Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cielle]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with violin lessons (in English, naturally) in Seoul. And where did you practice? In your apartment with an electric violin? For that matter, any thoughts on purchasing an electric violin would be appreciated, as I am unfamiliar with them but may be in the market soon for an inexpensive practice one.

And has anyone bought a violin in Seoul? What about electric violins? I would very much like to bring one of my violins, but I'd have issues playing strictly with a heavy practice mute, and even then I would probably still be a bit apprehensive about the noise I'd be making.

For anyone who's interested, here's a thread that mentions a couple places to buy music accessories, including a place that carries violins:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=32874

Feel free to share information about other types of music lessons! Particularly if they're in central/eastern Seoul, and if there is a way to rent the instrument, or the instrument can be purchased for a reasonable price. From how many Koreans I have met who have played the piano, I would hope there would be a ready supply of keyboards. =)

Thanks for reading this and have a great day!!

[andrewchon]

I'm not in Seoul.
I bought Korean made, Cremonese copy plus casing, metronome, rosin etc for 180,000 won.
I bought a mute for 20,000 won (for some reason that was the only one he had), it cuts down the volume very well.
I only use it when I'm practicing arm mechanics.

Electric violin (new) I think was around 1,000,000+ won.

Violin seller will know violin teachers.

I learn via watching videos on the web.
My school has a violin program for students so I can get lessons from their teacher but I don't.
I started with Eric Lewis method but now I'm trying out Sevcik method.
Probably will try out Sassmannshaus next.

[cielle]

Hey Andrew, thanks for the information!

I was thinking of contacting the fella in this post (http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=175886), because it states quite clearly there are music students in his symphony, and where there are music students there are music teachers. But I also wanted to hear what people here had to say about their own instructors, the methods they were using, etc. Truthfully, I think I will just hold off on the violin for this year since it'd be kind of a hassle and I think I'm busy enough as is. =(

Good luck on your violin studies! I don't know how advanced you are, but if you don't already practice scales, I strongly recommend that you do. Find yourself a scale book, and warm up with them each time you play for at least a few minutes. Scales are foundational -- if you only have five minutes to practice a day, practice scales. And play them slowly so you have time to really listen and make sure you're in tune!

Sorry, I don't mean to lecture (especially if you already know this) but I hope this helps. =)

[andrewchon]

OP: pm sent