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Trusted teacher
This teacher has a fast response time and rate, demonstrating a high quality of service to their students.
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Since March 2024
Instructor since March 2024
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1 repeat student
Trusted choice for 1 returning student
Viola lessons, intermediate - advanced (in English, German or Russian)
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From 64.26 £ /h
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I am a professional violin and viola teacher based in Zurich, teaching in person at students' location or online, in English, German or Russian.

(Reviews below)

As well as instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching of at all levels over the last 12 years, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ workshops in London and was an assistant on the Primary Arpeggione viola course and at the Springgrove music competition. As a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, I participated in their conferences across Europe.

I have prepared students for music exams at all levels, working with them on music theory, aural and sight reading skills, and regularly accompany students on the piano.

I perform internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, recently including at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Philharmonie in Berlin. I’m a Tillett Trust and Villa Musica artist, winner of the Małopolska competition, Barbirolli Prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition and Len Lickorish Memorial Prize at the Royal Overseas League International Strings Competition.

I hold a masters degree with first class honours from the class of Tabea Zimmermann at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, and Bachelors with the same distinction from the Royal Academy of Music in London.


* Reviews *

Stephanie W.
Toby is an outstanding instructor and works with children very naturally. My 11 year old son has been taking lessons with Toby for over two months and is eager for each lesson. Toby is extremely talented, but beyond that, he engages my son deeply with the music itself, fundamental techniques, music theory, and even the interpretation of the music. Toby is kind, encouraging, and works with students at a level that is appropriate. He has allowed my son to chose music that if fun and interesting to practice, even though the pieces are challenging. In fact, I often sit in to listen to the lessons, as they are so good. My son has had a couple of lessons with Toby while company has been over, and everyone has commented on how amazing Toby is as an instructor. I can not recommend Toby enough and hope to continue lessons with him for a long time.

Pamela B.
Toby is really a great teacher who teaches the pieces well and brings out more of the feeling in the playing. We particularly liked that. Good technique is one thing, but feeling the music is such an important element in music and learning a piece of music. He also teaches theory very well!

Tatyana M.
Toby is a fantastic teacher. He is very reliable as he is consistently organised and punctual. I constantly see progress in my child’s music skills because every lesson Toby delivers is effective and well-structured. I highly recommend him to all who wish to learn or improve on their music skills.

Shaun W.
Knowledgeable and frank, Toby was able to provide me with crucial information quickly and efficiently.

Hanna S.
Toby can explain things very well and understandably, is patient and friendly and easily adapts to the student's level.

Jacques R.
Toby is an excellent tutor with top teaching skills..he teaches music theory in a way my 12 year old son understands the lesson easily; Toby is very attentive
Location
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At student's location :
  • Around Zurich, Switzerland
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At teacher's location :
  • fungus-atelier, Förrlibuckstrasse, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
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Online from Switzerland
About Me
Professional violin and viola teacher based in Zurich, teaching in person at students' location or online, in English, German or Russian.

As well as instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching of at all levels over the last 12 years, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ workshops in London and was an assistant on the Primary Arpeggione viola course and at the Springgrove music competition. As a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, I participated in their conferences across Europe.

I have prepared students for music exams at all levels, working with them on music theory, aural and sight reading skills, and regularly accompany students on the piano.

As a performing musician, I perform internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, recently including at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Philharmonie in Berlin. I’m a Tillett Trust and Villa Musica artist, winner of the Małopolska competition, Barbirolli Prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition and Len Lickorish Memorial Prize at the Royal Overseas League International Strings Competition.

I hold a masters degree with first class honours from the class of Tabea Zimmermann at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, and Bachelors with the same distinction from the Royal Academy of Music in London. I attended the International Musicians Seminar at Prussia Cove on four occasions and have collaborated with composers Garth Knox, Vasilis Alevizos and Thomas Jones on their new works, with performances in London and at the Agora Music Festival in Luxembourg.

