Violin Class

In this episode, I guide you through the process of buying and upgrading your violin, from factory-made models to handcrafted luthier instruments. I’ll share tips on when to upgrade your violin, what to listen for when choosing one, and where to start your research. Accompanying blog post Violin Class newsletter For private lesson inquiries, contact me at violinclass.co/contact or violinclasspod@gmail.com. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Less...

I've talked a lot about violin warmups and technique exercises that you should be doing at the beginning of your practice session, but it’s just as important to look at how to end our practice. The way we end our practice session sets up the beginning of the next day’s work, and ideally we end wanting to go on and not in a mountain of frustration (although that happens, too!) Here’s my suggestion for ending your violin practice: the R/R/R method. Send me a text message Violin Class Webs...

I’m joined by cellist and online editor of the Strad, Davina Shum. We discuss practicing, careers in classical music, and practical tips for adult learners. Full blog post the Strad Podcast Articles by Davina: Why don't string players practice pizzicato The importance and difficulty of playing softly A case for depping Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In my 15 years of teaching violin, I’ve noticed a topic that is confusing for a lot of adult learners: how to structure their technique and warmup practice. In this blog post, I wanted to discuss six things that I think that every violinist should be practicing in some form at every practice session— some of these will be more geared towards intermediate to advanced players, but most will apply to beginners as well. I hope to give you a few more things to add to your practice routine and some...

I’m joined violists Liz & Steph, the hosts of MusicianCentric Podcast. They share new research on how to practice smarter and the differences between viola and violin. Listen to MusicianCentric podcast here Molly Gebrian episode / Susanna Klein episode --- Full blog post and transcript Free violin warmups guide Join the Violin Class newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

I’m sharing an interview with my private student, Carly. Carly started the violin in her late 20s and has made fast progress in the 2 years that we have been working together. She discusses how she’s been able to progress without having a ton of time to practice— in addition to learning violin, Carly is busy raising and homeschooling 4 young children. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Joining me on Violin Class this week is violin teacher Rachael Ridge, with whom I’ll be discussing: Body awarenessHow to relax and release tension as an adult learner.The importance of singingProper posture on violinAs well as her own journey with arthritis and how she’s been able to practice to avoid pain. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Vibrato Series 3/3. Did you know that certain styles of vibrato can be controversial? This episodes explores the most common mistakes violinists make at every level of their playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about what issues are most prevalent when violinists are learning vibrato in beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages of their studies. Links: Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post | video version Violin Class newslett...

Vibrato series 2/3 Learning vibrato is such an important rite of passage when it comes to learning the violin. It's something that every violin student strives for and something that sometimes feels impossible to learn. However, vibrato is not a beginner technique, and I completely understand the frustration when it comes to wanting to play with a beautiful sound but not having vibrato in your toolbox. Here are some things that you can start doing even as a beginner, even in your first...

Vibrato Series 1/3. Learning vibrato is a long process, but there is a method to it. With the right guidance, a lot of practice and a whole lot of patience, you can learn vibrato and add it to your playing. In this episode, you’ll learn about: What vibrato is and how it worksArm vs. wrist vibratoThe 4 stages of learning vibratoExamples of different styles of vibratoLinks: Vibrato Masterclass - Live online class April 13th: Free vibrato ebook Accompanying blog post | video version Violi...

So much to practice and so little time: I think this is a feeling that a lot of us can relate to. I'm going to show you how you can continue to progress on the violin even if you're limited by your schedule. In this episode, I discuss: - The 2 keys to practicing with limited time - How to fit more violin practice time into your day - How to approach practicing during busy seasons of life - My 3-template practice plan system Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Insta...

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my private student Lisa, who has been playing the violin for 2 years. She shares her advice for beginners and how she makes music a meaningful part of her life. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups violinclass.co Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

They say the best way of learning a language quickly and completely is total immersion, and the same is true for violin. In this episode, I walk you through a day-in-the-life of a conservatory student and give you ideas for creating an immersive experience of your own. For lesson inquiries, email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the acco...

I delve into nitty-gritty of playing the violin faster, and share the steps to building up speed while maintaining clarity. For lesson inquiries, email me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links and examples mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at violinclass.co/episodes/36 violinclass.co Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson in...

I share some advice to adult violin learners who are just starting, including setting realistic goals, the importance of regular practice, choosing the right resources, when to start lessons, and the benefits of active listening. Join the Violin Class newsletter for extra tidbits with each episode: violinclass.co/newsletter For links mentioned in this episode, see the accompanying blog post at violinclass.co/episodes/36 For lesson inquiries, you can email me at violinclasspod@gmail.c...

