Violin & Viola Lessons in Austin, TX
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Our Approach to Violin & Viola Lessons at Northwest School of Music
To some, violin is just another instrument. To us, violin is a gateway to incredible artistic expression. Whether in an orchestra, by itself, or on stage in a country band, our teachers know how to bring the best out of the violin. We’re here to help you discover what makes this instrument so great!
Learn with our expert instructors, who each hold university degrees in music from prestigious programs around the world. Teaching isn’t just a hobby for them – it’s their passion! We structure private lessons around the student, working on etudes, repertoire, and arrangements of popular music to benefit their goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Northwest is the place to be for violin and viola!

Our Approach to Violin & Viola Lessons
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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 Northwest School of Music. 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
At Northwest School of Music, 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 Northwest School of Music 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 Teachers:
Kelly Smith Toney
Cello, Piano, Violin & Viola
Kelly Smith Toney received her bachelor and master degrees from The Juilliard School. Upon graduation, she joined the Singapore Symphony Orchestra for a two-year engagement. Mrs. Toney has been concertmaster and orchestra
Julie Adams
Cello, Piano, Voice, Violin & Viola
Julie began formal music study at age 6, piano lessons at age 7, cello and violin at age 11, and voice at age 16. Julie performed regularly in orchestra and choir throughout
Konstantin Pavlov
Violin & Viola
Konstantin Pavlov was born in Russia to a family with a cellist father and a pianist mother. Konstantin started his violin studies at the age of six with Professor Vladimir Bobilov, and
Russell Robinson
Cello, Violin, Viola, Guitar, & Mandolin
Russell Robinson graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 2014 and has been teaching private lessons ever since.
Jeff Elliott
Violin, Viola, Drums, Guitar & Bass
Jeff Elliott is a multi-instrumentalist from the Houston area with a degree in Music Performance from Southwestern University. His primary instruments are violin, drums, guitar, and bass.
Sage Glasscock
Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass
Sage Glasscock is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and recording artist. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music, she moved to Austin to teach, perform, and continue to work on her own music.
Nasim Khorassani
Violin
Nasim Khorassani is an ASCAP composer, sound artist, and educator. She holds a PhD in Music Composition from UC San Diego.
We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit Your Schedule & Budget
Weekly Lessons
30 min
$180
per month
30 minute lessons are great for building a strong foundation.
GET STARTEDWeekly Lessons
45 min
$250
per month
Fit for both beginners & intermediate students who need more than 30 minutes.
GET STARTEDWeekly Lessons
60 min
$300
per month
Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.
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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 Age Should My Child Start Violin or Viola Lessons?
The minimum age recommended for starting either violin or viola is 7. Classical string instruments require fine motor skills and physical coordination in order to be enjoyable. On average, age 7 is when we see these skills emerge.
That said, every child is different. We are always willing to do a trial lesson and see if your child is ready to start!
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.
Do I Need A Violin/Viola to Start Lessons?
No! If you do not have a violin or viola yet, that’s totally okay! We can provide an instrument for the trial lesson so you can see if this is the right fit for you!
If you decide to enroll in weekly lessons, you will need to acquire an instrument. We have local and online retailers we recommend who can fix you up with a rental so you can start playing right away!
How Qualified Are Your Instructors?
Our incredible strings staff come from around the world. Each of our teachers holds either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music. Some have been teaching for years, others for decades, but all of them are dedicated to teaching music professionally. Come in for a trial and see what makes their lessons superior!
Ready to Get Started?
We are ready to partner with you to help you become a more accomplished musician. We truly believe that consistent, compassionate private instruction is the key to your musical growth. We would love to discuss your interests and goals, and make a plan to achieve them!

