Hello! My name is Marianna Makovenko, and I am a professional violinist and violin teacher with nearly 30 years of experience in music and more than 25 years of teaching experience.

Throughout my professional journey, I have combined two important sides of musicianship — performing on stage and teaching. My background includes extensive work in a symphony orchestra as well as in a professional folk music and dance ensemble. This experience has given me a deep understanding of ensemble playing, musical expression, stage discipline, and the role of the violin in different musical styles.

For me, teaching the violin is not only about developing technique. It is about helping students hear music more deeply, express themselves through the instrument, and gradually gain the confidence and freedom needed to truly enjoy playing.

Professional Music Experience: Nearly 30 years
Teaching Experience: More than 25 years
Specialization: Violin Teacher & Professional Violinist

I received professional musical training with a specialization in String Instruments (Violin).

Specialty: String Instruments — Violin

My professional education provided a strong foundation in violin performance, music theory, ensemble playing, sight-reading, and teaching methodology.

Alongside my teaching career, I have accumulated extensive professional performance experience:

• Symphony Orchestra Musician: Nearly 30 years of professional orchestral experience.
• Folk Music Ensemble Performer: More than 25 years of experience performing as part of the Viorica Dance and Folk Music Ensemble.
• Violin Teacher: More than 25 years of experience working with students and developing their musical and technical skills.
• Professional Recognition: Awarded the honorary title “Excellent Worker of Culture of Pridnestrovie”, recognizing her long-standing contribution to culture and professional musical activity.

The combination of academic education, stage experience, and many years of teaching allows me to approach violin education from both a performer’s and a teacher’s perspective.

I believe that learning the violin should combine solid technical foundations with the joy of making music.

My teaching approach is based on several key principles:

1. Individual Learning Path
   Every student develops differently. Lessons are adapted to the student’s age, experience, abilities, and personal musical goals.

2. Strong Technical Foundation
   Special attention is given to posture, violin and bow position, coordination, intonation, rhythm, and tone production. Good habits established from the beginning make future progress much easier.

3. Musicality Alongside Technique
   Technique is never treated as an end in itself. Students learn how phrasing, dynamics, articulation, and character transform notes on the page into expressive music.

4. Step-by-Step Progress
   New skills are introduced gradually so that students can develop confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Performance Experience
   My professional background as an orchestral musician allows me to teach not only individual violin skills but also listening, ensemble awareness, musical discipline, and confident performance.

My goal is to create a supportive learning environment where students can develop at their own pace while maintaining high musical standards.

• Violin for Beginners: Instrument setup, posture, bow hold, basic tone production, rhythm, and first pieces.
• Violin Technique: Bowing techniques, articulation, intonation, scales, exercises, and coordination.
• Music Reading: Developing confident sight-reading and understanding musical notation.
• Classical Repertoire: Working on pieces appropriate to the student’s technical and musical level.
• Musical Expression: Phrasing, dynamics, tone quality, interpretation, and stylistic awareness.
• Ear Training & Intonation: Developing the ability to hear pitch accurately and play with greater confidence.
• Ensemble Skills: Listening to other musicians, maintaining rhythm, understanding musical roles, and playing as part of an ensemble.
• Performance Preparation: Helping students prepare pieces for concerts, examinations, auditions, or personal performances.

“The violin teaches us not only how to play music, but also how to listen, feel, concentrate, and express what sometimes cannot be said in words. My goal is to help every student discover their own voice through the instrument and experience the joy of making music.”

I welcome both children and adults who would like to discover the violin, improve their existing skills, or return to the instrument after a long break.

It is never too late to begin your musical journey.