Violin/Viola Lessons

Apart from the violin, students will need a case, a separate shoulder rest, and rosin.

Light rosin is favored for the higher strings (violins and violas) as it is harder and less sticky than dark rosin.

Rosin is needed to help create friction which in turn produces sound. Your bow should be rosined each time before playing.

Tighten your bow. Slowly and carefully spread the rosin back and forth starting from the bow frog to the top of the bow and back to the frog.

Here are a few tips on using rosin:

• New bows will need more rosin.
• Do not move too quickly as the friction generates heat and can solidify the rosin cake.
• Too little rosin and there will be little sound created by the violin. The bow will not slide easily over the strings.
• Too much rosin and the sound emitted will be scratchy. The bow will feel stickier on the strings and will require more effort to move.

Note: It is important that you never touch the bow hairs. The oils from your fingers will prevent rosin from sticking.

For students who are just starting out we recommend renting or purchasing a student violin. Student violins are more affordable and still provide a good playing experience during a student’s first years. Students who decide to continue in their studies will eventually upgrade their violin as their skills advance.

We provide violin rentals (with an option to purchase) to students enrolling at Huntington Beach School of Music.

For good quality violins, we recommend purchasing from a violin shop where students are able to try out the instrument first.

Here are a few tips on how to take care of your violin:

• When not in use keep your violin in its case.
• Make sure the violin bow is loosened when not in use to prevent the hair from stretching.
• Do not leave your violin in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity (e.g. laundry room)
• Wipe down your violin with a clean, dry cloth after each session to prevent buildup of rosin, dirt, dust, and sweat.

There are three basic categories of violin strings. The type of string to buy will depend on the student’s preferences.

• Gut core: These have a very warm sound but due to the use of organic material the lifespan tends to be shorter than synthetic or steel core strings. They will also require more frequent tuning as gut core strings are very susceptible to temperature and humidity changes.
• Synthetic core: These aim to reproduce the sound of gut strings and are much more stable in pitch than gut core. Synthetic core strings are preferred by beginners since they last longer than gut core and will require less tuning.
• Steel core: These have a clear and bright sound. Steel core strings are also more stable in pitch than gut core and will require less tuning.

What about string gauges and tension?

• We recommend students start out with medium ranges for both. Your teacher will let you know if your strings should be adjusted.

The easiest way to tune your violin is by using an electric tuner.

• The pegs are used for larger adjustments.
• If only slightly out of tune, use the fine tuners.

That question is often asked by prospective students. Our teachers make it a priority to get to know you on a personal level and to become familiar with your personal musical needs and goals.

We do not treat every student the same in terms of what and how we teach.

A seven year old having their first guitar lesson will have very different needs than a fifty-seven year old taking up piano for the 2nd time after having had lessons as a child.

The main reason to choose our school as your music lesson provider, is that we are sensitive to the fact that every student is an individual.

If you enroll here for lessons, we will work with you to make a plan that will fit your needs and musical preferences. At the first lesson your teacher will ask you about your favorite type of music, and set goals to help accomplish whatever musical aspirations you have for yourself or your child.

We teach all styles from rock, pop, jazz, country, blues and classical.

At HB School of Music, our youngest violin students start from three years old. It's a good idea to start violin lessons when the child is able to focus for at least 15 minutes in a classroom environment and is willing to learn.

Our teachers have received their education from prestigious institutions. Many of our instructors have gone on performance tours of the US and Europe and have over 25 years of professional performance and teaching experience. In addition to their teaching credentials, our teachers have warm personalities, are extremely friendly and strive to get to know each student and their parent on a personal level.