Violin lessons for a 3yo

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew someone who would be willing to provide my 3yo with violin lessons? Doesn't have to be a professional teacher, willing to consider an enthusiastic student. He seems very interested and I would love to let him explore this interest, without committing to an intense program like Crowden! (mainly because I'm not sure if one class would make him want more...or put him off! I don't want to force it if the interest is not there!)

Alternatively, anyone know of a less expensive violin we could buy for him to try around the house prior to deciding on lessons?

Thank you for any tips or advice!

Berna

Parent Replies

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RE:

Catherine Manning at Manning Music is amazing! Our son started taking lessons with her at 4. I'm not sure about 3 but you can email her to check. 

Info here: https://eastbayexpress.com/berkeley-manning-music-bluegrass-school/

RE:

Hi, I would recommend Ifshin violins to rent a toddler-sized instrument first, as your child will outgrow it quickly, and purchasing is expensive.  I rented a 1/8 size cello for my child at that age.  Also, I would highly recommend Rebecca Rogot at the Crowden School as a teacher.  https://www.crowden.org/staff_faculty/rebecca-rogot/

She used to be at Holy Names, but they closed in 2022.  She is so great with the young ones!

RE:

My daughter has been taking violin lessons with KC Still for more than three years and loves her. My daughter started when she was 8, but KC is great with younger kids too. She is very relaxed and wants music to be a fun, joyful experience. She uses a space at a church in Albany to hold lessons (not affiliated with the church). Her website is kcstill.com.

RE:

Definitely get in touch with Catherine Manning at Manning Music (cathmanning [at] gmail.com). She's amazing with kids and will help him explore the violin (or fiddle), or she can direct you to someone else who would be a good fit. If he sticks with it, there's a whole community of local kids and adults who get together to play music. And if you join the California Bluegrass Association (https://californiabluegrass.org/cba-youth-program/), you can borrow instruments for free through their kids' instrument lending library. Good luck!

RE:

I second the recommended for KC Still. My kids have worked with her before at workshops. She is fun and wonderful with kids. She makes learning the violin fun.