Violin & Viola Lessons in South Elgin, IL

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Violin

Our Approach to Violin & Viola Lessons at Music Education Center

Study a string instrument with our expert teachers at Music Education Center. Our teachers all hold university degrees in music, and structure private lessons around the student – working through repertoire from beginning to advanced levels.

Children can begin studying string instruments at the age of 4. Many of our students participate in other orchestral opportunities. Contact us to learn more about our strings program!

young boy playing the violin

Our Approach to Violin & Viola Lessons

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01 Violin & Viola Lessons Should Be Fun!

The only thing sweeter than the sound of a violin or viola is the experience students will have at Music Education Center. 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.

02 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.

03 We Care About Your Musical Interests & Goals

At Music Education Center, 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 at Music Education Center 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.

Our Violin & Viola Teachers:

Dana Bellew

Dana Bellew

Violin & Viola (Virtual Only)

Dana studied music education at Illinois State University and received her BA in Performing Arts Management from Columbia College in Chicago. In addition, she received her BM in Music Education in 2013

Claire Paolone

Claire Paolone

Violin & Viola (Virtual Only)

Claire recently received her master’s degree at DePaul University in Viola Performance. She was involved in DePaul’s Concerto Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and 20+esemble. She received her Bachelors in Viola Performance from Northern

Diego Gomez

Diego Gomez

Guitar, Violin & Viola

Diego is currently a junior at Elgin High School and is able to teach violin, viola, and guitar! Diego’s main instrument is the viola, but he also practices and learns both voice

Krystina Belcina

Krystina Belcina

Piano & Violin

Krystina has played both the piano and violin for more than 6 years. She has learned so much about expressing her creativity and love for music within her instruments and looks forward

Jae Evensen

Jae Evensen

Guitar, Violin & Viola

Jae is a student at Larkin High School in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA). She has been teaching guitar, violin and viola since the fall of 2023 and has been playing for 7-8 years.

Jair

Jair

Violin

Jair is a skilled violinist with a passion for mariachi and classical music, having started his musical journey in the 5th grade and performing in a mariachi group in high school through Elgin’s School District U-46 program. He loved connecting with his culture and family through mariachi and was fascinated by classical and folk music.

Alex

Alex

Violin

Alex Cassara has been playing the violin since the age of nine and holds an associate degree in music. With extensive studies in violin, viola, piano, and classical voice, Alex primarily performs as a singer with the Chicago Master Singers. However, Alex has more experience teaching violin and viola, having taught these instruments

Ayaka

Ayaka

Violin

Ayaka is a dedicated violinist with 10 years of experience and currently attends Larkin High School for the music academy. Passionate about music, she enjoys encouraging others to explore this wonderful subject. Outside of music, Ayaka loves playing soccer and spending time with family, friends, and pets. As an educator, Ayaka aims to help students

How it works

Together we explore student musical goals.

We match students with one of our expert instructors.

Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.

“MECA is an amazing family-run local business. If you are in the area and you want to learn how to play an instrument or sing, this is the place to do it! Great personal customer service, and a warm welcoming environment!”

— Debbie F.

“Great and knowledgeable teachers. Friendly staff.”

— Peter Kruse

“I was looking for a Piano tutor for my 9 year old when I came across the Music Education Center (MECA) in South Elgin. It is conveniently located for me, and the website is very informative. When I called, the staff was kind and helpful.”

— Xan X.

We offer a variety of plans to fit
your schedule & budget

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE

$102 / $110

Monthly

Beginning to Early Intermediate

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ADULT TEACHER

$120

Monthly

Beginning to Advanced Intermediate

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DEGREED TEACHER

$132

Monthly

All Levels

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MASTERS TEACHER

$142

Monthly

All Levels

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Frequently
Asked
Questions

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What’s a Good Age to Begin Violin or Viola Lessons?

Children can begin studying the violin or viola as young as ages 4 or 5, but we welcome students of all ages, including adults! Our students love learning the fundamentals, as well as incorporating their favorite songs into their lessons.

What Size Violin Do I Need?

Violins come in a variety of sizes. Our staff can help you choose which is best for you or your child.

Our Teachers

Our music teachers are some of the best in South Elgin, IL, area. They 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. Choosing to take violin lessons in Music Education Center, you’ll discover our string instructors will teach all styles of music, from learning to play by ear to reading music.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

If you’re ready to jump into the world of violin, we are excited to match you with a teacher that can get you started on your musical journey. Nothing will enable you to progress more effectively than a one-on-one partnership with an inspiring violin professional.
Let us help you explore and build your abilities in a setting that is comfortable for you. You never know how far you can go until you take that first step, contact us today to get started!

What Makes Violin & Viola Lessons At Music Education Center Unique?

Our instructors have a fun, collaborative style that will inspire you and or your child throughout the learning and decision-making process.
The ideal teacher/student relationship is one in which the student can realize their musical goals. Music Education Center teachers are fully equipped to assist you in every aspect of your musical development. Our violin and viola instructors will teach all styles of music, from learning to play by ear to reading music.