How did a professional, classical violinist start teaching online?
Good question, lol
One thing I thought I would never do is teach online but the Universe had something else for me in mind.
I used to think, how could online teaching be effective so many things could be compromised…the internet connection affecting the sound, mindset of violinists not taking it seriously, missed appointments and bottom line overall educational impact for the student.
Having held a part time position as a website designer for a few years right after the University to pay for some new violin bows, I had experience with a bit of that online “sleazy” side, right? Believe me, in 2011, it was the last thing on my mind to start teaching online.
If we put my life on rewind…where was I and what was I doing in 2011?
Having a private studio of around 20 violinists and performing in multiple orchestras in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, touring to Italy and Bulgaria for chamber music festivals….crazy busy time oh and practicing at least three hours a day for my sessions with Rachel Barton Pine.
That same summer, a dear little student of mine, we will call her Sara, begged me to teach her online when I was touring in the summer. I told her no the year before but Sara was very insistent and was not going to take no for an answer again.
You see, her father was in the Air Force and online to her was every day and she didn’t seem to find a dividing line on what would be effective or not online. She talked to her dad most likely every day online while he was deployed. So, I broke down and thought I would give it a go for her. That summer I taught her piano and violin online. I was blown away by the effectiveness of the sessions.
Looking back on this…it was definitely Divine timing. Shortly thereafter, I began to play with Gabrovo Chamber Orchestra in Bulgaria on a full time basis and my time Stateside was very limited to the moment I relocated to Bulgaria.
That little seed planted an international forest. From then until now, I have taught violinists all over the world via videos from my youtube channel to my online Academies and private sessions via Zoom.
Now, I would love to hear from you. Are you a violinist that learns or teaches online? If so, what do you find are the benefits of studying the violin online?
Leave a comment below and let me know.
Until we meet again…
Happy Magical Practices,
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