How To Find A Violin Teacher In Portland, Oregon

If you live within the Portland, OR metro area, you have a lot of options for teachers. That being said, it can still be challenging to find the right one for you. Once you have decided that you will embark on your music learning journey, your search will begin. You might be looking for lessons as an adult first time learner of the violin, or for a young child. Some teachers will teach all ages, and some are only willing to teach specific types of students.  

As a violin teacher, I’m happy to help you find the right teacher. Maybe it’s me! Or maybe it’s not, and that’s totally ok! There are so many amazing musicians and music teachers in Portland, OR that you will find someone great for your learning needs. 

Looking for violin lessons and a violin teacher in Portland, OR? Here are some pointers to consider!

This article will walk you through a few things to think about when it comes to choosing a violin teacher in Portland, OR. 1. Think Hard About Your Goals For Lessons

Before you start reaching out to teachers and schools, think about what your needs are. Do you want lessons once a week, every 2 weeks, or once a month? How often are you willing to practice? Do you have time for lessons? These are questions that your new teacher will have for you and you can save lots of time by already having the answer. 

Will you or your child be a serious student? Or are you looking for some light extra curricular activity? Some teachers are very serious about their students and will expect a large time commitment from their students. Be sure you know what you are getting yourself into in your first conversations with a teacher. 

What style of music are you wanting to learn? The violin is an incredibly versatile instrument. Students can choose from classical, folk, bluegrass, fiddle, jazz, hindustani music, and more! Be sure that you pick a teacher that has adequate training in the type of music you want to study. It’s ok to ask what their training and background is. If a teacher doesn’t want to talk about their education or performing experience, that can be a red flag. Become familiar with what their musical experience is to be sure that it is in line with what you want. 

2. Decide If You Want In-Person Or Virtual Violin Lessons

You have lots of options these days in terms of how you receive lessons. As a teacher, I am comfortable teaching virtually or in-person. Some students greatly prefer one over the other. While other students can go either way. It is common for students to have some mixture of both so that lessons can remain consistent when either the teacher or student goes out of town or on a trip. 

Virtual lessons offer the advantage of not having to deal with driving and commute time and added flexibility. Virtual lessons are also a little safer during high sickness or pandemic times. It requires an adequate electronic device and strong internet. In-person lessons are nice to be face-to-face and the student and teacher can play together more easily. This can be a way of spreading illness however. 

I am an activer performing artist. That means that I sometimes have months at a time when I’m away from home. During these periods, I teach all of my students remotely. Some families will appreciate that I am truly a professional and have cool gigs. Other families might prefer to have a teacher who is always at home. These are questions that you should ask yourself before you get started with lessons. 

Some teachers may only prefer in-person violin lessons because they aren’t sure how to teach virtually. I am a licensed yoga teacher and I think of virtual lessons much like giving a yoga class. I give verbal cues and directions to students and then they move their hands and arms accordingly. To be honest, I think this is a great way to learn and teach. Sometimes teachers rely too much on physically moving a student into position. I think it is excellent muscle control building to get the student into proper positioning all by themselves. They can build a kinesthetic awareness that way. 

3. Do An Online Search For Violin Teachers In Portland, Or

The world is your oyster on the internet. If you have decided that you want the convenience of virtual lessons, you can choose a teacher anywhere in the world. There are numerous websites with teacher profiles offering to connect students to teachers. Often these websites take a cut of the profit and manage money so that is something to keep in mind when going with a service like that. 

If you have decided that you want the option of a local violin teacher, you can still use the internet to do this. Search online with [violin lessons in Portland, OR] and you may come up with more teachers than you know what to do with! That will take you to your next step in the deciding process. 

4. Ask Local Schools, Libraries, And Organizations For Violin Teachers

Often, schools and other organizations have lists of local music teachers. For example, in Portland, OR I know that the Portland Youth Philharmonic or PYP has a list of instrument specific teachers. I’m on the list because I work for them lol. The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of MYS is also another great resource. But there are many lists like this in your city or town. Just ask around and you might have a list of your own in no time!

5. Check Credentials And Education Of Potential Teachers

There are a lot of music teachers in the world, and they are not all created equal. Education is a major when it comes to finding a good teacher. You want to go with a teacher who went to a top conservatory if you are looking to be a serious student with a knowledgeable teacher. At the minimum, you want your music teacher to have a music degree from a college or conservatory, or many many years of experience working as a professional musician if not. Typically, teachers with more experience and fancier degrees will charge more for lessons. This makes perfect sense given the financial investment in their education and also their level of expertise. 

6. Decide What Your Financial Investment Is For Violin Lessons

The unfortunate reality is that violin lessons are a financial investment. So because of this, it is wise to have a time investment to go along with lessons. Music is a cumulative skill, so lessons typically take place for years. Consistent and regular lessons are always the best and will help your investment go further. Ask your prospective teachers what their rates are and make sure that you are committed to investing in music. 

Violin Lessons Are Fun!

These are just a few of the things to consider when looking for a violin teacher for yourself, or your child in Portland, OR. Remember to have fun while you are searching. Music should always be fun and don’t let it become a stress in your life. If you have further questions, you can always contact me through my website. 

