MELISSA WHITEHEAD PGDip BMus (Hons)

Will I need my own violin?

Yes, although I can offer advice on violins within your budget and suggest the most convenient place for you to purchase or rent one. All adults will need a 4/4 (full size) violin but for children there are a variety of sizes to choose from. I can measure children during any meetings prior to the first lesson or your local music shop can assist you. For your first lesson it would be helpful to bring a sponge and elastic band as this will make the violin sit more comfortably on your shoulder. Eventually you may decide to buy a specially designed shoulder rest. They can be quite personal items so I have several which you may try out to decide which works best for you.

 

Where will the lessons happen?

I teach from my house in Fenham, NE4. Unfortunately due to my timetable I am unable to travel to pupils.

 

My child is 5. Are they too young to learn?

I believe that violin lessons are more suited to children aged 7+. At 7 years old children are more used to the formal learning environment of a classroom. They can concentrate for longer periods of time and are also very comfortable with the alphabet and numbers from 1 to 10.

 

Will I have to take exams?

I will let you know when you are ready to take an exam but the choice to enter for an exam is entirely yours. Some of my students take every grade exam, some take occasional ones and some take none at all. I currently enter students for ABRSM violin and theory exams, Trinity College Scottish Fiddle exams and LCM popular theory exams. Unfortunately at present there are no pop or musical theatre exams available to violin students. I am also a fully trained ABRSM Music Medals teacher-assessor for younger students and where required I can assist students in learning appropriately graded repertoire for a GCSE or A Level music performance/ensemble.

 

What will I be learning?

All of my beginner pupils start learning with a tutor book  which gradually introduces the skills needed to play the violin and read sheet music. I also take an interest in what pieces the pupil wishes to learn so include those when appropriate. This could include using a number of folk tunes, or often when teaching children I’ll arrange their favourite film theme tunes to be played as a duet with myself. Each lesson really is tailored to the needs and interests of the individual. Students are also encouraged to learn music theory through practical and written exercises.

 

What is your policy on missed lessons?

I use the standard Musicians' Union teaching contract which insists that all missed lessons must be paid for unless otherwise agreed with the teacher (for example 2 weeks notice for holidays). All of my students are invoiced to pay on a monthly basis and if the student wishes to terminate lessons they must give 2 weeks notice.

 

Can I learn with a friend?

Of course. Whilst the majority of my lessons are on a one-to-one basis, students are welcome to learn in groups of two if they wish. In this situation there is also scope to organise a combination of individual and group lessons with a friend.

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