Dear all,
I am writing to update you about our plans for the London school during the Summer 2020 term.
Firstly, I hope this finds you safe and well. I'm painfully aware that, for a minority of our community, music is - right now - not at the forefront of our minds.
If that's you, please know that we're thinking of you, and we'll be here for you whenever you're ready to begin playing again.
For the rest of us, we need to prepare and be ready for when things get back to some kind of 'new normal', because in the coming months, people will need the solace, joy and excitement of music more than ever ...
... and getting ready for that is what Summer 2020 at ViolinSchool will be all about!
As with so many small organisations around the world in recent weeks, the months of March and April have not been kind to ViolinSchool.
But we're here for the long term. We've had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation, and I've taken the necessary decisions that will not only see us through the coming months, but continue to grow and thrive long after the current situation is over.
That said, we do need a couple more weeks to rebalance and catch up, so the start of our Summer Term is now delayed, and will start two weeks later than planned, in the week beginning 4th May.
We are now gradually working through our backlog and hope to be back to full speed by the end of April. We are immensely grateful for your support and patience.
Thank you.
Enrolment
If you are already enrolled --
If you are not yet enrolled --
Term Fees
We understand that your finances might be in an unusual place right now. We are also facing significantly increased costs, albeit offset against venue reductions. It is a very challenging time for many of us.
In order to help with tuition costs, we have been able to make the following adjustments:
We have always strongly believed that lack of financial resource should not be a barrier to learning music. If you need help with fees, please ask.
Although our resources are limited, we will always subsidise committed learners where we have capacity do so.
All of us at ViolinSchool are, as ever, completely focused on how to to provide you with the very best learning experience.
But a new reality requires a new approach, so instead of adapting our existing London program, we have reinvented it completely.
We will continue to monitor goverment advice, and still hope to re-introduce 'hybrid' online/offline classes in Pimlico during the second half of term, if it becomes safe to do so.
But we can't rely on this definitely happening. Therefore, Summer Term courses will be delivered through a mix of tuition formats:
Although this approach is new for many in our London community, we have been trialling it successfully for several years with our international learners, and I can highly recommend it.
In fact, I have been hoping for several years to bring hybrid digital- and offline- learning to all of our London community!
Why? Because, quite simply, I strongly believe that a blend of online and offline learning leads to the best results.
For this reason, I actually see this time as a very exciting opportunity to develop a new standard of learning for the violin.
1. Online Course Modules
For courses A to C, class materials will be available to you on ViolinSchool.com (for D and E / Ensembles, we will be sending music to you by email instead).
You will be able to download music and exercises, and look at basic instructions in advance of each class.
2. Live Zoom Classes
In each live session, we will go through the materials from the most recent module(s). We'll work through each exercise and activity in real time, and there'll be time to answer any questions that you may have.
3. Optional Short Followup Sessions (Skype or Zoom)
Should you need more help or support than is available in the group class, I and/or Marisol will be available for short 20-minute 121 followup sessions. We will be able to give personalised feedback or work in depth on a topic as needed.
Coaching times will be released weekly, but will usually include Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and some weekday daytimes.
A couple of followup sessions and/or video exchanges will be included for each course participant. If you feel the need for more, further 121 coaching will available at a reduced rate.
4. Video Exchange
These are exactly the same as coaching sessions, but not in real time. If short coaching sessions are not possible for you due to scheduling, then you can simply upload a video performance for assessment and feedback.
(all times London/BST)
Thursdays (beginning 7th May):
6.30pm to 8pm - Adult Course A
8pm to 9.30pm - Adult Course B
Saturdays (beginning 9th May):
10.30am onwards - Parent & Child Courses
12.30pm to 2pm - Adult Course C
2.15pm to 3.45pm - Adult Course D/E
[May only] 4pm to 4.45pm - Ensembles
[June only] 4pm to 6pm Violin Orchestra Preparation
Preparation Week 1: Saturday 25th April
Preparation Week 2: Saturday 2nd May
Week 1: Thurs 7th & Sat 9th May
Week 2: Thurs 14th & Sat 16th May
Week 3: Thurs 21st & Sat 23rd May
Week 4: Thurs 28th & Sat 30th May
Week 5: Thurs 4th & Sat 6th June
(exceptionally, there will be no half term break)
Week 6: Thurs 11th & Sat 13th June
Week 7: Thurs 18th & Sat 20th June
Week 8: Thurs 25th & Sat 27th June
Revision Week: Saturday 4th July
Summer Concert: Saturday 11th July
Rehearsals & Online Participation
Though our London school is incredibly important to us, it's actually not the main part of what we do. 'ViolinSchool' pre-dates ViolinSchool London; we originally launched in 2012 as an online school for the violin, but the idea was too ahead of its time.
