Highland, Utah · Derek Blodgett

Private violin
lessons

Suzuki-based violin instruction for children and teens, with focused work on technique, repertoire, and listening.

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Peaks Violin Studio: piano, music stands, and a sunlit teaching space

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& families

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Your teacher

Derek Blodgett

I began violin at age three through the Suzuki Method. That foundation still shapes the way I teach.

I graduated from the Suzuki program at nine. In lessons, I pair Suzuki repertoire with studies, scales, and listening, choosing work around each student’s current ability and goals.

My performance experience includes the Lyceum Philharmonic, Utah Valley Symphony, University of Utah Philharmonic, and the Utah Symphony student side-by-side program. I have competed in the Utah Valley String Festival, Utah’s Music Federation, the UMTA Competition, and high school Solo & Ensemble.

Training & performance background

Teachers & training

I studied with Shauna Burt, Dr. Monte Belknap, Dr. Judd Sheranian, and Dr. Blanka Bednarz.

My teachers’ backgrounds include study or work at Juilliard, the New England Conservatory, Brigham Young University, and the University of Utah.

Awards & achievements

Utah State Orchestra — four times
High school state Superior rating (Score 1) — four times
Utah Valley String Festival Superior rating (Rank 1) — three times
Salt Lake Symphony Concerto Competition winner
Utah Valley Symphony Concerto Competition winner
Lyceum Philharmonic Concerto Competition winner
Forum Music Festivals Outstanding Musicianship Award
Full music scholarships to the University of Utah and Utah Valley University

Lesson rates

Private lessons with Derek Blodgett.

30-minute lesson$40

60-minute lesson$50

Travel to you +$10

Current students

Pay with Venmo

Use the amount arranged for your lessons.

Studio policy

TuitionTuition is due at the beginning of each month.

ReschedulingPlease give at least 24 hours’ notice to reschedule a lesson.

The student library

Books & technique

The method books, studies, and scales we use in lessons.
Choose the book and edition assigned by Derek.

Listening references

METHOD

Suzuki Violin School

Choose your assigned volume and the violin part, not the piano accompaniment.

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TECHNIQUE

Kreutzer · 42 Studies

Ivan Galamian edition. International Music Company, no. 2073.

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TECHNIQUE

Rode · 24 Caprices

Ivan Galamian edition. International Music Company, no. 2066.

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Dont 24 Etudes and Caprices, Op. 35, Galamian edition

TECHNIQUE

Dont · Studies & caprices

Choose the Galamian edition. Confirm with Derek whether you need Op. 35 or Op. 37.

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SCALES

Carl Flesch · Scale System

Choose the violin edition. Check with Derek before replacing a scale book you already own.

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Sheet music

IMSLP has public-domain sheet music. Check the edition with Derek before using it for lessons.

Browse IMSLP

Amazon links open book searches. Check the edition before purchasing.

Practice tips

Listen to the piece before you play.
Set your metronome to 60 or 80 BPM for practice.
Focus on intonation: listen carefully to each note and adjust your finger placement until it is in tune.
Work on a short passage at a time. Repeat it carefully before moving on.

Violin books and a metronome on a studio music stand

Listening references

Search YouTube for your assigned repertoire. Add the composer and performer’s name when you know them, and bring a recording you like to your next lesson.

Find violin performances