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Ben Lassiter

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

4.8(32)

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Profile photo of Ben, Violin tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of Ben, Violin tutor at Wiingy
Violin learning materials by Ben
Violin learning materials by Ben
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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

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Lessons help with stage confidence

93% Students feel ready to perform for others

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Helps students prepare for orchestra auditions

Many students have earned seats in school and regional ensembles

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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 icon

Ear training

Finger Placement and Scales icon

Finger Placement and Scales

Scales and Arpeggios icon

Scales and Arpeggios

Rhythm and Timing icon

Rhythm and Timing

Music theory icon

Music theory

keyLearning

Violin concept taught by Ben

Student learned about 9 hours ago

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

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Student learned 9 days ago

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

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Student learned 9 days ago

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

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Student learned 16 days ago

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

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Student learned 16 days ago

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

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Student learned 17 days ago

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

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Types of violin lessons

Violin

Violin

Acoustic Violin

Acoustic Violin

Student Violin

Student Violin

Student types for violin lessons

Violin for advanced icon

Violin for advanced

Violin for beginners icon

Violin for beginners

Violin for kids icon

Violin for kids

Violin for adults icon

Violin for adults

Teaching tools used in vioin classes

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

PDF Sheet Music Libraries image

PDF Sheet Music Libraries

Engaging violin lessons

Mobile joining icon

Mobile joining

Pets are welcomed icon

Pets are welcomed

Record lessons icon

Record lessons

Weekend lessons icon

Weekend lessons

Free lesson slots

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