The 6 Best Violin Lessons in Ottawa
The violin is a very elegant and complicated instrument. It takes commitment, real talent, and a good teacher to learn how to play it.
In this article, we will be reviewing the best schools for violin lessons in Ottawa.
How much are violin lessons in Ottawa?
The usual cost of violin lessons is around $60 – $65 per hour. There are additional costs depending on the teacher/school.
The table below should give you a better understanding of the possible cost of learning to play the violin.
The Best Violin Lessons in Ottawa
When looking for the best violin lessons offered in Ottawa, we looked at different schools and music stores. We used the following criteria to come up with our list:
1. Rockstar Music Central
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Rockstar Music Central is an esteemed network of university-educated musicians, teachers, and recording industry professionals dedicated to offering top-notch violin lessons. Their personalized approach to music education ensures that students of all ages and skill levels receive tailored instruction that fosters confidence and musical proficiency. Recognized with the Top Choice Award for Top Music School in 2021, Rockstar Music Central excels in providing comprehensive music programs, private lessons, and community-based opportunities that cater to individual musical goals.
One of the significant advantages of Rockstar Music Central is their commitment to matching students with teachers who align with their personality and musical aspirations. This personalized approach ensures that each student receives the attention and guidance they need to thrive. Additionally, their free trial lesson allows students to meet their instructor and ensure a good fit before committing, which helps build a solid foundation for effective learning. The highly qualified instructors at Rockstar Music Central bring a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring that students receive the best possible instruction.
Another notable strength of Rockstar Music Central is their emphasis on performance. Regular concerts and performance opportunities are integrated into their programs, helping students build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills. This focus on performance not only enhances musical proficiency but also provides valuable real-world experience in front of an audience. Their community-based programs and one-on-one lessons create a supportive environment where students can learn and grow as musicians.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The high demand for Rockstar Music Central’s services can sometimes lead to longer wait times for lesson availability. This can be inconvenient for students eager to start their musical journey immediately. Additionally, while their competitive pricing reflects the quality of instruction, it may be higher than that of smaller, local music schools, which could be a factor for budget-conscious individuals.
In conclusion, Rockstar Music Central stands out as a premier choice for violin lessons due to their personalized approach, highly qualified instructors, and strong emphasis on performance. Despite potential wait times and higher costs, the comprehensive and well-rounded musical education they offer makes them an excellent option for aspiring violinists. Their dedication to fostering confidence and developing well-rounded musicians ensures that students receive a valuable and enriching learning experience.
Pros
- Personalized teacher matching
- Free trial lesson
- Highly qualified instructors
- Community-based programs and one-on-one lessons
Cons
- Higher costs compared to smaller music schools
2. Beethoven At Home
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Beethoven at Home is one of the more unique options on our list because it exclusively offers home service violin lessons. When you visit its website, you’ll find a list of teachers there that you can choose to interview.
The credentials of each teacher are properly detailed on the website so you already have a background before speaking with them.
This is a great way to get violin lessons from a teacher that you know is professional.
Its website is expertly designed and provides a wealth of information on the instructors, the instruments they teach, and the teaching strategies they use.
After the interview, you set a lesson schedule with them, which can be done physically in your home or remotely.
To provide you peace of mind welcoming a stranger into your home, the teachers’ backgrounds were thoroughly investigated before they were hired.
Although Beethoven at Home’s prices are a little expensive, many previous students think that the advantages are worth it. You receive a qualified teacher who gives you an individual lesson at home in exchange for an above-average price.
With that said, anyone who wishes to learn the violin should consider using Beethoven at Home. It has excellent instructors and a simple online system and is overall a good choice for learning the instrument.
Pros
- Offers in-home, in-studio (the teacher’s studio) and online service
- Serving since 2007
- Teachers are screened before hiring
Cons
- Can be a bit pricey
Customer Reviews
Top quality instruction
“Beethoven at Home is a great organization serving a vital need in communities across the country. They provide top quality instruction on a large variety of instruments.” – Andrew P.
Amazing
“Devon has been nothing short of amazing at making me feel comfortable in his home and with my instrument. Each lesson gets more fun and he takes the time to listen to what I want to eventually get out of playing and also plays into my strengths to make for a really enjoyable lesson. I would highly recommend Devon and Beethoven at home.” – Jennifer Codrea
3. Nepean School of Music
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
The Nepean School of Music is another great option if you want to learn how to play the violin. The school accepts students of different skill levels and ages perfect for anyone passionate about learning the instrument.
Its excellent faculty, affable staff, and students have succeeded in creating a huge team that is dedicated to learning different instruments.
For violin, it has a team of experts that knows the instrument and is adept at communicating with beginners. Communication is important when it comes to teaching newbies, so it’s great that the teachers here are very welcoming and understanding.
We love that this establishment provides greater versatility compared to other institutions that only emphasize a particular genre. Its curriculum allows students to study a range of genres, from classical to more contemporary sounds like pop.
Lesson durations are also customizable. Some students can only focus for 30 minutes while others prefer longer lessons up to an hour, so it’s great to have this option.
Unfortunately, the school’s prices are a bit expensive. It’s also not transparent with the pricing and you have to directly contact it to know more about the tuition fees.
However, because of its impressive curriculum and versatility, we still highly recommend this institution as one of the best in the city when it comes to learning the violin.
