Oberlin Violin StudioReviews of oberlinviolinstudio.com

I am currently making my way through the sight-reading course. Jessica has structured the course in a way that makes learning quick and stress free.

I have been a violin student for a couple of years. I even have a face-to-face teacher. However, Oberlin Violin Studio's teaching brought me a great method of learning to sight read. Flash cards, getting to know the fingerboard, the explanation of key signatures - all explained by the lovely Jessica - have put me in a position where my face-to-face teacher is also learning - about GOOD teaching!

Absolutely outstanding class! I've already learned so much and not even 1/3rd of the way through the material of the sight reading course. Jessica is an excellent teacher, her explanations concise and clear. Having no experience with any musical training/instruments that's saying something! I greatly appreciate the daily exercises embedded in each lesson giving a clear direction to apply the theory being taught. Her personality is very engaging and she spreads her own joy in playing to her students. Though not easy, I am always looking forward to my next free moment to progress in her course.

I had a few violin lessons in my youth and played in school orchestras mostly by ear. Jessica’s systematic presentation of sight-reading, key signatures and the correct tempo has given a boost to my playing. I find her lessons to be well thought out. The first phase allows me to test my understanding. The second phase, with the answer sheet, lets me model the right notes and understand where I’d been mistaken. The third phase, in which she presents a video to play along with while she demonstrates the correct notes, is very helpful. She offers concise lessons with a wealth of pertinent musical details and no needless digressions. She is focused, cordial and professionally adept. I am practicing more and making more gradual improvements in my understanding and playing than I have in decades.

I joined the beginner’s violin course at Oberlin Violin Studio because I wanted to see if I truly wanted to commit to learning violin. Twenty years ago, I tried learning but felt stuck playing scales and songs I didn’t enjoy, and I eventually gave up. Jessica’s approach was completely different. We started in a way that felt accessible and engaging, without immediately focusing on reading sheet music. The live online sessions combined with recorded lessons gave flexibility, and being able to post practice videos for feedback was incredibly helpful. The encouragement and constructive guidance kept me motivated. I also appreciated having choices in song selection. That made practicing enjoyable instead of feeling like an obligation. Over eight weeks, we progressed from posture and plucking to bowing techniques, first-position notes, scales with context, reading music, and even performance preparation. The mini recital and performance anxiety tips were especially valuable. This course gave me the confidence and foundation to continue learning. I plan to join Beginner 2 in a few months and would absolutely recommend this class to anyone curious about learning violin as an adult.

If you think you are too old, not musically inclined, or apprehensive, think again! This is my second cohort with Jessica and Oberlin Violin Studio and I am a better violin player because of this class. It has been such a blessing getting to be part of this amazing cohort!

I wanted to try the violin but, at 70, I didn't think I could get far at all. After searching through a ton of YouTube videos I ran across Jessica's series of free lessons. Her easy going approach to teaching attracted me and just using her free on-line lessons I was able to make some progress so I signed up for her Violin Beginnings Level 1 course. I am astounded that in only 8 weeks, I've learned to play several songs including Oh Suzanna, Amazing Grace and Greensleeves, along with sight-reading violin music. Jessica is very supportive and encouraging. Her video feedback is excellent: concise and to the point. Without her help, I'm convinced it would have been many, many months to achieve my current level of playing. Highly recommend you give her a try if you're new to violin!

Jessica is a true professional and an exceptional teacher. It's almost impossible to find a violin teacher who is a master of their craft but also has the ability to teach any level and inspire students to practice and love beautiful music. My daughter was challenged but not overwhelmed and made amazing progress under Jessica's instruction. Jessica is a treasure!