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Since March 2024
Instructor since March 2024
Private Violin Lessons: Explore your creativity whilst developing excellent musicianship.
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From 86.65 C$ /h
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Blair began violin at age 6, studying under a number of world-class teachers including Sebastian Muller, Prof. Yair Kless, Michael Malmgreen, Milan Vitek, Soon-Mi Chung, Mauricio Fuks and Detlef Hahn. Attending the Junior Royal Northern College of Music, he also developed his abilities across a range of studies, pursuing both classical and jazz piano, conducting and composition. Receiving a BMus (Hons) from the Royal Northern College of Music, Blair led ensembles including RNCM String Orchestra, Session Orchestra and was a founding member of the UnHeard Hybrid Orchestra and John Phillips Quartet. Currently undergoing a Master's in Live Electronics at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Blair explores the combining of his traditional instruments with live electronic extensions.

With a strong passion for both contemporary and classical repertoire, I prioritise creating a supportive environment where you can confidently explore your musical creativity. As your teacher, I aim to empower you to discover new styles while staying grounded in foundational techniques. If you're motivated and eager to learn, I'd be delighted to work with you. My teaching methods are wholly flexible and tailored to your unique learning style, ensuring a deeply rewarding experience.

Lessons are in English.

Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Extra information
Bring a notebook/tablet so we can track your progress, make notes and write down homework.
Location
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At student's location :
  • Around Amsterdam, Netherlands
About Me
Hello! My name is Blair and I'm originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, am half Irish, have lived in Manchester and am now based in Amsterdam.

I began violin when I was 6 years old and have kept it by my side ever since. Having also studied jazz and classical piano, singing and saxophone, it goes without saying that music has always played a large role in my life. With a foundation in a number of techniques including Suzuki and Alexander amongst others, I base both my performance and teaching practice on a combination of these approaches.

Whilst I am a firm believer in a strong technical foundation, I also believe that stimulating excitement and creativity lie at the heart of excellent musicianship and so I strive to develop this within my students. I have had wonderful teachers and I hope to pass on both their teachings and the passion they instilled in me for this wonderful instrument.
Education
ABRSM Grades 1-6 with Distinction (Violin, Piano, Singing, Saxophone).
Trinity College London Grade 8 with Distinction (Violin).

Royal Northern College of Music, BMus (Hons).
Conservatorium van Amsterdam, MMus Live Electronics (Ongoing).
Experience / Qualifications
Interdisciplinary Artist ✱ Freelance Violinist ✱ Music Producer ✱ Sound Designer ✱ Composer.

With an cross-arts practice, Blair has also worked in Visual Design for Installation.
Age
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
The class is taught in
English
Skills
Musical styles:
Contemporary
Classical
Jazz
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
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At student's home
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
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Alejandro
Private lessons for beginners to advanced level of violin playing. All ages are welcome. I am a professionally trained teacher and violinist for almost two decades. My lessons are given in English, Spanish and (basic) Dutch.

My teaching method is variable depending on the students' needs, but the goal is shared: to make a great musician and qualified violinist out of the pupil. I work on both technical and musical aspects from a (very) consciously prepared healthy and enjoyable perspective. Particular emphasis on having fun with the little ones!

I pay special attention to creating a personalized education and experience for every one of my students. I also give some additional tools applicable to the violin playing which includes: Introduction to Yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique and Body & Mind. All the basic theory is taught too.

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From among the required tools for my lessons are: a violin and a bow, score and books purchases when necessary, and, from time to time, meetings with the parents. On occasion, I use digital tools like phone/tablet apps.

I can teach in various places near or in the center of Amsterdam, or, depending on the need, I can move to pretty much wherever in The Netherlands.

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Yammy
As a Cambridge University graduate in the Faculty of Education, I am delighted to have settled down in the Netherlands since September 2019. I started piano at the age of 5, and music has been an important part of my life ever since.

Classically trained as a violinist, I picked up another instrument named Erhu (Chinese violin) and became a professional performer. I am experienced in teaching both children and adults, from different cultural backgrounds.

Also, I have been actively involved in both Western and Chinese orchestra since high school. Thanks to my years of experience in being an orchestra member and soloist, I am also familiar with orchestral music.