No longer! As we move ahead into September 2020 and beyond, you can expect ViolinSchool to leverage the power of digital technology more than ever before. We're going back to our digital roots! Everything we do will be available digitally, not just physically.
I promise you this can be done in a really good way. Physical experiences such as concerts and printed books become even more important when digital resources are ubiquitous.
Digital formats don't replace physical formats. But each plays its role in enhancing learning, music-making, performing and listening experiences. More digital options don't detract from what's precious and unique about shared in-person events. If anything, the opposite is true.
In the next few days, you'll see our newest books and courses being released. Over the coming months, many more will follow. Our daily online lessons, weekly emails, and regular YouTube videos will restart next week.
So, please keep an eye on this blog, and look out for our emails 🙂
**
Thank you again for your support and commitment to learning during this remarkable time. Together we will get through it, and emerge stronger.
On behalf of everyone here, Happy Spring, and ... whether on-screen, or in person ... see you soon 🙂
Simon
We are revising our plan for the Summer Term at ViolinSchool London, in line with new UK Government guidelines and lockdown extensions.
A full update will be published here by Wednesday 22nd April.
We can already confirm:
If you are a new student booked into a beginner class or course, we will contact you individually in the coming days to make sure you are set up correctly with an instrument.
If you are a continuing student, your membership will be extended until the end of August, and we will contact you before the end of April to welcome you to the new term.
Please check back here after Wednesday 22nd April for the revised Summer Term plan.
Thank you, and keep safe!
Tonight at 7pm London time, we are premiering this Term's debut performace from Course A. Click here to watch the stream live on our YouTube channel, or view the video here afterwards:
The music, including all-new piano backing tracks and downloadable sheet music, is available for ViolinSchool members here:
The first Easter e-Concert videos, featuring Beginner Course A and the Children's Course will premiere on Sunday 12th April at https://www.youtube.com/violinschool/
Subscribe to ViolinSchool's YouTube channel today and click 'notifications' to hear when the videos go live on our channel. We look forward to entertaining you from tomorrow!
Happy Easter!
Here are 10 really useful tips for getting the best results when recording your part for a virtual violin ensemble or orchestra...
Click the play button below to hear this feature, or download the MP3 to listen offline!
1) Record horizontally not vertically.
If you record vertically when you're holding your violin in playing position, then either the instrument will be cut off the screen because you're too close to the camera, or it won't be possible to crop your video to the right size because you'll be too far away, and the resolution won't be high enough.
So please, set up your device *horizontally* not vertically before you record!
2) Choose a Good Camera Angle.
A lot of people put their phone or tablet on a piece of furniture, and have it pointing up at them whilst they play. The problem with this is that all the viewer sees behind you is your ceiling!
So make sure that your camera is pointing directly at you. If you're recording with a computer, then the screen should be exactly vertical.
If you're using your phone to record but you don't have a tripod, then balance it so that it's almost vertical, or use something sticky to hold it in place whilst you record.
3) Place Your Camera at Eye Height
To get the right camera angle, you're also going to need your camera to be at eye height. If you're recording at home, try to find a shelf or a bookcase that's nearly as tall as you, and set up your device there.
If you can't find a piece of furniture that's high enough, it might be better to record sitting down instead. Set up your phone or laptop on a table, and if you don't have a tripod, use some books or other heavy objects to balance your phone in place.
4) Light In Front, Not Behind
When it comes to basic lighting, there's only one thing you need to remember ... the strongest light should be IN FRONT of you ... not behind you!
