Ben Lassiter
I help violinists learn to play improvised music! I also teach beginners the basics.




Violin lessons - Ben Lassiter
Masters degree
/ 30 min
Ben - Violin teacher
I am Ben Lassiter, a music-loving violin tutor with a Master's Degree in jazz. My first instrument was guitar, (which I still play regularly) but now my focus is teaching violinists how to improvise and make up music on the spot, not just read it off the page! Are you a classical violinists who's always wanted to improvise? Let's work together! I specialize in helping students understand music theory and harmony through learning jazz repertoire. I teach students improvisation, ear training,, swing rhythm, sight-reading and more! Study with me and you will learn the necessary scales, arpeggios and 'jazz language' needed to sound convincing on your instrument. I love listening to outstanding violinists like Stéphane Grappelli and Didier Lockwood (check them out!). Each of my students gets a personalized lesson plan to help overcome their specific weaknesses and achieve their goals. Let's do this!
Meet Ben
Lessons help with stage confidence
93% Students feel ready to perform for others
Helps students prepare for orchestra auditions
Many students have earned seats in school and regional ensembles
Real-time feedback from violin teacher
88% students say instant corrections improve accuracy
Violin lessons overview
No two people are exactly alike and therefore, no two teaching methods should be exactly alike. Through careful study of your strengths and weaknesses, I will develop a tailored learning plan to help you achieve your musical goals. If you are a complete beginner, we will spend time learning things such as bow hold, posture, etc. If you are a violinist who wants to branch out and 'play by ear' I can help you achieve this. Reading music is fundamental for the classical violinist, but not necessarily as important for the improvisor. In my lessons, I will teach you the necessary scales and arpeggios that make up the building blocks of improvisation. Often, classical violinists do not have to understand music theory to give an excellent performance. However, when it comes to improvisation, most classical violinists feel completely rudderless. I can help you overcome this situation and give you the skills and confidence necessary to play improvised music.
Expertise of the violin teacher
Ear training
Finger Placement and Scales
Scales and Arpeggios
Rhythm and Timing
Music theory

Violin concept taught by Ben
Ben and Ryan reviewed first position scales, rhythms, and intonation on the violin, then transitioned to music theory, covering the A major scale, intervals, and chord construction. Ryan practiced improvisation within the A major scale and worked on finger exercises to improve coordination and intonation. Ben assigned practice exercises focusing on finger placement, scales, and thirds, with continued emphasis on using a metronome.
Simultaneous Finger Placement
Key of A Major
Musical Intervals
Major Scale Formula
In a recent violin lesson, Ben worked with a dedicated student from Sacramento State University on violin techniques, focusing on rhythm exercises, intonation, and finger placement. The learner practiced scales, rhythms from page 23, and exercises for quick finger preparation, including the use of the fourth finger. Ben provided feedback on bow technique, timing, and intonation, and suggested practicing with a drone and verbalizing rhythms to improve timing and accuracy.
Rhythm & Pacing (16th Notes)
Bow Control & Tone
Finger Pattern One (Scale Extension)
Quick Finger Preparation
Fourth Finger (Pinky) Placement
Ben and Leo recently focused on enhancing Leo's violin skills, covering bowing techniques, rhythm exercises, and string changes. Leo dedicated his practice to quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes, using a metronome to ensure consistent tone and rhythm. For the upcoming week, Ben assigned long bows with mirror practice and provided an audio recording of rhythmic exercises. Their next lesson is scheduled for next Tuesday.
Long Bows Technique
Changing Strings Technique
Rhythm Counting Verbalization
Bow Perpendicularity
Metronome Speed for 16th Notes
During a recent violin lesson, a student from Fresno State University focused on violin practice, specifically rhythm and intonation exercises. The learner worked on rhythms A through E, string-switching, and left-hand finger patterns in the A major scale, using a drone for pitch reference. For their continued practice, they were assigned rhythms on page 23 and encouraged to use the provided A drone link for intonation work.
Metronome Practice
Rhythm Verbalization
Left-Hand Finger Pattern One
Drone Practice
Bowing Consistency
Ben provided Holly with an introductory violin lesson, focusing on the instrument's basic components, proper bow holding, and foundational rhythms from the Suzuki book. Holly actively engaged in practicing various bow techniques, rhythm counting, and playing simple rhythms specifically on the A string. For continued progress, Ben assigned practice using a metronome, emphasized the importance of a mirror for monitoring bow positioning, and recommended that Holly obtain a tuner app before their next lesson.
Rhythm Counting
Metronome Use
Bow Hold Technique
Violin Parts
Bowing Fundamentals
Ben Lassiter recently guided Uday Naik through a violin lesson, with a primary focus on rhythm and bowing techniques. Uday diligently practiced rhythms A, C, D, and B from his book, utilizing a metronome to enhance his timing and precision. Their discussion also covered the importance of proper posture and consistent practice. Uday informed Ben that he would miss their upcoming lesson due to attending a Starship launch.
Rhythm C
Rhythm D (Triplets)
Rhythm E (Sixteenth Notes)
Rhythm B (Eighth Notes and Rests)
Metronome Use
Importance of Right-Hand Technique
Rhythm A
Types of violin lessons
Violin
Acoustic Violin
Student Violin
Student types for violin lessons
Violin for advanced
Violin for beginners
Violin for kids
Violin for adults
Teaching tools used in vioin classes
Metronome Apps
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Engaging violin lessons
Mobile joining
Pets are welcomed
Record lessons
Weekend lessons
Free lesson slots
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.