Understanding the Teenage Years
One of the things I particularly enjoy about teaching the violin is working with teenagers.
Many students continue lessons with me from childhood into and beyond their teenage years, allowing me to support them through a period of significant growth and change.
I also work with teenagers who join later as beginners, transfer from another teacher, or are looking for a fresh approach after feeling stuck in their progress.
Over the years, I have found that the teenage years are often a turning point, not only in a student’s musical journey, but also in their personal development.
It is a stage where teenagers begin to form their own opinions, make more independent decisions, and take greater ownership of their interests and goals.
Sometimes this means becoming more serious about examinations, auditions, or orchestral opportunities.
At other times, on the other end of the spectrum, it means firmly declaring, “I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE!!!!”
But honestly? It’s almost never actually about the violin.
I’ve learnt that for a teenager, life is … getting more complicated.
A Collaborative Approach to Violin Lessons for Teenagers
When my teenage students walk into my studio, I meet them exactly where they are that day.
If they feel driven, I will match their energy and push them. If they roll in completely exhausted, I’m there to listen and take the edge off.
Whether we spend the hour breaking down complex technique, laughing through the chaos, or crying through the stress (not me), they always leave the studio feeling better about themselves and their playing.
My studio is a space where students are encouraged to ask questions and respectfully challenge ideas. It’s not just about violin skills, but rather building up the trust in themselves, as well as their own capabilities.
Over the years, I have learnt that teenage students are often far more thoughtful, resilient, and self-aware than they usually get credit for. When given the space, I have found that teenagers truly thrive. Even the ones who walked in swearing they would never touch the violin again.
All hope is not lost yet.
Enquire now about a trial violin lesson and let’s take it from there.