Just make sure you're not filming yourself in front of an outside window or a bright light, and you should be OK.
If the sun is shining, then you should be facing the sunlight - don't record with the sun behind you!
5) Check The Dress Code
If there's a dress code for your virtual orchestra or ensemble, then make sure that you check it before you record! That's one thing that can't be fixed in the edit!
6) Check Your Background
Also check the background of your visual image before you hit the record button. A simple or plain background is fine, but if you're recording at home, it's always a good idea to check that laundry, unwashed dishes, the remains of yesterday's cake, or your child's toy monkeys aren't photobombing you without your permission...! Trust me, I know this to be true 😉
7) Use Earphones
You have to use earphones if you're recording a virtual ensemble part. This is because you'll always have to play at an exact tempo, so that the different parts can be stitched together by the editor.
You need to wear earphones so that you can listen to a reference track or a metronome beat whilst you play, without the sound being picked up by the microphone that's recording you!
This is exactly how string musicians work in a studio recording session. On the right ear, each player wears a single-ear headphone, which is like a headset *without* a microphone.
The metronome beat, known as the 'click track', is pumped through the right earpiece. But the left ear remains clear, so you can keep listening to what you're playing, without distraction.
You might like to try this with your own earphones, to find out what works best for you.
Always check the BPM, or 'beats per minute', that's been agreed for the piece you're recording. This tells you the tempo you'll need to play at. Set your metronome to this tempo.
8) Hide Your Earphones
Wired earphones can look messy on camera, so *hide* them if you can. Try running the cable behind your shoulder and down your back, or inside your clothing.
9) Angle Your Violin Towards The Camera
Your performance may be pre-recorded, but it's still a performance. So the *angle* of the violin is important - make sure that you're facing the camera just as you'd face an audience from a concert stage ... rotate your body very slightly to your left, so that your violin is facing directly towards the camera.
Don't rotate too far to your right, otherwise all the viewers will see is the scroll of your violin.
10) 'Perform' the Beginnings and Endings Too!
As with a live performance, the beginnings and endings of your recording are really important.
Be in playing position, ready to start, at least a couple of beats before you play the first note. And at the end, hold your position for a moment or two, before you bring your violin down.
This will give your editor time to fade the visuals in or out, and make sure that your performance matches up visually with the rest of the group. Don't forget to smile!
P.S. ... Name Your Files!
Here's a bonus 11th tip for you that will take you no more than a few seconds, but will save your editor a LOT of time! ... make sure to name your video files correctly!
We recommend putting your first name then surname, then the name of your ensemble or project, then the name of the piece, like this:
Simon Jones - Course A July 2030 - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.mp4
It's a small thing to do, but it makes it *much* easier to organise at the production end! And most importantly, it reduces the chance of your recording getting lost, or not making it into the final cut of the video.
These tips might individually seem like small things. But together, they make a massive difference to the level of production quality that your ensemble can achieve.
Try to remember them, and lift your video to the next level. Good luck with your recording!
Last week, ViolinSchool's Caroline Lumsden sent out a call for performances of Bring Me Sunshine - read the full story here! Here's the final video:
The video will also be broadcast in the UK on The One Show (BBC1), tonight (3rd April) after 7pm!
ViolinSchool's Caroline Lumsden is gathering a 'Virtual Orchestra' today, to perform Bring Me Sunshine for British TV (broadcast date to be confirmed - likely to be in the next 48 hours). You can be part of it!
It all started when Caroline recorded a video message for her husband Alan, who because of the UK lockdown, is isolated in a nearby nursing home.
Read the news articles here:
As well as performances from her family, Caroline would like to include learners from the schools she works for, including Gloucestershire Academy of Music, ViolinSchool, and Musicland Oxford.
If you'd like to take part, record a video of yourself SINGING or PLAYING one of the parts below, and send it to us as soon as you can!
Email your video to [email protected] or if it's a big file, send it via Wetransfer to the same address. Please remember to put 'Bring me Sunshine!' in the subject line, so that we do't miss your message!
