the string size. Violin strings are thinner than viola strings. The violin is higher in sound than the viola. Violinists read music in the treble clef while viola players read music in the alto clef.
Q: What is your location for Violin Lessons in Toronto?
A: Our studio is located in the High Park neighbourhood of Toronto. The address is: 407 Annette St., Toronto, ON, M6P 1R7. We also offer violin lessons at the Boulevard Club: 1491 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto,
Q: What do you need to know about playing the violin?
A: When you first start playing the violin you will probably make some pretty awful screeching and buzzing sounds at some point. In the beginning, holding the bow can be difficult and unnatural. A violin needs some TLC (tender, love, care). This is a wooden instrument and wood can warp with temperature changes. For this reason, keep your violin away from a heat source. Do not keep the violin in a cold room. Definitely do not leave a violin in a car during the summer or winter months! The bow also needs to be maintained. This means loosening the bow when the violin is not being played and tightening the bow right before the violin is played. The hair of the violin bow must be waxed with rosin to create friction. Unfortunately, the rosin leaves residue on the violin strings so the strings need to be wiped clean after use. You will also need to learn how to change strings and bow hair. The most important thing to remember is to be patient with yourself.
Q: What size of violin does my child need?
A: There are nine different sizes: 1/32 (smallest), 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). Choosing the right size of violin for your child can be challenging. Here are some guidelines:
Age 3: 1/32 size with 15” bow if arm length is under 14”.
Ages 3-5: 1/16 size with 16.75” bow if arm length is 14”.
Ages 4-5: 1/10 size with 17.75” bow if arm length is 15”.
Ages 4-6: 1/8 size with 19.25” bow if arm length is 16.5”.
Ages 5-7: 1/4 size with 22.5” bow if arm length is 18”.
Ages 7-9: 1/2 size with 24.5” bow if arm length is 20”.
Ages 9-12: 3/4 size with 27” bow if arm length is 21” to 22”.
Ages 13-18: 7/8 size with 29.5” bow if arm length is 22”.
Ages 11 to adult: 4/4 (full size) with 29.5” bow if arm length is 23” or over.
Q: Do I need to own a violin before taking lessons?
A: The answer is no. Renting is a great affordable option.
Q: What qualifications do your Toronto violin teachers have?
A: Doctorate of Musical Arts degree DMA, Master of Music degree MMus, Bachelor of Music degree BMus.
Q: How long does it take to learn the violin?
A: It can take a lifetime learning to play the violin. It all depends on how far a student wants to go and how much they want to learn.
Q: Does your music school provide performance opportunities?
A: The answer is yes. We offer all of our students a minimum of three recitals per year. There are also street festivals and other venues available.
Q: How to choose the best Toronto violin teacher?
A: Education and experience matter most when it comes to choosing the best violin teacher. A higher education shows a commitment to teaching violin and learning. It is also proof of training. Teaching music and performing experience is also crucial.
