Starter Violin Course (10 Weeks) (Archived May 2026)

This course has now been replaced by our new Starter Programme. Please click here!

Starter Violin Course (10 Weeks)

Play the violin fluently in just 10 weeks!

If your preferred course date/time option is fully booked, please email support@stringschool.uk to join the waiting list!

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Day (London): Wednesdays 5pm OR Saturdays 10am
• Tutor: Javier Montañana (Weds) and Marisol Hillier / Javier Montañana (Sat)
  with Simon Hewitt Jones, Andrew Samarasekara
• Venue: Whitcomb Street Studio, London WC2H 7DT

Level & Prerequisites: This course is suitable for first-time players. We recommend enrolling for at least one 10-week term at this level.

Suggested commitment: 1-2 terms
Many learners choose to repeat this level once to strengthen core technique, build confidence with sound production, and reinforce early note-reading skills before progressing.

Term Dates - Summer 2026

Week 1: week commencing 27th April
Week 2: w/c 4th May
Week 3: w/c 11th May
Week 4: w/c 18th May
Week 5: w/c 25th May
Exceptionally, there will be NO Half Term break between Week 5 and 6 this term.
Week 6: w/c 1st June
Week 7: w/c 8th June
Week 8: w/c 15th June
Week 9: w/c 22nd June
Week 10: w/c 29th June

End of Term Concert: Saturday 4th July
(Afternoon Concert - venue and times to be confirmed)

Introduction 

Welcome to the Starter Violin Course, a 10-week in-person program (90 minutes per week), designed to help you master the basics of good violin playing.

Whether you're a first-time beginner or have some prior knowledge, this course will equip you with the skills and experience you need to start your journey with the violin in the best possible way!

You'll also learn:

- Violin Technique: Explore all the fundamental skills needed to play beautifully on the violin.
- How to Read Music: If you don't already read music notation, you'll learn how to do this during the course!
- How to Practise: Learn how to practise effectively in order to develop a secure technique and make speedy progress.
- How to Perform: Develop the skills and confidence to perform in front of a live audience!

Course Curriculum

In this 10-week course, you will explore a wide range of topics, including:

• Posture and the Body
• Holding the Violin
• Holding the Bow
• Making a Good Sound!
• Musical Fundamentals
• Open Strings
• Playing with the Fingers
• Intonation (playing in tune)
• Slurred Bowing
• Major and Minor
• Scales and Arpeggios
• Coordination and Dexterity
• Rhythm and Pulse
• Practising
• Improvisation
• Playing in a Group
• Performing

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for both first-time learners, and for people returning to the violin after some time. You don't need any previous musical experience to take this course - we'll teach you everything you need to know (including music notation if you do not already read music).

Why take this course?

• Personal Development - Connect with your creative side, and develop practice methods and performance techniques that will can be transferred to many other areas of your life!
• Meet Likeminded Learners - London String School learners come from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life,
• Take Time for Yourself! In our busy, connected, city lives, there's rarely a time to stop and disconnect. Switch off to focus entirely on the violin, and 90 minutes later you'll emerge refreshed and energised by the power of music!

Course Requirements

To enroll in this course, you'll need your own violin and bow. We also recommend buying a music stand. There are no other requirements for taking the course, and you don't need to know how to read music (we'll show you how to do that)!

If you’re already committed to learning the violin, then you can sign up straight away for the Starter Violin Course.

If you’d like to try a ‘taster session’ first, to be sure that the violin is the right instrument for you, then we recommend taking part in the introductory 'Fundamentals' class before joining the full course.

This also gives you an opportunity to get to know our teaching style, and for the introductory 'Fundamentals' class we can also provide you with a violin and bow, at no extra cost!

Course Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a record of achievement certifying that you have completed the Starter Violin Course!

Course Instructors

Our teaching team includes players with extensive performance and teaching experience, including performers from groups such as the London Symphony Orchestra.

Marisol, Javier, Simon and David will guide you through this learning journey with support from our outstanding team of learning advisors.

Click here to meet the StringSchool teaching team!

Course Reviews

Here's what some of our past students have said about our courses:

”[You have] enabled me to relearn the violin! Over the last few years I’ve gone from playing open strings to grade 5, enjoying performing solos and a wide variety of group numbers along the way. With no auditions or minimum standard it really is open to all and a great supportive environment!” - Georgina