Violin

The violin program is offered by Olya Hopkins, a graduate of the Barnaul School of Music in Barnaul, Russia. Olya was trained on the classical model beginning at age 7 and continuing through high school. In addition, she made advanced studies her last year in Russia from an excellent private teacher. A student as young as 4 can benefit from learning the violin, though the best age to start is probably around 6 or 7. Diligent work can allow a much older student to achieve some degree of proficiency: Olya has taught beginning students from early adulthood to well beyond retirement age to play for their own pleasure and for that of their family and friends. In a departure from her standard repertoire, Olya is currently experimenting with the genre of country fiddling.