At the Zakhar Bron School of Music in Zurich, we provide professional violin lessons for children and teenagers aged 3 to 19. All lessons are taught individually, one-on-one. Our flexible study programmes include one to three lessons per week, with durations ranging from 30 to 60 minutes.
We are regularly contacted by parents who would like to enrol their children in violin lessons at the Zakhar Bron School of Music. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
The recommended starting age for violin lessons is around 5 years old. However, every child is different, and some begin earlier, for example at the age of 3 or 3.5. It is also perfectly possible to start later, at 6 or 7 years old. That said, if you are considering a serious, professional violin path in the future, we strongly recommend starting as early as possible.
A child’s readiness to learn the violin (or any musical instrument) can be viewed from two perspectives: physical and psychological.
Physically, the child should be able to hold the violin and the bow. Psychologically, they should be able to understand the teacher and maintain concentration for at least 30 minutes.
The best way to assess both aspects is to attend a 30-minute trial lesson. During this time, both the teacher and you as a parent will gain a clear understanding of whether your child is ready to begin lessons or whether it may be better to wait (for example, six months or a year).
The number of weekly violin lessons depends on your goals. If your child is aiming for a professional level, we recommend two to three lessons per week. If the violin is pursued as a hobby or for general development, one lesson per week may be sufficient. As a general rule, we recommend starting with two lessons per week.
Lesson duration depends on the student’s level, age, and availability. We recommend starting with two 30-minute lessons per week. Over time, for example after one year, the duration can be increased to 45 minutes. From around the age of 10, many of our students take 60-minute lessons, and sometimes even 90-minute lessons.
However, it is important to note that effectiveness matters more than duration. The optimal lesson length is always individual.
Purchasing a violin is not necessary, especially at the beginning. During the first years, most students rent their instruments, which is both practical and cost-effective.
Unlike the piano, violins come in different sizes: 1/32 (smallest), 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). As a child grows, they will need progressively larger instruments.
When moving, for example, from a 3/4 to a full-size violin, the smaller instrument can simply be returned and replaced with a larger one—either rented or purchased.
Full-size violins are more often purchased. However, even many world-class professional violinists play on rented instruments. This is especially true for instruments made by great masters such as Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri, or Nicolò Amati, which are often owned by foundations and made available to distinguished musicians.
If your child is between 3 and 6 years old, it is not necessary to bring a violin. The school provides a 1/8-size instrument suitable for this age group.
For older children, we kindly ask that they bring their own violin to the trial lesson.
In addition to individual violin and piano lessons, the Zakhar Bron School of Music offers group music theory classes once a week (45 minutes, in groups of 3 to 5 students).
These classes are not mandatory, but we strongly recommend them—especially for students considering a professional future in music. If music is pursued purely as a hobby, theory lessons remain optional.
We also recommend starting music theory at an early age. It helps develop musical understanding, improves ear training, and teaches essential music reading skills.
When choosing a violin teacher, the emotional connection between teacher and student is extremely important—at any age, but especially in early childhood. There must be mutual trust between the teacher and the student. Communication should be comfortable and engaging, as this significantly increases the chances of achieving strong results in lessons. How well the student and teacher respond to each other usually becomes clear during the trial lesson.
Before attending a trial lesson with a particular teacher, it can be helpful to read their biography on the school website. You may also wish to find out how many of their students have won prizes at violin competitions, and which ones. Check whether the teacher’s students perform in concerts, and if so, at which venues. We also recommend watching performance videos on the school’s YouTube channel.
Some parents arrange trial lessons with more than one violin teacher. This allows them to compare different teaching approaches and choose the teacher with whom their child establishes the best connection and understanding.
Yes, this is possible with the agreement of both teachers and can be arranged from the beginning of the next semester.
Trial lessons vary depending on the student’s level.
Advanced students may perform part of a piece, allowing the teacher to assess technique and provide immediate feedback on both right- and left-hand coordination.
For beginners who have never played the violin before, the lesson starts with the basics: how to hold the instrument, how to play open strings (first pizzicato, then possibly with the bow), and simple rhythm exercises such as clapping.
To assess musical hearing, the teacher may play a short melody and ask whether the music goes “up” or “down”.
To book a violin trial lesson, simply send a request to our school email: info@zakharbronschool.com