Viola and Violin
WELCOME !
Rebecca is a passionate and experienced teacher. She has worked with students of all ages, and welcomes players of any ability.
In addition to her private teaching, Rebecca has enjoyed working with a number of schools, music services and other education projects.
First lesson free!
Lessons are held at Rebecca's home in Marsden or at Hanson Arts
For information about lesson fees and timings, please contact Rebecca.
Flexible payment plans are available.
'I would highly recommend Rebecca as a Violin/Viola teacher. She first started teaching both my teenage daughters two years ago. They both have very different learning methods and skill levels. Rebecca adapted her teaching method to suit each one. To sustain their enthusiasm, she explored various musical genres. She is exceedingly patient and entices the best effort from both.'
-Anjali
'So glad I picked up the violin again after 30 years. It brings joy to my life. Rebecca is a great teacher - complimentary and constructive. Learning is fun with her.'
-Kate
What will I cover in my lessons?
Learning to play the violin or viola takes many hours of dedicated practise, but with the right tools, practising your instrument is rewarding and fun!
Your lessons are designed to be practical and enjoyable, helping you to develop your understanding of the instrument and supporting your musical journey.
We will work on:
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Improving technique
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Developing note reading and music theory skills
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Developing listening/aural skills
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Exploring different musical genres, styles and repertoire
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Improving confidence in performance
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Promoting freedom of movement and reducing muscular tension
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Developing ensemble skills
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Learning how to practise effectively
'Rebecca has taught our daughter since she was seven. She had been having lessons for a couple of years with another teacher who went on maternity leave and recommended Rebecca. We were worried our daughter may take a while to get used to her but the change was seamless. Rebecca has been fantastic; challenging and encouraging our daughter. She creates a friendly and calm environment to learn and progress.'
-Fran
'Rebecca supported my recent, tentative return to violin playing as a "veteran" adult with sensitivity, kindness, respect and great encouragement. Her wide knowledge and experience encompasses practical solutions and techniques to improve playing, master new skills and avoid physical strain - using my personal choice of repertoire. She also introduced me to group playing, something new and challenging to me. I am glad I found her!'
- Val
Preparing for an exam?
For those wishing to take graded examinations, Rebecca is experienced in helping students to prepare for exams in the ABRSM and Trinity syllabuses.
Graded examinations are a fantastic way to improve performance skills and display what you have learnt over the course of your lessons. However, they are not compulsory! Learn at your own pace and enjoy creating music.
'We have used Rebecca’s teaching services since last summer (2019). She has excellent skills as a teacher, coupled to a sensitive but demanding style that gets the best out of the student. Our 8yr old son has grown with confidence under her tutelage. Her attention to detail is first class, and that underpins the quality of her teaching. We would highly recommend her services.'
- Mark
'Rebecca is a fantastic teacher: my daughter has made more progress in a few lessons with her, than in a whole year of primary school lessons. She is very encouraging and patient, but also has high standards which brings out the best in my daughter's playing - it made all the difference when my daughter took her exam and subsequently received a distinction.'
- Sam
Groups and Ensembles
It is recommended that students join a group alongside their individual lessons.
The benefits of joining an ensemble include:
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Practical application of skills learnt in lessons
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Increased knowledge of musical concepts - rhythm, intonation, dynamics, structure, harmony, expression
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Developing sight-reading skills
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Developing listening skills and non-verbal communication
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Diverse performance opportunities
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Collaboration with other musicians and a chance to build relationships
Rebecca is also a tutor and ensemble leader at Hanson Arts, a thriving musical hub and instrument manufacturers in the centre of Marsden. Hanson Arts offers a wide range of groups, including a string group, community choir, jazz ensemble, music theory class and many more...
For more information, click here.
'My daughter has enjoyed lessons with Rebecca for 12 months. I would like to highly recommend Rebecca as an upper strings teacher. Rebecca is able to teach students of all ages and all levels of competency. Her lessons are very engaging and she brings a wonderful excitement to the music experience. My daughter has flourished under Rebecca's teaching and very much looks forward to her weekly session. Both have adapted very well to on-line lessons in recent times and this is working very well. All lessons are followed up with a detailed word document confirming what has been covered, focus areas and next steps.'
- Paul
'Rebecca has been teaching my son for over a year now and I have found her to be professional and personable. Not only has she helped him progress through his gradings, she has helped him develop his skills to improve his general technique. My son continues to enjoy his lessons and I can see a real difference in his performance.'
- Nadia