This course will answer some of the many questions parents or carers have when their child is learning a string instrument or thinking about starting to learn. You’ll find the answers to some of the most common questions our string teachers are asked, including:
- Maybe your child wants to start learning a string instrument, but you’re not sure what’s involved?
- How do you choose their first instrument, and what other equipment do you need?
- How do you tune, maintain, and store it?
- How much practise is needed?
- Is it best to do grade exams?
- What are the best ways to support their learning?
Which instruments is this course for?
The principles of how to support learning and development are relevant to all instruments! But the string-specific aspects are relevant for:
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double bass
Although the course focuses on violin and cello, the same issues are relevant for all bowed string instruments.
This course is designed to work alongside string lessons with Cornwall Music Service Trust teachers, and support parents and pupils with practising at home. Your teacher will be able to give you the best advice – particularly before buying an instrument. This course is just a guide or starting point!
Your teachers for this course:
Barbara Degener began studying the cello in Germany with Wolfgang Borggrefe and Heinrich Schiff. She continued her studies with William Pleeth, Janos Starker, Uzi Wiesel and the Amadeaus Quartet. She has given concerts with various ensembles all over Europe and Russia and has made an extensive range of recordings for CDs, radio and TV.
Since Barbara settled in Cornwall in 2000 she has been involved in a huge variety of performing and education projects, alongside teaching with Cornwall Music Service Trust and running string orchestras. She is also one of the main pillars and tutors of the very active community of amateur cellists in Cornwall and organises residential weekends and cello orchestra sessions.
Karen Frost has a wealth of experience as a teacher and performer, and has a particular talent for inspiring younger students to start their musical adventures on the violin. Her performing experience includes regularly playing in a string quartet, and with numerous orchestras and choral societies, including the Three Spires Singers, and the Cornish Sinfonia.
As an educator she has 30 years experience of teaching violin and viola, and also directs student orchestras and ensembles. Working with students of all ages and abilities, she has helped many a player set out on their musical journeys.
Course Instructors