RECORDING TRACK [RECORD WITH THIS!!!]:
This track is for RECORDING the video! Listen to this on earphones as you record yourself! Click here to download it! **This track is updated as the project evolves - v10 is below**
PRACTICE TRACK [PRACTISE WITH THIS!!!]:
This track is for PRACTISING the video! Listen to this on earphones as you record yourself! Click here to download it!
DOWNLOAD SCORE/PARTS HERE! (There is a download link under each part)
Music arrangements by Thomas Hewitt Jones
Score:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Full ScoreScore & Parts (1 PDF):
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Score and partsVocals:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - VoicesViolin Parts:
Part 1:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violin 1Part 2:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violin 2Part 3:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violin 3Part 4:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violin 4For Beginner Violinists:
Part 5:
Part 6:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violin 6 (easy)Cello Parts:
Part 1:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violoncello 1Part 2:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violoncello 2Part 3:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violoncello 3Part 4:
Bring me Sunshine string parts FINAL - Violoncello 4So, the world has changed.
When there's not a Pandemic, ViolinSchool is based in the centre of one of the world's most frenetic cities, so we know only too well that the fast pace, the busyness of 21st century life, is beyond a cliche.
Stop the Ride – I Want to Get Off!
Well, if ever there was an opportunity to entirely think the way we live, this is it. Whilst medical professionals fight the front line, for many of us, the most helpful thing we can do is to stay at home.
If we do, then - for all the tragedy and uncertainty that's unfolding around us all across the world - the vast majority of people will be physically fine.
But perhaps we can aim for more than that. Being physically fine is one thing, but being mentally and spiritually fine is another.
Not just individually, but as a global community.
A Creative Reimagining
Imagine if all across the world, we use this time to reinvent who we are. To bring all the most important parts of our lives to the fore. To put human things first.
Creativity and imagination can usually be found at the root of everything great that humans do.
But so often, at least in the world we lived in until a few weeks ago, these crucial human skills came second to 'surviving the rat race' of modern life.
I know first hand how many of our learners struggled to balance the necessities of day to day life, with the desire to realise their potential and spend time on the things that really mattered to them.
Goodness, we've struggled with it ourselves on a daily basis at ViolinSchool. As the saying goes, it's hard to focus on what's important when your attention is always eaten up by what's urgent.
For all the professional musicians that I know, that's completely changed now. In the space of a couple of days, all existing plans (and work!) are lost, and entire reinvention is required.
As Learners and as Teachers, we need to do the same.
Your Tribe, Your Community
That said, for the past decade, ViolinSchool's Approach and Values have guided us to where we are today. Creativity and community have always been our guiding forces, and I put it to you that those two things are sorely needed as, by the hour, our world reinvents itself in front of our noses!
All of us have our own medium for finding Zen. For some people, it's baking a great loaf of bread. For others, it's drawing a great picture.
Others still, find self-actualization through writing, coding, gardening, travelling, dancing, making, caring, and connecting with others (we are, after all, social creatures ... even when that connection is by necessity through a screen!).
For us, it's music. And particularly the violin.
And if that's you too, then come and join our tribe, and consider ViolinSchool a home from home.
A Community for Everyone
Many people don't realise that ViolinSchool was started, back in 2012, as a purely online school (our offline school and publishing came later). Or that I eventually plan to turn it into some kind of co-operative, B Corp, or other social, community-owned entity. But that's always been the plan.
Officially, ViolinSchool's mission is to bring high-quality, affordable violin education to anyone, of any age, of any experience level, anywhere.
But we know that learning a musical instrument and fulfilling your potential is about much more than that. It's about becoming empowered to be the best you can be, it's about growing beyond your comfort zones, and it's about developing your musicianship beyond what you knew to be possible.
But it's also about connecting and sharing the creative act of music with other people. And thanks to modern technology, that's something that can now be done from anywhere.
Where We're Going Next
A dream without action is just a dream. So this is not a time for cabin fever. I urge you to pick up your violin, right now if you can, and begin to play.
Starting today, we'll be reinventing ViolinSchool in real time (or rather, doing what I've always wanted us to do, now that the world is ready for it!). As we do so, we'll be sharing every innovation and every experiment right here on ViolinSchool.com and on our YouTube channel.
