Juno Devassy - Structured Western Violin Lessons for Beginners of All Ages

I am a software engineer with a deep passion for music, particularly the violin. I teach violin to students on UrbanPro and have around 15 years of experience learning and practising the instrument, along with about 3 years of teaching experience. My own long journey with the violin has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of building the right fundamentals from the beginning, and this is something I focus on in my teaching.

I started learning and practising the violin when I was in sixth grade, and my interest in the instrument has continued to grow over the years. I have completed my M.E./M.Tech. and am currently pursuing certification courses in music to further develop my knowledge and skills in violin and music education. I am currently focused on Western violin and preparing for the Trinity Grade 3 violin certification.

My own learning experience has strongly influenced the way I teach. During my journey, I realised that there were certain fundamentals and techniques that I could have focused on earlier, which would have helped me progress more effectively. This motivated me to start teaching so that I can share the knowledge and experience I have gained and help students develop a strong foundation from the very beginning.

I follow a structured and practical approach in my violin classes. Before planning the lessons, I understand the student's current level, learning goals, and pace. I then structure the sessions accordingly. I believe that students need a combination of theoretical understanding and practical playing, so my classes include explanations, demonstrations, and regular opportunities for the student to practise.

I focus strongly on fundamentals such as correct posture, bow hold, finger placement, rhythm, scales, and basic music reading before introducing more advanced techniques. I demonstrate exercises and pieces during the class and then guide students as they practise. I provide feedback and corrections so that students can identify mistakes early and develop correct playing habits.

For beginners, I keep the lessons gradual, simple, and engaging. I understand that learning an instrument can initially feel challenging, so I encourage students to progress at a comfortable pace while maintaining regular practice. I also provide simple exercises that students can work on between classes, helping them reinforce the techniques covered during the session.

I conduct violin classes both online and offline and aim to make the learning process structured, enjoyable, and approachable. My goal is to help students develop proper technique, understand the fundamentals of violin playing, and gradually become more confident musicians. I also want to make sure that students enjoy the process of learning and develop the same sense of interest and appreciation for the instrument that has kept me connected with the violin for so many years.