As a chamber musician I have played with the 12, Seida and 4|12 ensembles, as well as with musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic and clarinettist Matthew Hunt at HellensMusic festival, with Tabea Zimmermann at the Laeiszhalle Hamburg, with Claudio Martínez Mehner and Christoph Poppen in Santander, and with members of the ARC ensemble at the Music of Exile Festival in Toronto, Canada, amongst others.
Education
Masters degree with first class honours from the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, Berlin with Professor Tabea Zimmermann

BMus degree with first class honours from the Royal Academy of Music, London with Professors Juan-Miguel Hernandez and Garfield Jackson

Royal Academy of Music Junior department 2009-2015 with Jacky Woods
Experience / Qualifications
12 years experience teaching pupils of all ages and levels violin, viola and music theory as well as coaching young ensembles and giving master classes
Age
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
The class is taught in
English
German
Russian
French
Skills
Reviews
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
at teacher icon
At teacher's location and via webcam
at home icon
At student's home
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24
I am a professional violin and viola teacher based in Zurich, teaching in person at students' location or online, in English, German or Russian.

(Reviews below)

As well as instrumental teaching and ensemble coaching of at all levels over the last 12 years, I’ve led numerous professional workshops, including ‘Music First’ and ‘Music Masters’ workshops in London and was an assistant on the Primary Arpeggione viola course and at the Springgrove music competition. As a member of the European String Teachers’ Association, I participated in their conferences across Europe.

I have prepared students for music exams at all levels, working with them on music theory, aural and sight reading skills, and regularly accompany students on the piano.

As a performing musician, I perform internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, recently including at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Philharmonie in Berlin. I’m a Tillett Trust and Villa Musica artist, winner of the Małopolska competition, Barbirolli Prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition and Len Lickorish Memorial Prize at the Royal Overseas League International Strings Competition.

I hold a masters degree with first class honours from the class of Tabea Zimmermann at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, and Bachelors with the same distinction from the Royal Academy of Music in London.


* Reviews *

Stephanie W.
Toby is an outstanding instructor and works with children very naturally. My 11 year old son has been taking lessons with Toby for over two months and is eager for each lesson. Toby is extremely talented, but beyond that, he engages my son deeply with the music itself, fundamental techniques, music theory, and even the interpretation of the music. Toby is kind, encouraging, and works with students at a level that is appropriate. He has allowed my son to chose music that if fun and interesting to practice, even though the pieces are challenging. In fact, I often sit in to listen to the lessons, as they are so good. My son has had a couple of lessons with Toby while company has been over, and everyone has commented on how amazing Toby is as an instructor. I can not recommend Toby enough and hope to continue lessons with him for a long time.

Pamela B.
Toby is really a great teacher who teaches the pieces well and brings out more of the feeling in the playing. We particularly liked that. Good technique is one thing, but feeling the music is such an important element in music and learning a piece of music. He also teaches theory very well!

Tatyana M.
Toby is a fantastic teacher. He is very reliable as he is consistently organised and punctual. I constantly see progress in my child’s music skills because every lesson Toby delivers is effective and well-structured. I highly recommend him to all who wish to learn or improve on their music skills.

Shaun W.
Knowledgeable and frank, Toby was able to provide me with crucial information quickly and efficiently.

Hanna S.
Toby can explain things very well and understandably, is patient and friendly and easily adapts to the student's level.

Jacques R.
Toby is an excellent tutor with top teaching skills..he teaches music theory in a way my 12 year old son understands the lesson easily; Toby is very attentive
Read more
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Are you interested to learn how to play violin or viola ? Or you can play already and want to improve ?
Available are individual lessons for all age categories: kids as well as adults. Music brings fun at any age !

​Willst du Geige oder Bratsche lernen ?
Individuelle Unterricht für Anfänger, Fortgeschrittene und Wiedereinsteiger.
Bei Interesse können Sie sich für eine gratis Probestunde bei mir melden !

