Frances Walt
About
I am a classically trained jazz violinist from Johannesburg, South Africa, with 25 years' experience playing the instrument. I also play guitar (particularly Gypsy Jazz rhythm guitar).
Teaching Style
I have been teaching violin and guitar at The Music Studio in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the past 7 years. I have 13 years' experience performing in a professional Gypsy Jazz band, Hot Club d'Afrique. I have recently completed my Masters (MMus) in Jazz Violin Performance at the University of the Witwatersrand, with specific focus on the Gypsy Jazz and Jazz-Rock Fusion styles.
I teach beginner to intermediate students and tailor lessons to suit each student's individual interests and goals. I teach both classical and contemporary styles, and have a particular interest in helping classical violinists break free from the written page and explore the art of improvisation.
Curriculum
Lessons are tailored to suit each student's specific interests and needs, and are structured around the following options:
- Focusing primarily on classical repertoire and technique
- Incorporating alternative styles and techniques (jazz/rock/fiddle)
- Learning the art of improvisation (jazz, blues and rock)
- Learning music theory, transcription and arranging techniques in order to develop your own compositions.
My teaching method places equal emphasis on technique, theory, and performance. Each element is approached as practically as possible so that it can immediately be applied to a musical context.
For students interested in learning classical violin, I broadly follow the Suzuki Method approach (unofficially/not affiliated).
For students interested in learning contemporary styles such as jazz, rock, and folk styles, I choose material such as jazz standards lead sheets, jazz/blues/rock licks and solos, and various exercises to improve technique as well as to practically apply theoretical principles.
Credentials & Affiliations
MMus Jazz Performance (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Various performances ranging from weddings and private/corporate functions, festivals, to theatre performances, such as at the Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria, South Africa, and the Sandton Theatre on the Square, Johannesburg, South Africa.
7 years' teaching experience as a violin, guitar, piano and drum teacher at The Music Studio, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
