You may be surprised to find a page about violin lessons on an Alexander Technique website, but if you have found this page it’s probably because you either play the violin or would like to! So, if you’re interested, please read on.
I teach violin in Ambleside, in the Lake District to students of all ages, from beginners to advanced players. Cumbria - now Westmorland and Furness, and Cumberland - includes a number of small towns and villages so people often come to Ambleside from Windermere, Kendal and Keswick areas, as well as Ulverston and Barrow, Coniston and Penrith.
I graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, then studied with the Hungarian violinist Kato Havas, author of A New Approach to Violin Playing and Stage Fright. I have several decades of experience, and with all students I emphasise the importance of using the body well: in order to be physically comfortable, develop good technique, and enjoy playing while expressing your musical ideas through the instrument.
I offer regular lessons (for viola as well as violin, and beginners in cello) for anyone still learning to play the instrument. In addition, I offer more specialised lessons for anyone who can already play but is struggling with issues of tension, performance nerves, or aspiring to produce a better, more natural quality of tone. For this I draw on my experience as an Alexander teacher and from Kato’s teaching - see katohavas.com
In-person lessons are always preferable, but it is sometimes possible to work online with those who cannot easily get to Ambleside.
Fees: Half hour lesson: £20
Longer lessons are also available.
To book lessons or for other queries: use the same contact details as for Alexander lessons: janet@alexanderinambleside.co.uk or phone 015394 33471 (leaving a voicemail if necessary).
