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Research has shown that, in general, the best players make the best teachers. Many of the best players will be found in professional orchestras, conservatories, and universities. There are fine players who have made a specialty of teaching. It really helps to know the training of the teacher. In the USA, the vast majority of professional musicians and teachers come from a "baker's dozen" of conservatories and schools of music.

There is another element. The teacher has to have given thought to a systematic pedagogy. Usually one has to study it. Most people have heard of the Suzuki method, it is only as good as the teacher teaching it. There is a certification process. My opinion is that it is a good pedagogy, but that it was developed 50 years ago and we have increased our knowledge considerably since then. I believe the pedagogy taught at the Indiana University (Bloomington) String Academy combines the best elements of the last two centuries of violin pedagogy in a beautifully efficient way that helps the student reach their potential in the shortest amount of time (depending on the work they put into it, of course). It's possible to attend their Summer Retreat for Professional Violinists and Violists, or to study it if you are a student at IU (one of the "baker's dozen"). If you're looking for a teacher, then look for a fine professional player who has studied a pedagogy that works, and see if s/he connects with you or your child. If you want to teach, get the finest training you can get. Try and get experience performing and teaching while you still have a mentor teacher.

Good luck!

I hope that answer's your question. I'm developing a website that I hope helps answer questions too: www.CynthiasViolinStudio.com

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15y ago

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