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In Home Tuition

In Home Tuition

Online Lessons

Online Lessons

At The Studio

At The Studio

For over 30 years Ben Barnes has been a professional Violin, Viola, Guitar and Vocal teacher. In addition to his years of experience as a private music instructor, he has also worked with elementary school classes from 4 to 36 students. In 2013, he earned his California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with Supplementary Authorization for Music. All are welcome and classes are available for any skill level at any age!
For over 30 years Ben Barnes has been a professional Violin, Viola, Guitar and Vocal teacher. In addition to his years of experience as a private music instructor, he has also worked with elementary school classes from 4 to 36 students. In 2013, he earned his California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with Supplementary Authorization for Music. All are welcome and classes are available for any skill level at any age!
Ben-playing-violin-students-lessons
Young People

Young People

Children aged 3 to 12 are instructed using the Suzuki method for classical music. Other genres like Bluegrass, Jazz, and Rock’n’Roll are available too. Ben’s years of elementary school teaching experience taught him how to create a learning environment where the student is the emphasis allowing them to grow and become invested in the learning process.

Older People

Older People

Adult and teen beginners are taught from the Strictly Strings teaching methods manuals. Technique, vocabulary, songs and melodies from every genre are accessible to the novice through this comprehensive learning method.

The prepared lessons are designed to quickly have the student playing a variety of fun music while simultaneously developing their abilities.

Groups

Groups

Group classes are offered for
• instrumentals
• learning the fundamentals of music.

Coaching is available for
• Classical Chamber Music Ensembles 
• Popular Music Bands
Groups playing Bluegrass, Jazz, and Rock music can also be coached.

Intermediate and Advanced

Intermediate and Advanced

Intermediate and advanced students can choose any music that they would like to learn and are taught how to play and perform on a professional level. Students that want to learn improvisation are given the tools necessary to play Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock’n’Roll and other styles of fiddling. 

Ability Accessible Arrangements

Ability Accessible Arrangements

For students who know what they want to learn, they are invited to look at Ben’s ‘ability accessible arrangement classes.
The class begins with Ben getting a feel for the individual’s skill level. Then he transcribes the music, creates lead sheets and scores the custom chord charts (fretboard diagrams or tablature). Everything is tailored to best fit the players comfort and skill level. 

Click here for a sample chart of  ‘Bamboleo’ by the Gypsy Kings.

VOIP (VIOLIN LESSONS OVER IP)

VOIP (VIOLIN LESSONS OVER IP)

Ben started offering online classes in response to the COVID-19. People with hectic daily schedules or who prefer an online format are encouraged to sign up to VOIP classes. Online lessons are taught using Zoom allowing you to learn Violin from the comfort of you own home!

For those curious, videos of how these classes flow can be found in the ‘Sight and Sound‘ section of the site or by clicking here “Beginning: The Very First Lesson”

Student Recitals

Student Recitals

Ben’s younger students can show off all they have learned in musical recitals that take place twice a year. These are relaxed events with emphasis placed on gaining public performance experience rather than competition. Recitals for adult students are scheduled once a year and are voluntary. 

Pricing

Pricing

Violin and Viola lessons:
$65.00 per hour
$55.00 per 45 mins

Guitar lessons are based on a sliding scale.

Shorter lessons are offered (20 or 30 minutes) for children up to seven years old. Classes are taught at my Studio in San Francisco or at the clients’ home.
An extra fee is required for in-home lessons, based on location and length of time needed to go to and from the students’ home.

Shorter lessons are offered (20 or 30 minutes) for children up to seven years old. Classes are taught at my Studio in San Francisco or at the clients’ home.
An extra fee is required for in-home lessons, based on location and length of time needed to go to and from the students’ home.

REVIEWS

MARLENA T. San Francisco, CA

Ben is amazing. My 9th grader has been taking lessons from him almost a year now. She has improved dramatically and is enjoying more than ever

MARLENA T. San Francisco, CA
AUDREY D. San Francisco, CA

I've had several private violin teachers in the past but Ben is the first one who has really made me excited to pick up my violin again.

AUDREY D. San Francisco, CA
CATHY L. San Francisco, CA

Our son was leaning towards quitting the violin, but after Ben's instruction, he's recommitted himself to playing.

CATHY L. San Francisco, CA

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

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