Private Violin Lessons in Charlotte and Waxhaw, NY
From Pre-College Beginners to Goal-Oriented Adults, We Help String Musicians Play Confidently
Musicians in Motion teaches violin, viola, cello, and bass to students of all ages in the South Charlotte area and Waxhaw. We love working with adults, children, beginners, and advanced musicians alike.
Our highly vetted instructors bring years of experience working with young beginners, advancing students preparing for auditions, and adults learning an instrument for the first time. Whether your goal is to join a local youth symphony, prepare for college auditions, or play for personal enjoyment, we will match you with a teacher who perfectly supports you.
Our studios in Charlotte and Waxhaw are home to private and group lessons designed to fit each student’s age and level. From Suzuki-inspired methods for young beginners to advanced work on concertos and chamber music, we provide structured, engaging instruction. Call us today at (704) 315-5261 to schedule your first lesson or ask about in-home and online options.
Violin Lessons For Kids Through Adults
Violin Lessons For Kids and Teens
Children and teenagers can gain lifelong skills through violin study. For younger beginners, lessons often focus on listening, rhythm, and simple melodies that build coordination. As they advance, they learn shifting, scales, and vibrato. Many of our students prepare for auditions with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras or participate in school programs across Waxhaw, Matthews, and Indian Land.
Teenagers with specific goals—such as preparing for competitions, exploring chamber music, or auditioning for college—receive guidance that matches their ambitions. We balance technical studies with repertoire that excites them, whether it’s a Mozart concerto, a film score arrangement, or traditional fiddle music.
Violin Lessons For Adults
Adults often think it’s too late to learn, but the violin is rewarding at any age. Some of our adult students begin with the basics of bow control and intonation, while others return to the instrument after years away. Our teachers adapt lessons to fit each person’s pace and goals. That may include preparing classical works, learning music for church or community ensembles, or exploring folk and jazz traditions.
Private lessons provide the structure adults need to make steady progress, with repertoire and exercises chosen to fit both time and interest. Many find that violin lessons not only develop their musical skills but also offer a creative outlet and stress relief.
Lessons in Charlotte, Waxhaw, Online and In Your Home
The violin is an incredibly versatile and expressive instruments, used in orchestras, quartets, film scores, and folk traditions. Lessons at Musicians in Motion help students master posture, bow hold, intonation, and tone production. For beginners, we often start with simple tunes that develop good habits from the beginning. As students progress, we introduce standard repertoire such as Bach minuets, Vivaldi concertos, and works by composers like Mozart and Mendelssohn.
For advancing students, lessons may include preparation for All-District or All-State auditions, college entrance requirements, or solo competitions. We also help connect students with local performance outlets, including the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras and school ensembles across Mecklenburg and Union counties.
CHAD HARRIS
For over a decade, Chad has performed regionally and internationally as a Charlotte-based musician. From original projects to tribute bands, studio/session work, and on-call roadwork, he has gained a premium reputation for being capable of playing almost any genre or style on a variety of instruments, and for being a fun to watch stage presence with a strong band leader capability. Chad currently performs 3-5 nights a week on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, and violin/fiddle and is a staple in the Charlotte music scene. You can find him most often at Smokey Joes.
Founder of the Charlotte Bluegrass All-Stars, he stays busiest in the world of bluegrass, but is also part of a Rage Against the Machine tribute band, as well as being a first call sub for a Pearl Jam tribute, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, multiple 80’s/90’s tributes, and for wedding band gigs.
Chad is considered to be an exceptional teacher who cares deeply about the progress and development of his students and still routinely receives calls asking if he is teaching anywhere. He believes that having a good teacher is a crucial aspect to a long lasting and rewarding pursuit in the art of learning an instrument, and he feels a sense of duty in passing on knowledge with the same patience and kindness that he received from his teachers when he was learning.
