Abel Violin Lessons

Abel Violin Lessons

5.0(4 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I have experience teaching students from the ages of 4 to 50. I am motivated and able to help my students to improve regardless of age, ability, or professional interests. My students make improvements in the physical approach to the instrument, as well as ear-training and musicality. My students have successfully auditioned for college-level violin studies. I have also trained students for personal projects--one of my students wanted to learn to play violin to explore her Hungarian roots. Another wanted to learn to play violin so she could play music she composed in a film she wrote, directed and starred in! I can only imagine how many more people there are who need the violin, and I want to help them achieve their dreams.

I have a B.M. in violin performance from Butler University and earned my M.M. at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.

I have taught violin lessons at the Butler Community Art School from 2014-2019. I began teaching at Cincinnati Strings in 2021. I have also taught music at various private and charter schools in Indianapolis, including Saint Richards School, Tindley Genesis Academy, International School of Indiana, and School for Community Learning.

I am an active professional chamber musician, performing concerts regularly in Indiana, Iowa, and New York.

I am also a dynamic soloist, and have given solo recitals for the community in Indianapolis and Miami.

I was graduate fellow with the Henry Mancini Institute at the Frost School of Music from 2018-2020. As part of this incredible orchestra I performed with jazz and pop legends Jose Feliciano, Arturo Sandoval, and members of The Rolling Stones. I was concertmaster for film-scoring sessions with award winning film composer Carlos Rivera who composed the music for Godless and The Queen's Gambit!

I am currently pursuing my doctorate at the University of Cincinnati.

I have experience teaching students from the ages of 4 to 50. I am motivated and able to help my students to improve regardless of age, ability, or professional interests. My students make improvements in the physical approach to the instrument, as well as ear-training and musicality. My students have successfully auditioned for college-level violin studies. I have also trained students for personal projects--one of my students wanted to learn to play violin to explore her Hungarian roots. Another wanted to learn to play violin so she could play music she composed in a film she wrote, directed and starred in! I can only imagine how many more people there are who need the violin, and I want to help them achieve their dreams.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
Serves Indianapolis , IN
Offers online services

Specialties

Do you own a violin?

Student who has an instrument, Student who is planning to purchase an instrument and would like advice

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Student can read music, Student cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Instrument interested in

Violin, Viola

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    EE

    Emily E.

    I’ve been taking violin lessons for 2 months and I am happy with my progress. Abel is very thorough, and patient with me, as I am learning as an adult. I highly recommend him as a violin teacher to both children and adults.
    ... Show more
    January 11, 2022

    MS

    Melissa S.

    Ben has been a fantastic violin teacher for my 8 year old. He is a very talented violinist and has a knack of relating to and working with young children. He has been teaching my son for about 3 months and my kid is usually looking forward to the class every week. Ben challenges and motivates him to improve every session. From the get go, Bens communication has been excellent. He lets us know well in advance any upcoming schedule changes and is always on time for the class. He is always inviting us to concerts where he is playing to create an excitement (all of them are free to attend). Overall we are very glad to have Ben teach our son and would high recommend him.
    ... Show more
    November 11, 2021

    DR

    Danielle R.

    Ben is a awesome violin instructor! He’s very kind and patient. I would highly recommend him!!
    ... Show more
    August 04, 2021

    EC

    Erin C.

    We highly recommend Mr. Abel for violin lessons. Mr. Abel has been swift and thorough in communications to plan for lessons, making it very easy to coordinate. During the lesson, he is incredibly kind, patient, and encouraging with my child! He includes many age-appropriate learning methods, and helps her to feel competent and engaged. He provides correction and guidance in a caring manner. We are very pleased.
    ... Show more
    March 03, 2021
    Hired on Lessons

    Frequently asked questions

    With beginners I have a process for starting them which emphasizes stable foundation and natural body motion. From here we go to fundamental violin connections and pre-Twinkle exercises.
    With intermediate/advanced students I ask them to play me a scale and maybe a piece of choice at their first lesson. This is always enough for me to assess their level and begin our journey together.

    I first taught privately for the Butler Community Art School in 2014. Since then I have taught at a slew of private and charter schools in Indianapolis and have built private studios in Indianapolis and Miami. In addition to my private studio, I currently teach for City Strings in Cincinnati. I have studied the pedagogical writings of Galamian, Bronstein, Gingold, Leopold Mozart, Dounis, Mimi Zweig, Suzuki, and others. 

    I charge $30/hour, $45/45 mins, $60/hr. I offer occasional free masterclasses to focus in on specific techniques, pieces, or practice spots. When a student refers another student to me, I offer each student 1 free lesson. 

    My first teaching experience was teaching my younger cousin viola while I was on vacation at a farm in West Virginia. He had to practice even as the mountains, creek, birds, frogs, crayfish, hammocks, and swimming hole beckoned. We made a game out of it and were able to enjoy practicing in the beautiful evening on the porch facing the stream. 

    I have worked with students aged 4 to 50. Some of my students were taking purely for enrichment. Others had specific goals in mind. I have helped a girl prepare her college auditions with great success. I helped another student explore her Hungarian roots in the duos of Bella Bartok. One of my students wanted to learn to play violin so she could play the music she composed in a movie she directed and starred in. Many of my pupils just want to learn because it is something they have always wanted to do. It is never too late or too early if you have passion!

    I asked a beginning student what his favorite part about violin was. He instantly responded "Playing position."

    Me too, buddy.

    Find someone who is passionate about both playing and teaching. There is a common aphorism "You cannot serve two masters." This does not apply to music, for artistry, performing, study, and pedagogy are all intricately connected. Some students are mimics and learn by good demonstration. Others need a teacher who can formulate their thoughts verbally. Flexibility and multi-talent is not just a benefit but an imperative in a fruitful teacher-student relationship.

    Ask about availability. You need to know that you will both be able to schedule regular lessons for an extended period of time.

    Discuss pricing. If their hourly rate is too high for a long lesson, consider half-hour lessons.

    Ask what book they teach from so that you can acquire it and get the most from your lessons. Pedagogy books have helpful pictures, exercises, and of course the physical music.

    Inquire about the potential teacher's professional experience, priorities, and teaching philosophy. 


    Services offered

    Violin