Violin, Viola & Upright Bass Lessons in Leesburg, VA
At The Catoctin School of Music, anyone can learn to play the Violin, Viola & Upright Bass
Study a string instrument with our expert teachers who all hold university degrees in music. They structure private lessons around the student – working through repertoire from beginning to advanced levels.
We offer weekly lessons in violin, viola, upright bass, and cello at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Contact us to learn more about our strings program!
Our Approach to Violin, Viola, Cello & Upright Bass Lessons
String Lessons Should Be Fun!
We pair the sophistication of these classic string instruments with an unwavering commitment to fun. We want each of our students to LOVE their music lessons.
Our teaching staff expertly blend a high standard of music education with a creative, student-focused approach that gives students space to discover and nurture their passion for music and the violin. Whether you’re looking to pick up the instrument for the first time or want to earn the first chair in your orchestra, our teachers are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals – while having fun along the way.
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Strong fundamentals are key to efficient, effortless playing and optimal sound. We teach students essential instrument care and set-up, tuning, healthy playing posture, bowing, and hand positioning. Our skilled instructors also take students through regular ear training exercises to foster the development of good pitch.
Additionally, we strive to ensure our students become literate musicians through lessons in scales, music theory, rhythm, and sight-reading. More advanced students will build a broader repertoire of technique, including vibrato, double-stop and chord playing; more advanced bow strokes such as spiccato, sautillé, and up-bow staccato; and other higher-level musicianship concepts such as phrase analysis and score studying skills.
We Care About Your Musical Interests
We are delighted to work with students of all abilities seeking to enrich their lives through music. Our teachers take an individualized approach to each student – underpinned by detailed individual assessments, a thorough and logical sequence of skill development and training, and one-on-one guidance throughout your musical journey.
Your experience will be uniquely yours. Come and learn from our talented instructors, many of whom can connect you with performance and competitive opportunities, should you wish to pursue your craft on a larger stage.
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit Your Schedule & Budget
What you can expect
Tell us about your musical goals.
Match with one of our expert instructors.
Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat’s a Good Age to Begin Violin or Viola Lessons?
Lessons for stinger instruments can begin at age 7. Adults are also welcome. Our students love learning the fundamentals, as well as incorporating their favorite songs into their lessons.
How Do I Obtain an Instrument?
We highly recommend renting or purchasing an instrument from Potter’s Violins in Bethesda, MD. This is especially recommended for younger students as we have found them to be the best shop in sizing and setting up smaller instruments. Please inquire about rates and rental programs directly with the shop.
Our Teachers
Our music teachers hold degrees and are experts who love to share their knowledge of music with others. They work closely with their students to develop an engaging lesson plan. You’ll discover our string instructors will teach all styles of music, from learning to play by ear to reading music.
What Can I Expect When Starting Strings Lessons?
It is important to remember that string instruments require stamina and precision. None of them are “overnight success” instruments. The first couple months are used to set a firm foundation for playing and demand a keen attention to detail.
The student will be asked to hold up their arms for 15-20 minutes at first (leading up to 30 minutes of continuous holding) and to be able to detect small changes in posture and how the fingers are moving. Each note and finger has to be taught exactly where to be played, without a fixed guide, like piano keys or guitar frets.
For younger students, we highly recommend parental involvement in the lessons for the first 6 months so you are able to help your child practice at home and know what to listen for. We also offer the Sassmannshaus method for younger students.
