Violin and Viola lessons with Alexander Technique • Fiona Richards • Violin Teacher

Name: Violin and Viola lessons with Alexander Technique
Address: Online Lessons via Zoom
Telephone: +443455086739
Price range: £36

Fiona Richards - Professional Violin Teacher

Violin and Viola lessons with Alexander Technique Teacher - Fiona Richards

My Mission

Experienced Teacher

I have been teaching the violin and the viola for 20 years and the Alexander Technique for 10 years. Teaching is something I find very rewarding and I love the challenge of adapting to each pupil and finding endless new ways to help pupils achieve their best.

My aim is always to be flexible, open to new possibilities and my lessons are a fun exploration where pupils can learn many skills and become inspired about music and the violin. Most importantly they can grow in confidence! For anyone experiencing discomfort or anxiety when playing, then my violin and viola lessons with Alexander Technique can definitely open the door to helping you to play more freely, approaching your instrument with greater ease and with a calmer and more positive mindset.

My Lessons

All Learners Welcome

I teach pupils of all ages and abilities and I include whatever elements of the Alexander Technique will benefit each individual. I am able to empathise with pupils who are overly anxious, frustrated or tense and put them at their ease, and I help pupils to recognise and change their habits in relation to playing.

I tailor my lessons to the pupil and incorporate fun exercises and practice strategies to explore awareness, balance and co-ordination. For all pupils, but especially children I like to engage them in a way which is colourful, creative, and inspires imagination. Alongside developing excellent habits for beginners, I like to encourage imaginations and freedom to explore and to not to worry about making mistakes.

Prices:

£20 per 1/2 hour
£36 per hour

Lessons are pay-as-you-go, weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.

“Fiona taught my daughter, Aadya from a very young age. She normally takes time to engage with new teachers, however Fiona was able to create a special bond with her straight away – she has given Aadya confidence and has worked beautifully with her on the basics.”

Shilpa

Parent

“Fiona has been an amazing teacher and over the 5 years she has taught me I have learned so much. I will never forget the skills and techniques she has taught me”

Megan

Student

“Fiona is a very experienced teacher and a talented violinist. She is super patient and delivers lessons in a relaxed and friendly way. Her flexible approach and realistic goals have resulted in both the boys making excellent progress. She has been an amazing teacher and they both really enjoy playing. A highly recommended music professional.”

Shirin

Student

Beginners & Advanced Students Welcome

I welcome both beginners and advanced students to take my lessons. I will always make a lesson plan to suit your needs as a learner.

Lesson Focus

Beginners Welcome

I can introduce beginner students to Alexander Technique.

My Experience as a Teacher

I studied music University of Southampton, and violin at Trinity College of Music in London, where I gained my PG Diploma in performance. I gained my MSTAT qualification to teach Alexander Technique in 2012 following a 3 year training course at the Alexander Re-education Centre.

Alongside my extensive violin and viola teaching for various music services and schools, I have performed in many venues and settings with orchestras, chamber music ensembles and even with an Indian Bhangra/folk/pop band. I am classically trained but my teaching also reflects the fact I love learning about diverse styles of music from all over the world and in particular playing folk tunes. In my playing and teaching I find using notation and playing by ear compliment eachother. Recently I have particularly enjoyed attending workshops to learn to play Swedish folk music.

I have been interested in Alexander Technique for many years. I have taught the technique to musicians and to drama students at ArtsEd in Chiswick. It has been an invaluable tool for me as a teacher and performer and I am excited to continue sharing its numerous benefits with others.

Lessons Focus

Advanced Learners Welcome

I also welcome more advanced learners to take my lessons.

More About My Lessons

For all pupils I aim to nurture the different skills you can apply to learning many pieces – music theory, good technique, effective practice strategies, improvising and aural development. For beginners I find lessons flow especially well with lots of different activities to really develop confidence and ease in these early stages.

I am equally happy teaching adults and more advanced students and have an excellent knowledge of repertoire and techniques from beginner to advanced, and of classical and folk styles. Most importantly I will incorporate the music you enjoy playing.

I have found Alexander Technique especially helpful in teaching pupils with mild learning difficulties, those who are very anxious about making mistakes or who have issues with co-ordination. Alexander Technique can also help with performance anxiety and tension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do lessons cost?

My lessons are charged at £20 per half hour and £36 per hour for all students.

Where do the lessons take place?

I take most of my lessons using zoom. This is a great way to learn from the comfort of your own home.

What ages do you teach?

I teach students of all ages and welcome both children and adult learners.

Do I have to attend lessons every week?

Weekly lessons combined with penty of practice is the best way to improve in my opinion.

What happens if I have to cancel a lesson?

Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will still be charged full price.

Still have questions? Get in touch

Location

Online Lessons via Zoom

Online Lessons.

I have plenty of experience of teaching the violin, viola and Alexander Technique on Zoom. I find it just as successful as in-person lessons for beginners upwards and for pupils of at least 6 years old. I have found many effective ways to optimise Zoom lessons, for example creating visual boards to communicate ideas and to test pupils on their knowledge. I follow up all lessons with instructions on what to practise and send recordings of my playing. This can help with practising or pupils can enjoy playing a duet with the recording. My Zoom lessons are well-planned and structured and I can give you very clear instructions on how to tune the violin or viola.