I dive into some of the common mistakes I run into as a violin teacher, and some of the solutions (sometimes quick, sometimes less quick) to fix them. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my former student, who has been playing the violin for 3 years. We discuss how she was able to join a band and performed a live show after playing violin for a few month, and how she makes time for practice with a busy schedule. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode & violin tips: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups Instagram: @violinclassco Send me a text message Violin ...

I walk you through my routine for practicing my scales, including slow and acceleration scales, different bowing patterns, and arpeggios. To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Sign up for the Creative Scales Workshop/ violinclass.co/events/scales Saturday, April 29th at 2pm (Eastern Time) Scales should be fun! In this live workshop, you'll learn: New ideas and creative ways to practice your violin scalesHow to use scales to play violin more expressively How to get a great technical workout without getting boredHope to see you there! Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Although we mainly stick with classical violin here on Violin Class, I have a lot of jazz-curious listeners. That's why I’ve invited Matt Holborn of the Jazz Violin podcast to join me. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode: violinclass.co/newsletter. Read the corresponding blog post, featuring the 10 jazz violinists you should listen to here. Matt Holborn is an improvising violinist based in London. He performs with The London Django Collective, Lea...

I'm joined by luthiers Rozie Deloach and Jerry Lynn of OMO podcast: The Romance & Reality of violin makers. Join the Violin Class newsletter for more bonus content with each new episode: violinclass.co/newsletter Free warmups ebook: violinclass.co/warmups Where you can find team OMO: Listen to OMO podcast Learn more about Rozie and Jerry Caraway Strings JHL Violins Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Four strategies for avoiding burnout when practicing the violin, including cutting down on practice time, mixing up your routine, taking short breaks, and giving yourself space. Resources mentioned: Free download: Violin Warmups: The Complete Guide for Adult Beginners Join newsletter for bonus content with each new episode Blog post: Where you can find me: Website: violinclass.co Instagram: instagram.com/violinclassco Email: violinclasspod@gmail.com Like the show? Leave a rating or revie...

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Check out Laurel Thomsen - The Violin Geek Podcast. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode, we’re going to look at one of the first things I want my private violin students to learn how to do— diagnosing these errors on your own and having the tools to fix them. This is part 2/2 of troubleshooting unpleasant sounds on the violin. To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter If you want to keep this podcast running, please consider showing your support by buying me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/...

You’re not sounding so hot in today’s violin practice session. Is it you or your violin? To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

I'm joined by Eric Mrugala, a violinist and host of the Violin Podcast. We’re discussing the state of the career of a modern-day violinist, how that has changed with the rise of social media, and what we think is missing in music schools to prepare violinists for the realities of modern-day violinists’ careers. You can check out our other collaborative episode on his show here: https://www.violinpodcast.com/43-julia-reddy-host-of-violin-class-podcast/ --- To read the full show notes an...

I talk to my violin student Julia, who has been playing the violin for a bit over a year and a half and is what I would consider an example of a dedicated student of violin. Julia gives her advice to others learning the violin, her perspective on overcoming all the mental hurdles that come with learning a complex skill, and how sometimes you need to step away from your goals to stay on track. Other topics we touch on is how she fits violin and classical music into her daily life, and just ge...

Active listening: a vital skill for all violinists. Learn how to source good recordings, which to avoid, whether it makes a difference to listen with video or audio, and then, the most important part, how to listen. To read the full show notes, recordings, and bonus material, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter I’m going to walk you through this using several recordings of the same piece, and we’re going to listen and analyze them together. Lastly, you’ll h...

If you’re learning a piece of music, there’s one thing you really need to be doing outside of practice. Part 1/2 To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

To read the full show notes and bonus content for this episode, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter 2026 update: Since recording this episode, Evalynn has won a viola chair in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In this episode, violist Evalynn Tyros gives you a behind-the-scene perspective into what only happens behind closed doors in the classical world: the audition process. Musicians give their everything in these auditions, and it’s incredibly difficult and compe...

Tracking your progress and progress can be a great tool to keep you motivated and organized. I will walk you through how to keep a practice journal effectively, and how to use it to keep your violin practice on track. For the full show notes, including a full example of one of my own practice plans, sign up for the newsletter at violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

To read the full show notes and extra tidbits, join the Violin Class newsletter here: violinclass.co/newsletter We all know that intonation is one of the biggest struggles we have as violinists. Digital tuners and tuning apps seem like a cheap and easy tool that will help you improve, but it’s not so simple. Like everything, there are pros and cons to working with a tuner, and most violin teachers (myself included) generally don’t recommend them. That said, they can be a very valuable tool t...

When should you start learning vibrato? I answer my #1 most asked question as a violin teacher. Listen to learn what I look for before starting vibrato, how long it takes to learn, when I personally teach it, and what you can do to start preparing-- even as a beginner. For the full show notes, including my favorite vibrato explanations on the internet, vibrato examples + guided listening questions, sign up for the newsletter at violinclass.co/newsletter Send me a text message Violin Cl...