Thank you all and play on!

Elisa Rega 

How to Find a Violin Teacher

Once you make the commitment to embark on the music lessons you’ve always wanted, it can be challenging to find a teacher that is the right fit for your learning. You might be looking for lessons as an adult first time learner of the violin, or for a young child. Some teachers will teach all ages, and some are only willing to teach specific students. There is a lot of searching to do and questions to ask when you are ready for that first violin lesson.

As a violin and viola teacher, I’m happy to help people find the right teacher for them. Maybe it’s me! Or maybe it’s not, and that’s totally ok! There are so many amazing musicians and music teachers in the world to choose from. The important thing is that you are happy with whatever you decide.

This article will walk you through a few things to think about when it comes to choosing a violin teacher.

Looking for violin lessons or a violin teacher? Here are some pointers to consider!

1. Think Hard About Your Goals For Lessons

Before you start reaching out to teachers and schools, think about what your needs are. Do you want lessons once a week, every 2 weeks, or once a month? How often are you willing to practice? Do you have time for lessons? These are questions that your new teacher will have for you and you can save lots of time by already having the answer.

Will you or your child be a serious student? Or are you looking for some light extra curricular activity? Some teachers are very serious about their students and will expect a large time commitment from their students. Be sure you know what you are getting yourself into in your first conversations with a teacher.

What style of music are you wanting to learn? The violin is an incredibly versatile instrument. Students can choose from classical, folk, bluegrass, fiddle, jazz, hindustani music, and more! Be sure that you pick a teacher that has adequate training in the type of music you want to study. It’s ok to ask what their training and background is. If a teacher doesn’t want to talk about their education or performing experience, that can be a red flag. Become familiar with what their musical experience is to be sure that it is in line with what you want.

2. Decide If You Aant In-Person Or Virtual Violin Lessons

You have lots of options these days in terms of how you receive lessons. As a teacher, I am comfortable teaching virtually or in-person. Some students greatly prefer one over the other. While other students can go either way. It is common for students to have some mixture of both so that lessons can remain consistent when either the teacher or student goes out of town or on a trip.

Virtual lessons offer the advantage of not having to deal with driving and commute time and added flexibility. Virtual lessons are also a little safer during high sickness or pandemic times. It requires an adequate electronic device and strong internet. In-person lessons are nice to be face-to-face and the student and teacher can play together more easily. This can be a way of spreading illness however.

I am an activer performing artist. That means that I sometimes have months at a time when I’m away from home. During these periods, I teach all of my students remotely. Some families will appreciate that I am truly a professional and have cool gigs. Other families might prefer to have a teacher who is always at home. These are questions that you should ask yourself before you get started with lessons.

Some teachers may only prefer in-person violin lessons because they aren’t sure how to teach virtually. I am a licensed yoga teacher and I think of virtual lessons much like giving a yoga class. I give verbal cues and directions to students and then they move their hands and arms accordingly. To be honest, I think this is a great way to learn and teach. Sometimes teachers rely too much on physically moving a student into position. I think it is excellent muscle control building to get the student into proper positioning all by themselves. They can build a kinesthetic awareness that way.

3. Do An Online Search For Violin Teachers

The world is your oyster on the internet. If you have decided that you want the convenience of virtual lessons, you can choose a teacher anywhere in the world. There are numerous websites with teacher profiles offering to connect students to teachers. Often these websites take a cut of the profit and manage money so that is something to keep in mind when going with a service like that.

If you have decided that you want the option of a local violin teacher, you can still use the internet to do this. Often if you search for [violin lessons in “City, State”], you may come up with more teachers than you know what to do with! That will take you to your next step in the deciding process.

4. Ask Local Schools, Libraries, And Organizations For Violin Teachers

Often, schools and other organizations have lists of local music teachers. For example, in Portland, OR I know that the Portland Youth Philharmonic has a list of instrument specific teachers. I’m on the list because I work for them lol. But there are many lists like this in your city or town. Just ask around and you might have a list of your own in no time!

5. Check Credentials and Education Of Prospective Teachers

There are a lot of music teachers in the world, and they are not all created equal. Education is a major when it comes to finding a good teacher. You want to go with a teacher who went to a top conservatory if you are looking to be a serious student with a knowledgeable teacher. At the minimum, you want your music teacher to have a music degree from a college or conservatory, or many many years of experience working as a professional musician if not. Typically, teachers with more experience and fancier degrees will charge more for lessons. This makes perfect sense given the financial investment in their education and also their level of expertise.

6. Decide What Your Financial Investment Is For Violin Lessons

The unfortunate reality is that violin lessons are a financial investment. So because of this, it is wise to have a time investment to go along with lessons. Music is a cumulative skill, so lessons typically take place for years. Consistent and regular lessons are always the best and will help your investment go further. Ask your prospective teachers what their rates are and make sure that you are committed to investing in music.

Violin Lessons Are Fun!

These are just a few of the things to consider when looking for a violin teacher for yourself, or your child. Remember to have fun while you are searching. Music should always be fun and don’t let it become a stress in your life. If you have further questions, you can always contact me through my website.

Thank you all and play on!

Elisa Rega