Pros
- Clear lessons plans
- Teachers are screened and skill-tested
- Has its own studio
- Classes are taught in proper classrooms
Cons
- Pricing is not transparent
- Only accepts a limited number of students per quarter
Customer Reviews
Exceptional
“The teachers are passionate about music and this is passed on directly to their students. The level of professionalism and kindness from this business is exceptional. “ – Crystal Logan
Great teacher
“Even after just a short month of lessons, I could hear how my son is much more fine-tuned in his playing and how his confidence in himself had sky-rocketed. Tammy Raybould was his teacher, and I would highly recommend her. She is patient, professional, and very talented!” – Janet E.
4. Allegro Music School
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
Another great school to check out is the Allegro Music School. It offers violin lessons, guitar lessons, piano lessons, voice lessons, and more.
It is open to teaching both young learners and even adults who want to try learning something new. The teachers are encouraged to base their lessons on the knowledge of each student.
If a student is already at an intermediate level, the teacher will give him or her the option to skip a few intro-level lessons and just get on with more advanced courses that focus on playing the instrument.
What makes this school unique is its curriculum. Instead of just learning the instrument, students are also taught the history and culture that revolves around the violin.
This is a good change of pace after repetitively learning the same 3 notes over and over again.
Allegro also offers music therapy for its students so they can rest their ears after a long day of lessons.
Unfortunately, all the lessons that are offered here have to be attended at the school. There are no home service or remote learning options.
Not everyone has the time to attend classes on-site, so we understand if this is a deal-breaker.
Overall, Allegro is a great option to learn the violin. Its curriculum is very customizable and student-centric and that’s mainly why we still recommend it as one of the best schools for violin lessons in the city.
Pros
- Open everyday
- Customized lessons based on students
- Music therapy lessons
- Instrument maintenance lessons
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Pleasant experience
Could not have made it this far in music without my fantastic teachers! Allegro will always be my second home. The teachers are always so friendly and welcoming!” – E. I.
Excellent service
“Allegro offers friendly, supportive and very knowledgeable teachers in a comfortable downtown space steps from uOttawa. Couldn’t ask for more. Signed up for the Fall and looking forward to it” – Karine L.
5. Anna Baksheeva Music Academy
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★(4/5) |
The Anna Baksheeva Music Academy is another great option for anyone interested in learning the violin. Unlike the other schools on this list, Anna Baksheeva doesn’t have a big campus or a huge staff — just herself and her skills.
Anna is also a full-time performer with many years of experience and an amazing resume. She is highly regarded in the music community and has traveled all over the country to play concerts.
She does weddings, plays solo gigs, and composes for orchestras. On top of all that, she teaches students every week.
The lessons she offers can be one-on-one, which is something you don’t always see in a music school. Normally the classes are in large groups and you get little individual attention.
Anna also hosts concerts for her students, which is a great way to culminate everything they’ve learned from her. Many students have commented that their lessons are more constructive and enjoyable compared to some of the other schools they tried before.
Overall, the only drawbacks of taking lessons from Anna are the limited hours she is able to give each student and her pricing. However, because she is such an experienced violinist, we believe the pricing is more than fair.
As long as you have the budget and the passion to learn the instrument, we believe Anna is one of the best violin teachers you’ll find in the city.
Pros
- Professional teacher that plays in events
- Hosts concerts
- Extensive repertoire
- Group and 1-on-1 options
Cons
- Pricey
- Only one teacher
Customer Reviews
Sincere goals
“I’ve been a student of Anna’s for three years now, and I feel absolutely blessed that I’ve found her and she had space to take me on as a student. While being a great violinist, which I had the pleasure to witness in numerous of her performances, what sets her well ahead of the pack, is the fact that she has a sincere interest in the well-being and progress of her students. This is such an important point, that became so clear to me in contrast to other experiences I had before I started with Anna.” – Manuel Z.
Great teacher
“Anna is an excellent, very knowledgeable violin teacher. She cares a lot about her students. Gives nice encouragements.” – Marie Michelle Faber
6. Sunnyside Music School
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Curriculum | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Portfolio | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Feedback | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Sunnyside Music School is another great option if you’re thinking of learning the violin. It has a good program and the teachers are very experienced.
Aside from violin lessons, the school also teaches piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice lessons, flute lessons, and more. It’s a very well-rounded music school, so if that’s what you’re interested in, this is the place to go.
For violin lessons, the teacher is Neve, a 2nd year at Carleton University who has been playing classical violin for 13 years. What we love about her is that she also teaches music theory.
Students can opt to learn 1-on-1 or with a group. The private lessons are pricier but can be worth it if you learn faster and more effectively that way.
The great thing about this school is that it isn’t just a building with rooms, it’s really a school with its own campus so students will be encouraged to learn. The students are also given their own login information for the school’s website.
The only drawback is that Neve is the only violin teacher available as of writing. However, the school updates its staff every few months and this can change at any time.
Overall, it’s a great music school with impressive teachers and courses available.
Pros
- 13 years of playing classical violin
- Also teaches music theory
- Has its own classrooms for lessons
- Students have their own school account
Cons
- Only one violin teacher
Customer Reviews
Very happy
“I am very happy with this music school. As a late learner, I wasn’t sure I would make much progress, but the teachers are really passionate about what they do and are true pedagogues. The school is also very well located. I can’t recommend it enough!” – Adriene Alexandre
Fun and enjoyable lessons
“Our daughter has been taking fiddle lessons for 3 yrs at Sunnyside Music School. Though the teachers have changed they are always a great match and make the lesson fun and she enjoying playing.” – Sarah Waghorn
FAQs about Violin Lessons
And that concludes the best violin lessons in Ottawa. We hope you find the right teacher or school for your needs.
If you want to learn a different instrument, like the piano, check out the best piano lessons in Ottawa.