I’ll respond within 24 hours.
Student Progress Through Online Lessons with Marnie (Videos 1 & 2)
Twinkle Variation (Beginner)
Musette (same student – Vibrato development)
Youth Orchestra Audition Performance – Kabalevsky Violin Concerto (GTCYS Symphony Orchestra, top ensemble)
Scale first; concerto begins at 1:30. Includes orchestra excerpts.
Teaching & Technique Examples
How to Play Faster on the Violin Effortlessly
2 Octave C Major Scale (Explanation at 28 seconds, Play Through at 2:35)
Instructor Performance
The Swan — Camille Saint-Saëns
Performance excerpt by violin instructor Marnie Thies
What Parents Say
★★★★★
“I didn’t realize how well this would work for us. We are working on violin fundamentals successfully with Marnie on Skype and making a lot of important progress – would absolutely recommend her!”
— E. Meyers, (Online violin student parent, Google Review)
★★★★★
“It has been two years since my last review (below the line), and I would love to share an update. My son has now taken online violin lessons with Marnie for 5+ years, and the experience has worked out very well. Marnie makes every effort to ensure that the video and audio quality are good before each class, and she continues to provide effective and engaging lessons.
My son has learned a great deal from her over the years, and with her guidance, he was selected for the 2025–26 Minnesota All-State Orchestra. We are very grateful for Marnie’s dedication and for the important role she has played in his growth as a violinist.
This is a long overdue review as I can’t say enough on how lucky we are to have Marnie as my son’s violin teacher since he started to play violin seriously! Marnie’s violin lesson is such an enjoyable, educational and rewarding experience to my young boy – he not only learns to play violin well but also learns to be a humble, caring, open-minded, responsible and hardworking people just like Marnie! Can’t wait to see her more during the in-person lesson after the pandemic is over.”
— Na L., (Online violin student parent, Google Review )
Many students continue their online violin lessons with me for multiple years.
How Online Violin Lessons Work
Online lessons take place live over video. I can see and hear the student clearly and give immediate corrections during playing, including posture, tone, rhythm, and technique.
Students leave each session with clear, specific practice goals based on their level.
I can clearly see both hands, posture, and bow technique through a standard camera setup.
Student Success Stories
My online students make steady progress and achieve goals such as orchestra placement, audition preparation, and performance milestones.
Who Online Violin Lessons Are For
I work with children ages 5+, adult beginners, returning adult players, and advancing students preparing for youth orchestra or school music programs. Lessons are adapted to each student’s level and goals so they can progress at a steady, realistic pace.
Children are able to stay engaged in online lessons with active, interactive instruction. Lessons are paced with frequent feedback, playing, and clear short goals to maintain focus.
Why Online Works
Online violin lessons are effective because students can correct mistakes in real time while they are playing, rather than after practice has already reinforced them incorrectly.
This allows technical skills and musical understanding to develop more efficiently through consistent guided learning from home.
How to Get Started with Online Violin Lessons Anywhere
Most families begin with a free, short online intro lesson to make sure everything is a good fit before starting regular lessons.
This is a relaxed session where we:
- test your video and audio setup
- check posture and setup
- talk through goals and experience level
- make sure online lessons feel comfortable and easy
I’ll make sure online lessons work well for your setup so you feel confident before continuing.
There is no commitment required, and you can decide whether to continue after the intro.
What Online Violin Lessons Include
- Step-by-step technique instruction with real-time visual feedback
- Repertoire chosen based on your interests and current level
- Clear practice guidance so you know exactly what to work on between sessions
- Setup assessment — chin rest, shoulder rest, bow hold — even done remotely
- Recordings of scales and pieces emailed after lessons so you can practice along at home
Get Started with Online Violin Lessons
If you’re ready to begin, you can request lesson information and I’ll respond within 24 hours.
We’ll briefly discuss goals and make sure everything is a good fit for you or your child.
If you’d like more detail on how lessons work, you can view the lesson structure page.
Frequently Asked Questions (Online Violin Lessons)
Can beginners learn violin online?
Yes. Beginners do very well in online lessons when lessons are combined with consistent practice and clear guidance.
Younger students benefit especially when a parent is nearby to help with practice between lessons. I provide clear instructions so students know exactly what to work on each week.
What age can children start online violin lessons?
Children ages 5 and older can typically begin online lessons with appropriate setup and support when needed. I can also help guide families in selecting a suitable violin and essential accessories to ensure a comfortable and successful start.
Do online violin lessons really work?
Yes. Online violin lessons are highly effective when taught with clear structure and consistent practice. Students develop strong technique, rhythm, tone production, and musical understanding through online instruction.
I give real-time feedback on posture, bow hold, intonation, and musical expression during lessons. Many students make steady, measurable progress online, especially when practice routines are consistent at home.
How do online violin lessons work?
Lessons are held over video using a simple platform such as Zoom or FaceTime. Students join from a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.
During the lesson, I can see and hear the student play, demonstrate concepts, and give step-by-step feedback just like in an in-person lesson. We also adjust camera positioning as needed so I can clearly observe technique.
What if I am not good with technology?
That is completely okay. Most families find online lessons very easy to set up.
During the free intro, we make sure everything is working properly, including audio, video, and camera positioning. I will help guide you through the setup so lessons run smoothly.
What happens in the free intro?
The free introductory lesson is a relaxed, no-pressure session designed to make sure online lessons are a good fit.
During this time, we:
- Check your technical setup (camera, audio, internet connection)
- Discuss goals and experience level
- Look at basic posture and playing setup
- Answer any questions you may have
This helps ensure students are comfortable before regular lessons begin.
What equipment do I need for online violin lessons?
You will need:
- A violin
- A music stand
- A device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer)
- A stable internet connection
That is usually enough to get started successfully.
Are online and in-person lessons the same price?
Yes. Online and in-person lessons are the same tuition because the instruction, preparation, and individualized teaching are the same in both formats. The only difference is the delivery method, not the quality of instruction.
If you’re ready, you can request lesson information and I’ll respond within 24 hours.
We’ll briefly discuss goals and make sure everything is a good fit for you or your child before continuing.