Strings - Gray School of Music - The best violin lessons in Dallas from the best strings teachers in Dallas at the best music school of its kind.™

The best strings lessons in Dallas from the best strings teachers in Dallas at the best music school of its kind.™

STRINGS

AGES 6 AND UP

Lessons are taught in a private 30 to 45 minute lesson. Basic to advanced concepts and techniques will be taught. Students are required to bring their own instrument except in drums where students needs only mallets. Performance opportunities with solo and ensemble experiences are offered periodically during the year. (Applies to all instruments except piano and voice)

For younger students, we also offer Keyboard Kids classes as an introduction to classical music education for ages 4 to 7.

LESSONS

All study at the Gray School of Music is done in private or group lesson format. Individual attention is given to each pupil’s learning rate and needs. The amount of time needed for a lesson is determined by the age, ability of the student, practice habits, and number of extra-curricular activities. Periodically, performance classes will be scheduled with children of the same age to practice performing for recitals and festivals. Parents are invited to attend any or all of their child’s music lessons. Children learn faster if music is a family affair.

ADULT LESSONS

Lesson length for adults is based upon time required to cover necessary material. Both adult beginners and adults who have had previous lessons earlier in life will find lessons a wonderful stress-reliever and very rewarding. Flexible scheduling is offered for busy adults.

Strings Faculty

Jaco Cronje started his violin career at the age of 5 in South Africa. During the final year at Grey College Secondary School, he had the privilege of passing the Final Unisa Violin Exams with distinction. At Grey College he tutored beginning violinists between the ages of 7-14. His class grew to over 60 students in just three months.

In 2006, he started intensive violin lessons under the guidance of Professor Jack de Wet, a violin pedagogue who is respected worldwide for making an impact on young violinist. He taught violin at the Rondebosch High School and trained several students for their Trinity Guildhall Practical Examinations.

The past four years, Mr. Cronje has studied violin at Southern Methodist University earning a degree in Performing Arts in Violin. He has been teaching for 10 years. Jaco Cronje is enjoying the rich and vibrant creative arts and music community in Dallas. He teaches violin at the Otto Middle School in Plano.

Jaco finds great joy in helping people see the beauty of music. He is a dedicated violin teacher who wants to help children see what music can do for them. He also enjoys teaching adults.

Mr. Cronje is married and has a five year old son. He lives in Garland with his family. He has a Brown Belt in karate and enjoys squash, tennis, hockey, rugby, and swimming.

Photo of piano teacher Branda Tan with piano student. Branda Tan was born in Malaysia. Starting at the age of 7, she entered for the music exams offered by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and completed all 8 levels of graded exams in piano, violin, and music theory. She then studied at The Malaysian Institute of Arts (MIA) with a major in piano and a minor in violin. In 2001, Branda earned an Associate in Recital in Solo Piano through the Trinity International Examination Board under the Trinity College London. She was also awarded an Achievement Award by the Music Department at MIA, and graduated with distinction. In December 2004, Branda graduated cum laude from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music in Music History and Music Literature. While studying at UNT, she was a student of internationally renowned pianist Mr. Adam Wodnicki. She was also the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including the Multicultural Scholastic Award, the Academic Achievement Award, and the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Musicology Honor. Branda was later offered a teaching assistantship by the UNT department of Music History. She completed the Master of Music degree at UNT in May 2008 with a Master Thesis on Franz Liszt’s “Swiss” volume of Anneé de Pelèrinage. Branda has many years of experience as a piano and violin instructor to students of all ages and levels. She also accompanies many vocalists and solo instrumentalists at recitals.