Rates

In-Home Rates

Studio Rates

Teachers

Dr. Steve Koh
Yung-Yu Lin
Jungmin Lee
Terri Croft
Yegee Lee
Elizabeth Rodriguez

Frequently Asked Questions



Q: What do you need to start attending violin lessons in Toronto?

A: You will need a violin, a bow, a music stand, and a notation book.

Q: What is the difference between a violin and viola?

A: The most obvious difference is the size. A violin is smaller than a viola. The violin is typically 13 or 14 inches, while the viola is approximately 15 or 16 inches. The difference between a violin bow and a viola bow is the grip called the frog. The violin bow has a straight edge while the viola grip is larger and curved. Another difference is the string size. Violin strings are thinner than viola strings. The violin  is higher in sound than the viola. Violinists read music in the treble clef while viola players read music in the alto clef.

Q: What is your location for Violin Lessons in Toronto?

A: Our studio is located in the High Park neighbourhood of Toronto. The address is: 407 Annette St., Toronto, ON, M6P 1R7. We also offer violin lessons at the Boulevard Club: 1491 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto,

Q: What do you need to know about playing the violin?

A: When you first start playing the violin you will probably make some pretty awful screeching and buzzing sounds at some point. In the beginning, holding the bow can be difficult and unnatural. A violin needs some TLC (tender, love, care). This is a wooden instrument and wood can warp with temperature changes. For this reason, keep your violin away from a heat source. Do not keep the violin in a cold room. Definitely do not leave a violin in a car during the summer or winter months! The bow also needs to be maintained. This means loosening the bow when the violin is not being played and tightening the bow right before the violin is played. The hair of the violin bow must be waxed with rosin to create friction. Unfortunately, the rosin leaves residue on the violin strings so the strings need to be wiped clean after use. You will also need to learn how to change strings and bow hair. The most important thing to remember is to be patient with yourself.

Q: What size of violin does my child need?

A: There are nine different sizes:  1/32 (smallest), 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). Choosing the right size of violin for your child can be challenging. Here are some guidelines:

Age 3: 1/32 size with 15” bow if arm length is under 14”.

Ages 3-5: 1/16 size with 16.75” bow if arm length is 14”.

Ages 4-5: 1/10 size with 17.75” bow if arm length is 15”.

Ages 4-6: 1/8 size with 19.25” bow if arm length is 16.5”.

Ages 5-7: 1/4 size with 22.5” bow if arm length is 18”.

Ages 7-9: 1/2 size with 24.5” bow if arm length is 20”.

Ages 9-12: 3/4 size with 27” bow if arm length is 21” to 22”.

Ages 13-18: 7/8 size with 29.5” bow if arm length is 22”.

Ages 11 to adult: 4/4 (full size) with 29.5” bow if arm length is 23” or over.

Q: Do I need to own a violin before taking lessons?

A: The answer is no. Renting is a great affordable option.

Q: What qualifications do your Toronto violin teachers have?

A: Doctorate of Musical Arts degree DMA, Master of Music degree MMus, Bachelor of Music degree BMus.

Q: How long does it take to learn the violin?

A: It can take a lifetime learning to play the violin. It all depends on how far a student wants to go and how much they want to learn.

Q: Does your music school provide performance opportunities?

A: The answer is yes. We offer all of our students a minimum of three recitals per year. There are also street festivals and other venues available.

Q: How to choose the best Toronto violin teacher?

A: Education and experience matter most when it comes to choosing the best violin teacher. A higher education shows a commitment to teaching violin and learning. It is also proof of training. Teaching music and performing experience is also crucial.

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Jennifer Carson
John is incredibly knowledgeable, kind and patient with my daughter (who is a chatter box). She really enjoys her lessons and he has instilled the love of guitar in her! Highly recommend John as a teacher and the Neighbour note!
SMC King
I have been taking guitar lessons with John for two months. Even though I started out with no prior experience, I appreciated that from the very beginning John's lessons are structured to teach you new chords that you can use to play songs you know. Lessons are fun and John sprinkles bits of music theory throughout, always thoughtfully and patiently answering my questions. Thank you, John!
Eric Somerville
At 5 years old I wasn't sure how well my son would adapt to music lessons. John creates a very flexible and accommodating space where learning is fun.
colleen reich
John is very friendly, flexible and an extremely talented and gifted musician/teacher. He has made it fun and easy for me to learn the guitar as an adult. I would highly recommend him!
Amanda Benn
I’ve been playing guitar for 10+ years but have been in a progress plateau for a while. I decided I wanted to improve (and wanted an after work hobby!) and found Neighbour Note. Working with John has been such a pleasure! He’s patient, laidback, and explains the theory behind what we’re learning in an easy to understand way. I’ve most definitely noticed an improvement in my finger picking skills and an increase in confidence which is exactly what I wanted! Definitely recommend Neighbour Note to anyone at any skill level.
Miranda Amoroso
I started taking guitar lessons with John at neighborhood note as an adult with some prior experience. He has been very patient and has structured lessons in accordance with my interests, while making lessons engaging and fun. I really look forward to lessons, and enjoy the readings and practice given as homework. I especially appreciate that he sends videos explaining thing we went over in lessons, which really help to solidify concepts.
paulina tchernikov
Honestly the best music lessons I’ve had compared to other places. I worked with John and he was always patient and kind during the learning process. He’s an easy person to ask questions, always corrected my technique, gave out easy short videos to follow for homework, was always flexible for rescheduling (make up lessons), and had a fast contact response. He helped me orient my personal style of playing and didn’t push any specific style onto me. I walked in knowing nothing about guitar and after I left I understood my way around the instrument (to where I could learn songs on my own). He made the lessons fun and he was always a great teacher. Thanks John!
Andrew Guy
My 10 year old daughter has had an excellent experience starting guitar with Neighbour Note. They are friendly and accommodating and she enjoys going every week.
Shannon Johnson
My 9 year old daughter has been taking guitar lessons with John for 4 months and absolutely loves them. The lessons are easy to follow and engaging and John provides feedback and follow up when new chords are learnt so she can more easily practice new material at home. Wonderful experience!
Tuyen Do
This is my 5 years old son first drum lessons, he loves it and loved his teacher. John has a great personality and is always willing to help, he even teach my son piano lessons when he wonder. I highly recommend Neighbour Note.
Carly Biggart
My daughter really enjoyed Neighbour Note. John, the instructor, was amazing at personalizing the piano lessons by her; teaching her snippets of her favourite songs. Daily practice was meant to be digestible . I cannot say enough good things about this company. Very flexible and great teachers.
Malgosia
My son started taking piano lessons when he was five and a half years old. After 6 months he wanted to quit. At this time we switched teachers to John Force. I couldn't believe the change! My son started to love the piano and would look forward to lessons. It has been over 2 years now and he is still going strong. John is patient, makes learning fun - he just know how to motivate kids. I couldn't recommend him enough.
Leigh Ann Wayland
My son loved his guitar lessons and my daughter was thrilled with her piano lessons. I was so happy to be in the comfort of my home as I witnessed my children's weekly improvements. Well done Neighbour Note and thank you!
Bob Harbarton
We could not be happier with Neighbour Note! They have an amazing teaching faculty consisting of University and College Professors, High School and Elementary School Teachers, and Rock Stars! Our piano lessons with Neighbour Note have been fantastic. I truly believe they are the best music school in all of Toronto! You rock Neighbour Note!