Sign up for the Violin Class Insiders newsletter to read the full show notes, written parts of this episode, and some bonus content at violinclass.co/newsletter New to classical music? Start here! The classical world is a bit intimidating if you're just starting out, but attending a live concert is one of the best things to go out and see if you're learning the violin. Listen to learn audience etiquette, the best places to find local concerts , what type of concerts you should see for y...

Do you have what you need to have a successful violin practice? Listen to find out what you need to set up your space (spoiler...it's not much). In the second half, I cover some ideas and solutions for those of you who have to be mindful of your noise production (thin walls, roommates, neighbors...) Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode, my private student Andres shares his story of how he came into the violin 5 years ago without any previous musical experience, and how he's been able to establish a consistent practice over the years while balancing with a demanding career. Andres shares his process and practice tips, what the violin means to him, and how he's kept on going through the challenges. He also discusses how performing has made him a better violinist, and his advice for someone who is just s...

Classical violinists are expected to have the skills to play virtuosic repertoire, beautiful melodies, and sight read almost perfectly...so why can't most improvise over simple chord changes? The history is pretty fascinating! Sources: The Decline of Improvisation in Western Art Music: An Interpretation of Change -Robin Moore https://www.jstor.org/stable/43873094?seq=1 Ferand, Ernst T. “Improvisation in Music History and Education.” Papers of the American Musicological Society, 1940, p...

These are the top 5 mistakes that we all make when practicing violin, and some tips to correct them. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Today we're discussing important things that you probably haven't thought to wonder about-- like how humidity and your climate affects your instrument, what you should be communicating to your luthier when getting repairs. Luthiers know way more about violins than violinists do, so you will definitely learn a lot of new things in this episode! You can find Ian Christian here: Instagram: iclutherie www.iclutherie.com Products mentioned (not sponsored, not an affiliate links): Acurite h...

In this episode, my private student Olivia shares her story of how she went from being a total beginner to starting a Vivaldi concerto in just 2 years, all while being a working full-time university student. Olivia shares her process, how she makes time for practicing consistently around her busy schedule, and her advice to those just starting out. She also shares how to push through plateaus in your progress, which is all violinists, both students and pros, go through. If you're just sta...

What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin? How do you get started learning to fiddle if you come form a classical music background? What should you know going into your first Irish fiddle session? This week’s episode of Violin Class Podcast features guest expert, fiddler, and ethnomusicologist Hannah Harris, who answers all of these questions and many more. ___________________ Hannah Harris: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtEmvM5SUjs7MQbbWcf6qg Instagram: https:/...

If you've taken a long break from playing violin, don’t just jump right into playing the last thing you were practicing before you stopped. This week’s episode to learn how I get into shape efficiently and safely - including specific etudes, exercises, and strategies. But wait! This is part 2-- go listen to VC#6 first. Etudes and exercises mentioned in this episode: Sevcik Op 1, Bk 1: https://ks4.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/c/c6/IMSLP24975-School_of_Violin_Technique_Op.1_Bo...

Sometimes, life gets in the way and you’ve stopped playing or practicing violin. You may have gone off to college, started a family, or just taken a break. Whether you’ve been away for a few months, or a few decades, there are some tips and things to keep in mind when you're ready to start up again. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode I will be going over some of the types of pieces in the classical violin repertoire, including some pieces you should listen to and familiarize yourself with. There are many, many pieces written for the violin, so if you have a new interest for the classical violin world it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. The goal of this episode is to help give you some background to help demystify and help you better understand the music you like to listen to. Links...

Everything you should know about taking care of your instrument - all your questions answered! When should you change strings, when should you visit the luthier, can you keep your violin on the wall, do you need a humidifier, and many more tips. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Things you should be aware of to help you prepare to buy an instrument. Online retailer mentioned: https://www.sharmusic.com/ If you have any suggestions for a future episode, or just want to say hi, you can write to me at violinclasspod@gmail.com. Instagram: Podcast: @violinclasspod Me: @juliareddymusic Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

If you're taking violin lessons with a private teacher, here are 7 things you should be doing to get the most out of your classes. If you have any suggestions for a future episode, or just want to say hi, you and write to me at learnviolinpodcast@gmail.com. Instagram: Podcast: @violinclasspod Me: @juliareddymusic Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

In this episode, I go over the seven reasons why it's easier to learn the violin as an adult than as a kid. I also go over the advantages that kids have when learning an instrument, and how we can apply that to our learning. Have an idea for a future episode? Write to me here: violinclasspod@gmail.com Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries

Introducing Violin Class, a podcast for the non-professional violinist. Here I cover a bit of background on what will be discussed in upcoming episodes. Send me a text message Violin Class Website | Instagram | Lesson inquiries