Most importantly, we'll be explaining how YOU can join us in our journey of envisaging a better world, and a better way of being.
I'm not asking you just to 'follow' our journey, but to be part of it.
Because the reason ViolinSchool exists, is to help you become the musician that you want to be, so that together we can contribute to build the world we want to see.
And if there's a time to make that dream a reality, then what better time than ... now?
We're pleased to introduce a new listing of Online Class Time listings, which you will find here:
https://www.violinschool.com/online-class-times/
We are excited to finally be expanding our program of live classes, and look forward to seeing you online! Please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
We are starting to roll out our updated online courses this week, and will be onboarding existing learners and members in the coming days. Enrolment for new learners will be available from next week.
Stay tuned to this blog for updates!
We've added the Digital Notation player to this uplifting track for Beginner Violinists ... As you get to know the names of the open strings (G, D, A and E), play along with the track to hear and see the letters for the first time!
If you're new to the violin, try plucking the strings first, using the fingers directly on the fingerboard of the violin. Once you're comfortable with using the bow, try the piece again arco (with the bow)!
(VS Membership required!)
I Am The Captain Of A Pirate Ship is a favourite Beginner Duet from the book Lollipop Man by Anita Hewitt Jones. It's a great piece for Beginner violinists (Level 1) and is based on the D Major scale in 1st position.
If you're practising the piece on your own, mute the other part on the digital notation player, then you can play a duet with your computer or phone!
Practise singing before you play!
Here are some useful words that you can use - they fit rhythmically with the top line (Part 1):
I am the Captain of a Pirate Ship!
I am the Captain of a Pirate Ship!
Pirate Ship, I'm the Captain of the Ship
Yes I am the Captain of a Pirate Ship
Pirate Ship, I'm the Captain of the Ship
Captain of a Pirate Ship!
Click below to play the piece (VS Member Login required). Don't forget to mute the other part so that you can play along with your computer!
(VS Membership required!)
The first digital notation is now being added to our scales pages. Here's G Major in 1 Octave (separate and slurred bowings) ... click the image to listen and play with the music! (membership login required)
(VS Membership required!)
Here's the digital notation to Tick Tock, Tock Tick, a beginner piece for first-time players to practise moving between strings on the violin:
(VS Membership required!)
For 2020, we're excited to be introducing the superb SoundSlice digital notation player into all of our courses and our online library.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be gradually adding this great new tool to all of our pieces and exercises, for all ViolinSchool members to use in their practice.
For beginners, we've just updated Pull Some Strings, a useful set of introductory exercises to help first-time players recognise the notes for the first time.
Click the image below to try out the new player! (login required)
(VS Membership required!)
This gorgeous new track is inspired by luscious, green forests where the mist floats mystically above the trees ... Try playing along with the beautiful soundtrack of this new Level 2 piece:
(VS Membership required!)
Do you use Finger Patterns? They're a really useful way of thinking about where to put your fingers on the violin.
Why are they so useful?
Well, if you know which finger pattern you need for a particular key, you don't need to worry about remembering each interval. You just remember the shape of the hand instead!
Here's Finger Pattern 1 ... this pattern is a good place for beginners to start, because it's the pattern we use for the G, D and A Major scales in first position.
You'll need these distances between the fingers:
Here's a visual image of Finger Pattern 1, from ViolinSchool's Course B:
Course B Parent and Child - Finger Pattern 1 - 1.1.9 - ViolinSchool
(VS Membership required!)
Here's a little bit of news about what’s coming up at ViolinSchool in the next few months…
More Online Lessons & Courses
From January on, we‘ll be releasing several new and upgraded lessons each week on ViolinSchool.com.
You’ll be able to follow what’s new on our daily blog, and the top new videos will be sent out through social media and our weekly emails as well.
We'll be releasing a lot more video, including loads on our YouTube channel - so if you're not already subscribed, do click over to YouTube and follow us there!
On ViolinSchool.com itself, there’ll be lots of premium video tutorials, to help you with all the details of the music theory as well as the violin technique.