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I offer beginners and advanced players professional instrumental lessons for viola. I will try to work towards your goals and requirements so that you can develop as a musician. My teaching is technically precise on the one hand, but it also promotes your musical creativity and enthusiasm, for example by making music together. Perhaps you are already playing the violin and would like to switch to the viola to play in the orchestra or in a chamber music ensemble, or you are curious about the somewhat less familiar instrument of the string family. I would like to pass on my passion to you to bring the beauty of the viola closer to the general public. At the end of my pedagogical studies at the ZhdK for instrumental lessons, I am an intern in the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and an active chamber musician in various ensembles.
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Whatever your age, playing the Violin and generally music affects your entire person positively and enriches you in so many ways. Your memory is being trained and it increases your ability to concentrate. The younger you start playing, the greater the impact on your ability to multitask, succeed, even to the extent improving your health and wellbeing over the long-term.
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I offer individual and group violin lessons, viola lessons as well as music theory for beginners and advanced students in German, English, or Spanish:

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- All ages
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- Classical literature, film music and various styles (jazz, klezmer...)

My references:
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I offer:
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Lessons can be given face-to-face or online.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
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Violin and viola for beginners, advanced and professionals. Also preparation for entrance exams and competitions. «You can demonstrate high education by knowing how to explain the most complicated things in a simple way (George Bernard Shaw). There is always time to start something new or to relive something that used to make you happy! For me, being able to play an instrument is the ability that is naturally achieved through passion, commitment, imagination and patience. Learn to play the violin or viola in a pleasant atmosphere and at your own pace. No matter what level you bring - whether complete beginner, advanced or professional - I am happy to be your instrumentalist.
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Would you like to learn viola, violin or piano? I am happy to support you with creativity and patience in the learning process. The most important thing for me is that the focus is on enjoying making music and developing at your own pace.
In the summer of 2022 I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Classical Music at the Basel Music Academy. After an internship at a special education school in Winterthur, I have been studying speech therapy in Zurich since 2023 and play the viola in orchestral projects, various chamber music formations and the violin in a band.
I look forward to welcoming you to my classes soon!
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Hello, my name is Izabel and I play the viola professionally and work in Zurich Opernhaus as well as other orchestras.
I also have more than 10 years of experience teaching the violin, the viola and music theory.
I can speak fluent English, Bulgarian and French. I can also understand German, but cannot fluently communicate.
I would be happy to work with you or your child at your home, or in my studio, as well as give an online course. My weeks are often quite flexible and I am happy to accommodate to your schedule whenever it is possible.

It is an important step in one's development to seek the right guidance and to have a teacher who helps them develop and grow. I was lucky to have been taught by incredible teachers, but I also needed to create a specialised way of practicing for myself, which I soon realised could help many others get through the difficulties of learning the stringed instrument.

If you are interested in my course, please reach out and be sure that you will not regret it.

All the best,

Izabel
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I'm an Italian professional violinist graduated in the Hochschule der Künste in Zürich.

I offer lessons for anyone who want to learn or improve their skills in playing the violin or viola. It is open to individuals of all age categories, from kids to adults.

The lessons focus on allowing students to have fun while making music and expressing themselves through their instrument. I adapts the pace, materials, and choice of songs to each student's requests and needs.
The classes can also serve as personal work support, where students can bring in their own scores from their main class or chamber orchestra.

I have over 8 years of experience, I am able to teach beginner to advanced level students, and can communicate in Italian, English and German.
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Contact Toby
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Similar classes
arrow icon previousarrow icon next
verified badge
Are you interested to learn how to play violin or viola ? Or you can play already and want to improve ?
Available are individual lessons for all age categories: kids as well as adults. Music brings fun at any age !