CALEB BAER
DENNIS CONTRERAS
Dennis Contreras is a highly skilled and versatile musician who teaches violin, guitar, and double bass. With a deep passion for both performing and educating, he has dedicated his career to sharing the joy of music with students of all levels. His expertise spans multiple genres, including classical music, bluegrass, and jazz, allowing him to provide a well-rounded musical education to his students.
He holds a Master’s degree in Music from Northwestern University, where he studied under the renowned double bassist Daxun Zhang. This rigorous training has shaped him into a highly accomplished performer with a deep understanding of technique, interpretation, and musical expression.
Throughout his career, Dennis has had the privilege of performing with esteemed ensembles such as the Illinois Philharmonic, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony, and the Union Symphony. His experience in both orchestral and chamber settings has made him a sought-after musician, appreciated for his artistry and adaptability.
Currently, Dennis is an active member of the Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars, where he brings his talents to the vibrant world of bluegrass music. Whether on stage or in the classroom, he continues to inspire others through his dedication, passion, and love for music.
Teachers For Other Stringed Instruments in Charlotte, NC
Viola Lessons
The viola provides the rich, warm sound at the heart of any string section. While sometimes overlooked, it offers unique opportunities for both solo and ensemble playing. Viola lessons focus on reading the alto clef, building strong left-hand technique, and producing a deep, resonant tone. Students may start with simpler etudes and gradually move into classics like Telemann’s Viola Concerto or orchestral excerpts from Beethoven and Brahms.
Viola students often find themselves in high demand, as ensembles in Charlotte, Waxhaw, and surrounding areas always seek dedicated violists. This makes it an excellent choice for students wanting to participate in chamber groups or youth orchestras.
Cello Lessons
The cello’s wide range and expressive voice make it a favorite for many students. Lessons begin with posture and bowing mechanics, since balance and relaxation are vital for a full sound. Beginners may start with pieces like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” before moving on to Suzuki repertoire, Bach cello suites, and works by Haydn or Saint-Saëns.
For older or advancing students, cello lessons may focus on preparing for ensemble auditions, developing vibrato, and interpreting advanced works. Opportunities in Charlotte include the Youth Orchestras, school ensembles, and community groups where cellists play a central role.
Bass Lessons
The double bass anchors the entire string family, providing the foundation of the orchestra. At Musicians in Motion, bass lessons cover both arco and pizzicato technique, scales, shifting, and rhythm development. Beginners start with simple patterns and progress to repertoire that spans classical, jazz, and popular music. For students interested in orchestral playing, excerpts from Beethoven and Mahler symphonies are part of the advanced study. Those leaning toward jazz explore walking bass lines, improvisation, and standards from the American jazz tradition.
Charlotte and Waxhaw bass students often pursue roles in school orchestras, jazz bands, or community ensembles. Our instructors guide them toward the outlets that best match their interests.
Musical Outlets in the Charlotte Area
Charlotte has a thriving community of string players. Students often participate in the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras, school ensembles across Mecklenburg and Union counties, and community groups in Waxhaw, Matthews, and Indian Land. For students who wish to perform outside of the classical tradition, opportunities include local folk and bluegrass groups, chamber ensembles, and worship settings. Our instructors help students explore these outlets and find the ones that match their musical goals.
Benefits of Private String Lessons
Private instruction gives each student personalized feedback. Teachers can adjust bowing technique, posture, or fingering on the spot, helping students progress more quickly. Lessons also allow for repertoire tailored to each student’s interests. Some may love the challenge of Beethoven symphonies, while others prefer jazz improvisation or traditional fiddle tunes.
Structured lessons provide accountability and help students set measurable goals. Recitals give them the chance to share progress, while the satisfaction of mastering difficult passages builds confidence both on and off the stage.
Affordable and Convenient Choices
We aim to make violin lessons accessible to everyone:
- Studio Private Lessons: Starting at $165/30-minute sessions.
- Home lessons: Available for $205/30-minute home lesson per month as the music will come to you.
- Instrument Rental: Each violin rents for $31/month, so you will have the equipment you need to launch your music journey.