Violin & Viola Lessons in Orland Park, IL
Developing confidence & creativity through music
The Music Connection takes a balanced approach to music instruction. We make learning fun and foster creativity while maintaining a focus on the core principles of good musicianship. While we strive for excellence, we do it in a way that’s fun and free of the conservatory-type pressure found at some music schools.
Our violin instructors enjoy tailoring lessons to their student’s interests and goals while incorporating the technical skills needed for them to achieve mastery of their instrument. We encourage individuality while making the learning experience fun for students of all ages. Below is an outline of our approach.
Our Approach to Violin & Viola Lessons
Get Started
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 The Music Connection. 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 blends 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.
Your Musical Interests & Goals
At The Music Connection, 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 The Music Connection 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
The violin teachers at The Music Connection specialize in offering well-rounded, fun, and engaging instruction to violin students of all ages and skill levels. Many of our teachers have professional performance and teaching experience in numerous musical contexts. They help you learn technique, fundamentals, and expression whether you want to master classical music, learn to play pop tunes, or improve your improvisation skills on the violin. Connect with a teacher today, and begin to build a firm foundation that will support your musical discovery and future.
Ana Simonovska-Mroz
Violin & Viola
Ana Simonovska-Mroz teaches violin and viola. She is a professional violist with more than a decade of experience in teaching, and performing. Ana has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Viola Performance from the State Music Academy “Pancho Vladigerov” in Sophia, Bulgaria, where she studied with Prof.
Carl Johnston
Violin & Viola
Carl Johnston teaches violin and viola. He has more than four decades of experience teaching and performing. Carl has both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University.
David Heise
Violin & Viola
David Heise teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violist with more than two decades of teaching and performing experience. David believes in a whole-person approach to learning music.
Edward Eubank
Violin
Edward Eubank teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violinist with more than three decades of experience in teaching, directing, administrating and performing.Ed has a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance, under Mr. Ki Joo Lee, at the American Conservatory of Music.
Janet Kuester
Piano & Violin
Janet Kuester teaches violin, viola and piano. She founded The Music Connection in 2004. Janet has more than four decades of experience teaching and performing. She received her music degree from DePaul University and is a certified Suzuki Piano and Violin Teacher.
Matthew Barwegen
Violin & Viola
Matthew Barwegen teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violist with more than a decade of experience teaching and performing. Matthew has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wheaton College, a Professional Studies degree from the San Francisco Conservatory…
Diego Zapata
Violin
Diego Zapata teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violinist with years of experience in teaching and performing. Diego began his studies at the age of five in the “El Sistema” Venezuelan music program. He studied music at the Simon Bolivar Conservatory…
What you can expect
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.
We offer a variety of plans to fit your schedule & budget
Classic Level
30 min lesson
$170
Monthly
45 min Lesson – $255 monthly
60 min Lesson – $340 monthly
All Instruments & Voice
Classic Level +
30 min lesson
$180
Monthly
Faculty in high demand, with limited availability.
45 min Lesson – $270 monthly
60 min Lesson – $360 monthly
Piano/Violin/Viola
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat is the minimum age to start violin lessons at The Music Connection?
We recommend violin lessons for children age 5 and older. Before you enroll your child, make sure he/she can read letters and words and count numbers, essential skills for following and reading music. We also recommend that violin students have adequate hand and finger strength so that they can hold the violin and maneuver the bow properly. Because the violin is known for its steep learning curve, consider starting lessons after your child has developed perseverance, resilience, and dedication.
Do I need any prior experience?
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced violin players are welcome at The Music Connection. Prior experience playing an instrument or reading music is an asset, but our teachers will help you learn everything you need to start playing this stringed instrument.
What styles of violin can I learn?
The Music Connection’s violin teachers are familiar with a variety of genres and styles. We can help you learn to play classical, bluegrass, country, rock, or blues. In many cases, our teachers use several styles of music to reinforce lesson concepts, but your violin lessons are always customized to fit your interests and goals.
What books will I need?
Your teacher will meet with you and create a customized lesson plan based on your skill level, goals, and interests. Then, you’ll receive a list of books to purchase. This list can change based on your progress, interests, and needs.
Why play violin?
Violins are the most popular and well-known stringed instrument in orchestras. They create a soprano sound using four strings. Though the violin can be one of the most technical instruments to play, the dedicated instructors at The Music Connection stand ready to help you succeed.
Violin lessons help you hone your talent and achieve your musical goals. Maybe you want to master this instrument as part of a repertoire so you can play in a school or community orchestra. Maybe you want to join family, friends or community members during jam sessions that feature a variety of genres. Maybe you want to boost your personal development and learn to play an instrument. We’re here to help you meet these goals and more.
Is violin the right fit for me?
The violin is the most popular stringed instrument in orchestras, and playing this instrument can boost your cognitive function, academic performance, mental health, character, and personal development. These benefits don’t automatically mean that the violin is the right instrument for you, though.
Listen to violin music and ensure you like the sound before you commit. You may also want to watch violin players and hold a violin before you enroll in lessons.
One advantage of lessons at The Music Connection is that even if you start out on the violin and change your mind, you can always switch to another stringed instrument and continue to receive lessons here.
Why come to The Music Connection for violin lessons?
The Music Connection offers a balanced approach to violin lessons. We strive for excellence but also want our students to have fun, which is why we customize each lesson. You improve your playing ability while expressing creativity and having fun when you take violin lessons at The Music Connection.
You could learn to play the violin from a variety of in-person or online instructors, but we invite you to check out The Music Connection difference. We offer customized instruction that incorporates your interests and helps you achieve your goals. Our qualified teachers also understand every aspect of the violin and are passionate about sharing their experiences with you. Whether you play for fun or professionally, we’re here to make lessons interesting and help you develop into a well-rounded musician.
Ready to begin violin lessons in Orland Park?
Contact The Music Connection today and sign up for your first violin lesson. We’re here to help you realize your musical goals and have fun as you learn to play the violin.