The violin is not easy. So it is important for both parents and students to feel that studying the violin is a positive experience, worth the time and effort involved. Polina believes in personalizing lessons and performance pieces for each student, building confidence and skill.

Several recent recommendations, from parents and adult students, are shown below. More recommendations are available on request.

As an adult beginner I was searching for an instructor who would offer structure and support. I knew Polina came from a dedicated background in violin studies, immersed in decades of instruction, passion, and impressive mentorship, though I still didn’t know what to expect. As an instructor, she exceeded all expectations. Versed in vocal studies myself, I have not known a music teacher more compassionate or encouraging. She understands and protects the virtue of violin playing, and leads her lessons with dedication and integrity. She values technique and ensures you, as a student, will progress consistently and with ideal form. Becoming successful at playing the violin takes time and a desire to learn, but Polina ensures every lesson is productive, educational, and completely enjoyable. I could not recommend her more highly to any violin lover. She brought out the virtuoso in me, and will do the same for you.

– McKenna Uhde [April 2021]

Both my son and I have been taking violin lessons from Ms. Polina for almost a year now. We feel so grateful to find her as our teacher and highly recommend her as a teacher for anyone who is interested in learning the violin – all ages and different levels.

My son started violin with Ms. Polina from day 1 and we are so pleased about his progress. Ms. Polina is very patient, kind, and passionate about teaching. She makes her lessons with small children both interesting and productive. She is very patient in working with beginners in getting the foundation set up correctly (left hand, right hand, posture, etc.). She selects pieces and teaching materials that improve my son’s techniques and skills steadily. Most importantly, the way she teaches and interacts with my son boosts my son’s confidence in violin playing and fosters a deep emotional attachment to music and the instrument.

– Xiaorong Li [October 2018]

My daughter has been taking lessons from Polina for almost two years now, and we are so happy with her progress! Polina has high expectations and forms great habits with her students. She moves at the pace her students need, encourages them, and is rewarded with great results! My daughter always loves her lessons!

– Christine Kraft [May 2018]

Ms. Polina taught my daughter to play the violin since the age of 6. My daughter’s progress has far exceeded our wildest expectations. Beyond teaching her proper and lasting technique, Ms. Polina has instilled in my daughter a love for the instrument, an emotional connection with the music, and a strong inner confidence as a performer.

Ms. Polina is very thoughtful as a teacher, and often customizes pieces for each student based on their unique personality. As a result, her students are able to bring out their best and feel rewarded. Ms. Polina regularly organizes student recitals for all her students, and my daughter has always been inspired by some of the advanced students – many of whom play for top-notch orchestras.

Ms. Polina is a warm, empathetic and optimistic teacher. I have seen her teach students with widely differing ages, abilities and challenges.

I would highly recommend Polina as a teacher for anyone who is interested in learning the violin with the right technique and wants to have fun through the journey.

– Aparna Ramani [June 2016]

I took violin lessons from Polina for several years in my late fifties. I had played the violin when I was in elementary school, so picking it up again nearly 50 years later was a daunting thought.

Polina taught me how to not only play the violin again but instilled in me the emotional attachment one should have with their instrument. She even took much of her own personal time to locate the perfect violin for me to purchase!

Her approach to teaching the violin with lesson plans is methodical and purposeful, resulting in my skills growing each week, fine tuning the weak areas and excelling in the strong. She is thoughtful, kind, funny, and has an intensity she brings to her profession that is unprecedented. She is so inspiring!

My lessons included not only my own playing, but oftentimes we learned duets together, and performed them at the recitals. “Sharing the Stage” with her made me feel 10 feet tall! Her own skill at playing the violin is magnificent. It is filled with such emotion, dynamics, striking a deep chord in anyone’s soul who is lucky to hear her play. This is exactly what she imparts to her students.

I know I have a great teacher when I find myself wanting to be just like them! I feel privileged and honored to have been under her tutelage. She is one of those special people that has changed my life for the better, and the best part is that we are dear friends for life. I highly recommend her as a teacher to everyone and anyone, all ages, who has an interest to learn to play violin.

Beth Bigger [July 2016]