As a humble music therapist, I am passionate about music and believe in the power of music. I trust that music is in everybody and I respect every student's individuality and thus tailor my teaching methods to develop my students' full potential.

I started teaching in 2009 and most students put their trust in me when they first decided to learn an instrument. I also enjoy exploring the world of music with students with learning disabilities.

I am proud to say, my students, aged from 5 to 60, are enthusiastic in playing the instrument they have chosen and keen to improve their skills following my advice.

I adopt a flexible approach in teaching - I believe every student is unique and my job is to develop the strengths and improve the weaknesses. I put a lot of emphasis on a solid foundation in my teaching.

For young children, I tend to use a more interactive approach to explain complicated music theories, yet strict in the fundamentals such as posture and rhythm. For adults, I am always happy to discuss with them my lesson plan and choose the best exercises and songs that suit their music interests and needs.

For my students who would like to take exams, I am happy to tailor the lessons based on their progress. I believe in the quality of learning and understanding rather than the number of pieces that they learn. Many beginners and their parents have put their trusts in me and achieved distinction in their first ABRSM exam.

I am fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, and a native speaker of Cantonese Chinese.

I am happy to travel and travel costs will be added on the top of the standard tuition fee.

*Proof of qualifications avaliable upon requests.
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Contact Blair
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Similar classes
arrow icon previousarrow icon next
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Alejandro
Private lessons for beginners to advanced level of violin playing. All ages are welcome. I am a professionally trained teacher and violinist for almost two decades. My lessons are given in English, Spanish and (basic) Dutch.

My teaching method is variable depending on the students' needs, but the goal is shared: to make a great musician and qualified violinist out of the pupil. I work on both technical and musical aspects from a (very) consciously prepared healthy and enjoyable perspective. Particular emphasis on having fun with the little ones!

I pay special attention to creating a personalized education and experience for every one of my students. I also give some additional tools applicable to the violin playing which includes: Introduction to Yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique and Body & Mind. All the basic theory is taught too.

Occasionally, there are student concerts and collaborations with other teachers. (These may include some teachers from the Sweelinck Academy or the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and more).

From among the required tools for my lessons are: a violin and a bow, score and books purchases when necessary, and, from time to time, meetings with the parents. On occasion, I use digital tools like phone/tablet apps.

I can teach in various places near or in the center of Amsterdam, or, depending on the need, I can move to pretty much wherever in The Netherlands.

About the homework, I send it to the students on a weekly basis and encourage them to participate on competitions and summer music courses. As always, this is conditional on the pupil's stage.
verified badge
Yammy
As a Cambridge University graduate in the Faculty of Education, I am delighted to have settled down in the Netherlands since September 2019. I started piano at the age of 5, and music has been an important part of my life ever since.

Classically trained as a violinist, I picked up another instrument named Erhu (Chinese violin) and became a professional performer. I am experienced in teaching both children and adults, from different cultural backgrounds.

Also, I have been actively involved in both Western and Chinese orchestra since high school. Thanks to my years of experience in being an orchestra member and soloist, I am also familiar with orchestral music.

As a humble music therapist, I am passionate about music and believe in the power of music. I trust that music is in everybody and I respect every student's individuality and thus tailor my teaching methods to develop my students' full potential.

I started teaching in 2009 and most students put their trust in me when they first decided to learn an instrument. I also enjoy exploring the world of music with students with learning disabilities.

I am proud to say, my students, aged from 5 to 60, are enthusiastic in playing the instrument they have chosen and keen to improve their skills following my advice.

I adopt a flexible approach in teaching - I believe every student is unique and my job is to develop the strengths and improve the weaknesses. I put a lot of emphasis on a solid foundation in my teaching.

For young children, I tend to use a more interactive approach to explain complicated music theories, yet strict in the fundamentals such as posture and rhythm. For adults, I am always happy to discuss with them my lesson plan and choose the best exercises and songs that suit their music interests and needs.

For my students who would like to take exams, I am happy to tailor the lessons based on their progress. I believe in the quality of learning and understanding rather than the number of pieces that they learn. Many beginners and their parents have put their trusts in me and achieved distinction in their first ABRSM exam.

I am fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, and a native speaker of Cantonese Chinese.

I am happy to travel and travel costs will be added on the top of the standard tuition fee.

*Proof of qualifications avaliable upon requests.
Good-fit Instructor Guarantee
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