​Willst du Geige oder Bratsche lernen ?
Individuelle Unterricht für Anfänger, Fortgeschrittene und Wiedereinsteiger.
Bei Interesse können Sie sich für eine gratis Probestunde bei mir melden !

verified badge
I offer beginners and advanced players professional instrumental lessons for viola. I will try to work towards your goals and requirements so that you can develop as a musician. My teaching is technically precise on the one hand, but it also promotes your musical creativity and enthusiasm, for example by making music together. Perhaps you are already playing the violin and would like to switch to the viola to play in the orchestra or in a chamber music ensemble, or you are curious about the somewhat less familiar instrument of the string family. I would like to pass on my passion to you to bring the beauty of the viola closer to the general public. At the end of my pedagogical studies at the ZhdK for instrumental lessons, I am an intern in the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and an active chamber musician in various ensembles.
verified badge
Whatever your age, playing the Violin and generally music affects your entire person positively and enriches you in so many ways. Your memory is being trained and it increases your ability to concentrate. The younger you start playing, the greater the impact on your ability to multitask, succeed, even to the extent improving your health and wellbeing over the long-term.
verified badge
I offer individual and group violin lessons, viola lessons as well as music theory for beginners and advanced students in German, English, or Spanish:

- YOU learn what YOU want!
- No previous knowledge is required
- For beginners, advanced and professionals
- All ages
- Classical violin and viola
- Classical literature, film music and various styles (jazz, klezmer...)

My references:
- Master pedagogical Degree at the "Felix-Mendelssohn Bartholdy" University of Music in Leipzig
- Over 10 years of stage experience
- Over 10 years of teaching experience at various music schools and as a private teacher

I offer:
- Individual private lessons and/or group lessons
- Preparation for competitions, entrance exams and auditions
- E-mail support
- Individual practice plans

Lessons can be given face-to-face or online.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
verified badge
Violin and viola for beginners, advanced and professionals. Also preparation for entrance exams and competitions. «You can demonstrate high education by knowing how to explain the most complicated things in a simple way (George Bernard Shaw). There is always time to start something new or to relive something that used to make you happy! For me, being able to play an instrument is the ability that is naturally achieved through passion, commitment, imagination and patience. Learn to play the violin or viola in a pleasant atmosphere and at your own pace. No matter what level you bring - whether complete beginner, advanced or professional - I am happy to be your instrumentalist.
verified badge
Would you like to learn viola, violin or piano? I am happy to support you with creativity and patience in the learning process. The most important thing for me is that the focus is on enjoying making music and developing at your own pace.
In the summer of 2022 I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Classical Music at the Basel Music Academy. After an internship at a special education school in Winterthur, I have been studying speech therapy in Zurich since 2023 and play the viola in orchestral projects, various chamber music formations and the violin in a band.
I look forward to welcoming you to my classes soon!
verified badge
Hello, my name is Izabel and I play the viola professionally and work in Zurich Opernhaus as well as other orchestras.
I also have more than 10 years of experience teaching the violin, the viola and music theory.
I can speak fluent English, Bulgarian and French. I can also understand German, but cannot fluently communicate.
I would be happy to work with you or your child at your home, or in my studio, as well as give an online course. My weeks are often quite flexible and I am happy to accommodate to your schedule whenever it is possible.

It is an important step in one's development to seek the right guidance and to have a teacher who helps them develop and grow. I was lucky to have been taught by incredible teachers, but I also needed to create a specialised way of practicing for myself, which I soon realised could help many others get through the difficulties of learning the stringed instrument.

If you are interested in my course, please reach out and be sure that you will not regret it.

All the best,

Izabel
verified badge
I'm an Italian professional violinist graduated in the Hochschule der Künste in Zürich.

I offer lessons for anyone who want to learn or improve their skills in playing the violin or viola. It is open to individuals of all age categories, from kids to adults.

The lessons focus on allowing students to have fun while making music and expressing themselves through their instrument. I adapts the pace, materials, and choice of songs to each student's requests and needs.
The classes can also serve as personal work support, where students can bring in their own scores from their main class or chamber orchestra.

I have over 8 years of experience, I am able to teach beginner to advanced level students, and can communicate in Italian, English and German.
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