Digital Music Player
You may have already seen the lovely new digital notation player starting to appear on some pages at ViolinSchool.com.
The good news is that we are now going to roll it out to almost *all* of the music and exercises in our library, and to all of the lessons in our courses as well!
The player lets you listen to each piece but it also allows you to speed it up, slow it down, loop it, cut out some of the parts, and more.
You can even see a visualisation of where to place your fingers on the fingerboard, as you listen to the music.
It’s a really great tool for practice, and we’ve already seen some amazing results from learners who have started to use it, so if you haven’t already done so, please give it a try!
Printed Books
In 2019, we created our first two printed books, featuring activity-based lessons for beginners.
The books are designed in a clean, easy-to-follow sequence that matches up directly with the online courses, and they’re great fun for learners of all ages.
We’ll make these available publicly during 2020, and there are loads more to come as well - so stay tuned!
**
All of us here at ViolinSchool are looking forward to helping you learn and achieve your goals in 2020 ... Here’s to a great New Year!
We're preparing a giant upgrade for ViolinSchool.com over the holidays. The Courses section of the site may be unavailable. During this time, enrolled learners can access courses directly here:
FREE COURSES
Get Started With The Violin
https://www.violinschool.com/course/how-to-get-started-with-the-violin/
Beginner Quick Start
https://www.violinschool.com/course/beginner-quick-start/
ALL COURSES
Course A (Adult Learners)
https://www.violinschool.com/course/course-a/
Course A - Parent & Child
https://www.violinschool.com/course/course-a-parent-child/
Course B - Parent & Child
https://www.violinschool.com/course/course-b-parent-child/
Click the image to watch our Christmas Message!
Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this Holiday season, we wish you peace and happiness!
In 2020, ViolinSchool is launching our most ambitious ever program of violin lessons, courses and learning resources - including new books, teacher training programs, and digital learning tools for beginner violinists.
We send you different resources depending on your country, and whether you are:
And there are different tracks for:
Make sure you're on the right track ...
Click here to join our mailing list or to update your details!
We're delighted to announce that the Violin Orchestra Christmas Show 2019 will be streamed live from London on Saturday 8th December at 2.30pm GMT (London time).
Update: We're live on YouTube this afternoon! Click here to watch the show!...
We're delighted to announce a NEW London venue on Saturdays for ViolinHub. ViolinHub is the weekend home of ViolinSchool in London, and is a centre for our community, courses, ensembles, orchestra, and a new series of events and workshops. Watch the announcement here:
Visit our London School website: https://london.violinschool.com/
At our new venue, we'll be running our popular Violin Courses for Adult Learners and Parents/Children, as well as the much-loved twice-yearly Violin Orchestra project.
We'll now also introduce a wide range of ensemble music, classes, workshops, and loads of opportunities to LEARN and PLAY the violin across a wide range of different styles and genres.
Violas and cellos can join in with the Ensembles too!
Come and visit us!... email [email protected] or call us on +44 (0) 20 3051 0080 for more information.
Be the first to know when new tutorial videos and video announcements are published! Click here to visit our YouTube channel and subscribe today!
Learn more about our London School on our dedicated ViolinSchool London website. Visit here:
https://london.violinschool.com/
We're taking a few weeks to prepare ViolinSchool.com for the new academic year.
Look out for some big announcements about new courses and locations in early September...
We can't wait to share what we have planned for you ... See you in a couple of weeks!
If you're in the UK, then come to our London School and join in with The Violin Orchestra!
The first rehearsal takes place this weekend (Saturday 15th June), and then we rehearse weekly on Saturday afternoons (Ensembles from 2pm, Orchestra from 3.30pm to 6pm) in Pimlico, SW1.
Orchestra repertoire will include The Devil's Trill by Tartini, and there will be Ensembles for every level, including chamber music by Bach and Handel, traditional Scottish and Irish folk music, and much more!
The Violin Orchestra is open to everyone - all ages and experience levels are welcome! - and music is arranged especially for the group, so there's a part for you whatever your technical level... whether you're an advanced player, or a beginner playing open strings!
Click here to find out more about the Violin Orchestra, and to register today!
