Free Introductory Lesson
Violin Lessons in Colorado Springs, Taught by Philharmonic Musicians
The violin is one of the most beloved instruments in the world. It can sing a soaring classical melody, drive a bluegrass jam, or add a sweeping string line to a pop song. Learn violin and fiddle from teachers who perform with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, at our studio on North Academy Blvd near Union, with private lessons for young beginners, orchestra students, and adults. Your first lesson is free, so you can meet your teacher and see how lessons work before you commit. We teach violinists from school orchestras in Falcon D49, D11, Manitou Springs D14, and Cheyenne Mountain D12, along with fiddlers and adult beginners.
Who Violin Lessons Are For
- Young beginners. Violins come in small fractional sizes, so even young children can start on an instrument that fits them.
- School orchestra students who want to keep up, move up a chair, or prepare for auditions, all-state, and youth symphony
- Students preparing for college music auditions
- Adult beginners. It’s never too late. Many of our students start the violin as adults.
- Returning players picking the violin back up after years away
What You’ll Learn
Lessons follow a step-by-step plan built around your goals and the music you love.
Beginners
- Holding the violin and bow comfortably, with good posture
- Producing a clear, steady sound
- Finger placement and playing in tune
- Reading music, rhythm, and scales
- Your first pieces and tunes, chosen around the music you want to play
Intermediate and Advanced Players
- Shifting into higher positions
- Vibrato
- Advanced bowing techniques like spiccato, détaché, and double stops
- Scales and études for technique
- Solo, audition, and orchestral repertoire, from Baroque to modern
- Music theory, phrasing, and musical interpretation
Every student moves at their own pace. Weekly lessons keep you progressing steadily, and a teacher can catch posture and bowing habits early. That matters on violin, because small habits have a big effect on your sound.
Meet Your Violin Teachers
Both of our violin teachers play with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. We’ll match you with the teacher who best fits your goals and schedule.
George Willis
A classically trained violinist who served as concertmaster of the CU Boulder Symphony and plays as a substitute with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. George also plays fiddle in bluegrass bands, so students can learn classical repertoire and fiddle tunes with one teacher. He has taught private violin since 2018. Read George’s bio
Angela Marvin
Angela holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance and plays regularly with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs. Her career has taken her from Hollywood studios to tours across Europe and Asia, and she teaches violin, viola, cello, and upright bass. Read Angela’s bio
Book Your Free First Lesson
Tell us a little about the student, and we’ll email you within 24 hours to find a time. Prefer a call or text? Just let us know.
After your free lesson, private lessons start at $149 per month for a weekly 30-minute lesson, with no long-term contract. Rather talk? Call 719-722-0248
“The music academy is wonderful! I never imagined that my 5 year old would enjoy getting lessons on a weekly basis as much as she is, and that she would learn as fast as she is. … Would definitely recommend!”
Violin and Fiddle
Classical Violin Lessons
Classical lessons build strong fundamentals: a beautiful tone, accurate intonation, reading music, and repertoire from Baroque to modern. It’s the path for school orchestra, youth symphony, and college auditions.
Fiddle Lessons
Fiddle lessons focus on bluegrass, Celtic, folk, and country styles. You’ll learn tunes by ear, play with drive and groove, and pick up the bowing patterns that give fiddle music its feel. George plays both styles. Learn more about fiddle lessons.
A Little Violin History
The violin as we know it appeared in northern Italy in the early 1500s. Andrea Amati, working in Cremona, was one of its first great makers, and Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri followed in the 1600s and 1700s. Their instruments are still the most prized in the world. Composers from Vivaldi and Bach to Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms wrote some of their greatest music for the violin. Today it’s everywhere, from symphony orchestras and string quartets to bluegrass festivals, jazz, film soundtracks, and pop music, and electric violins have opened up even more possibilities.
More Ways to Grow
When you’re ready, play with other students in our ensembles and perform in student recitals. We also teach viola, cello, and fiddle, so the whole family can learn strings under one roof, and many violinists take piano lessons to strengthen their music theory and ear training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start violin lessons?
Many children start between ages 4 and 7 on a small violin sized for them. Others begin around fourth or fifth grade when they join school orchestra. Adults are welcome at any age.
Do I need my own violin?
Yes, you’ll need one for lessons and practice at home. Most families rent at first, especially since kids move up in size as they grow, and we’re happy to help with sizing and choosing an instrument.
Can lessons help with school orchestra or auditions?
Yes. We teach school orchestra students, and lessons can focus on orchestra music, chair placement, all-state and youth symphony auditions, or college audition repertoire.
What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?
They’re the same instrument. “Violin” usually means classical playing, and “fiddle” means folk styles like bluegrass, Celtic, and country, often learned by ear. George teaches both.
Is the violin hard to learn?
The violin takes patience, because playing in tune and getting a clean sound both take practice. Having a teacher’s guidance from the start makes the early stages much smoother.
How much should my child practice?
Young violinists do best with short, focused practice on most days. Your teacher will give you specific things to work on each week, so practice time never feels aimless.
How long are lessons, and what do they cost?
Choose 30, 45, or 60-minute private lessons. Your first lesson is free, and lessons start at $149 per month for a weekly 30-minute lesson after that, with no long-term contract.
Schedule Your Free Violin Lesson
Meet George or Angela, talk about your goals, and see if lessons are a good fit. Call us at 719-722-0248 or send us a message to book your free introductory violin lesson.
Rocky Mountain Academy of Music · 5426 North Academy Blvd, Ste 101 · Colorado Springs, CO 80918