All About Violin Classes and Teachers

[Herbie]

My children attend the violin class at mandeville and before the ABRSM exam, they are required to attend MasterClasses and 6 months of Aural Classes. It is norm practice at other music centre??


Masterclass? Kids taking exam will play their exam pieces to the school principal and one other teacher for critic.

Can someone advise please??

Tx

[phankao]

Herbie:

My children attend the violin class at mandeville and before the ABRSM exam, they are required to attend MasterClasses and 6 months of Aural Classes. It is norm practice at other music centre??


Masterclass? Kids taking exam will play their exam pieces to the school principal and one other teacher for critic.

Can someone advise please??

Tx

Isn't that very good? Aural training is needed and masterclasses help the child \"perform\" in front of critics, so they can improve for the actual exam.

[Herbie]

Hi Phankao, I am just wanted to find out whether it is a norm practice to have masterclass at other music school too…


I am would like to cut cost so if other school have produce result w/o having masterclass… then i am thinking of taking my kids out of mandeville…

[phankao]

Herbie:

Hi Phankao, I am just wanted to find out whether it is a norm practice to have masterclass at other music school too..


I am would like to cut cost so if other school have produce result w/o having masterclass.. then i am thinking of taking my kids out of mandeville..

Maybe others can comment. I know that schools like NAFA and another does have regular masterclasses and internal exams. I don't know the costs.

I do feel that regular masterclasses are very helpful. My kids have lessons privately and thus no masterclasses and we have to arrange our own aural lessons and accompanists, so that's still extra cost too, right? In fact, to boost performing levels, I always look out for chances for my kids to perform, eg. in school or other \"free\" events. Playing well and performing well are different. Being able to perform well is an extra edge.

[sautille]

Herbie:

Hi Phankao, I am just wanted to find out whether it is a norm practice to have masterclass at other music school too..


I am would like to cut cost so if other school have produce result w/o having masterclass.. then i am thinking of taking my kids out of mandeville..

Unless you can train your own children for aural, I suggest you leave the aural training to the music teacher.

I suppose the aim of the masterclasses is to expose your children to performing in front of a critical audience so that your children will not be nervous during the actual exams. If your children are naturally at ease when performing in public and have prepared their exam pieces well, can you talk to the school to see if you can opt out of the masterclasses if cost is a concern?

[peanut_butter]

It depends on how important your kids' results are. The students I accompany start their aural training when they rehearse (usually 1 month). OK for beginners but it usually take much more time to digest everything from late intermediate level onwards. The market rate for aural training by master-degree holder is around $200/month.


It is not a norm practice to have masterclass at other music schools. At least not at the music centers I work for. However, masterclasses are very helpful, esp. for the audiences.

[BeContented]

Hi,

My girl (P4) has just decided to join the school’s CCA violin - beginner. Planning to get a basic student size 3/4 for her to start with. Since we don’t have any private teacher to ask, will be getting the ‘school violin teacher’ to help us get one. (I think the teacher is an outsourced vendor as he sells & trade-in violin too)

The teacher has given me 2 brands to choose from - Prillante & Eurostring. Personally I seem to see a lot mentioning Synwin too. I really have no idea what is the diff, all china-made is all I know. Any recommendation from the experienced mommies here? Hope to hear from you soon…as I need to get one by this Fri. Thanks.

[phankao]

cwc:

Hi,

My girl (P4) has just decided to join the school's CCA violin - beginner. Planning to get a basic student size 3/4 for her to start with. Since we don't have any private teacher to ask, will be getting the 'school violin teacher' to help us get one. (I think the teacher is an outsourced vendor as he sells & trade-in violin too)

The teacher has given me 2 brands to choose from - Prillante & Eurostring. Personally I seem to see a lot mentioning Synwin too. I really have no idea what is the diff, all china-made is all I know. Any recommendation from the experienced mommies here? Hope to hear from you soon...as I need to get one by this Fri. Thanks.

Not so much difference, I'd think. Eurostring is generally from Gramercy? Prillante from Yamaha? My son has used a 1/2-size Prillante before. Quite alright, lah.

[BeContented]

Hi Phankao,

thanks ;). Have gone ahead to order the Prillante set Liao.

[SnowieBob]

I agree with the mass advertisment, you may wish to elaborate? I’m keen to try out violin in June.