Beginner, intermediate, and advanced violin lessons are taught by Mr. Troy Bast. The starting age for these lessons is 6 years old. These lessons are held on the 3rd floor of Building C, in Room 311. Violin lessons are currently offered on Tuesdays.
Mr. Bast is originally from Pennsylvania, and has an extensive background in violin performance and education. He earned his B.M. in Violin Performance from New York University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and his M.M. in Violin Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
His extensive performance experience includes but is not limited to the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Section 1st Violin for 2 consecutive 1 year positions), and the Substitute Alabama Symphony Orchestra, where he performs currently.
His teaching experience includes but is not limited to the Music and Arts Center in Baltimore, MD, West Virginia University, Battle Academy in Chattanooga, TN, Spalding Elementary School in Collegedale, TN, and the Mountain Arts Community Center in Signal Mountain, TN.
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STUDIO EXPECTATIONS
Be On Time
- This time is reserved just for you, so make sure to be here on time. Lessons will not go past reserved time due to lateness of students. If a student cannot make it to a lesson, please call within 24 hours of the lesson and we will roll the lesson over to the next month.
Come Prepared
- This means having practiced ALL assignments! If you have not practiced, then we will not be able to make progress on the violin.
Bring Materials
- Violin, music, notebook, metronome, shoulder rest or sponge, and pencil.
- And book or music that is assigned to the student is the student’s responsibility to obtain.
PRACTICE TIPS
Warm-up
- Take 5-7 minutes and do long tones on open strings.
- Make sure the bow is parallel to the bridge and that your bow hand is correct and your violin in proper position.
- Work on having a solid tone from bow to tip!
Scales and Arpeggios
- Scales should be a part of every practice session! It helps develop muscle memory and good intonation.
- Choose a scale that you know or one that you are working on, and practice in whole notes, half notes, or quarter notes. You can also make it more interesting by making up your own rhythm!
Practice in Small Sections
- Make a difficult piece easier by practicing in sections! One line at a time, 2-3 meausre at a time or even one note as a time!
Practice with a Metronome
- Metronomes are very helpful in practicing because it helps keep us steady!
- Use a metronome with warm-ups, scales, and pieces!
Practice Slowly
- To make something good, practice slowly and aim for correct notes and bowings! If something is wrong, slow down and try it again! Repeat when necessary!
Practice Daily
- Practice should be done daily for about 20-30 minutes. If you want to improve on anything, time must be invested!
- Marathon practicing (1 day for hours!) can be harmful by hurting your muscles and only has short-term benefits!
