Online Violin Lessons

I teach violin online to students worldwide, working in English, Spanish, and German across time zones.

Online study suits advanced students and adult players who want sustained work with a specific teacher rather than proximity to one — conservatory and university audition preparation, coaching on core repertoire, and interpretation work where the questions are musical rather than mechanical. My own research is in historically informed performance, and I’ve recorded the complete violin works of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Telemann, and Paganini, plus my arrangements of Piazzolla; students often come specifically to work on that repertoire.

How lessons work. Lessons run one hour over Zoom or FaceTime. For the clearest sound and picture, a wired internet connection helps, and it’s worth positioning your camera so both the bow arm and left hand are visible.

Based in Portland? I also teach in person.

I am very interested in learning more about you. Please take a few minutes to fill out the form.

Book a Private Lesson
"Studying with Prof. Cotik has helped me build more confidence in my playing and actually liking the sound I produce on my instrument"
Hunter HaynesJunior Student at PSU
"He doesn’t pretend he has all the right answers but he gives me choices so that I can discover a personal solution."
Tetyana ZlatovaJunior student at PSU
"Dr. Cotik’s unyielding work ethic and subsequent success as an artist and educator is inspiring and motivating for his students"
Patricia JancovaFormer Student at the University of Miami
"During a master class in Round Top, Dr. Cotik helped us discover all the cues we can give our body to find a new way to relax and develop a more economic use of the body. I have been practicing yoga for several years now and his simple approach to Alexander Technique was a great enhancement to my playing, body awareness and energy expenditure."
Karim Ayala PoolStudent at Round Top Festival
"Tomás has a genuine interest in his students’ progress. He is dedicated to teaching as much as he is to playing the violin"
Tetyana ZlatovaJunior student at PSU
"Tomás Cotik believes that each student, no matter where they are at, can make a significant progress given the right tools which he provides without fail."
Tetyana ZlatovaJunior student at PSU
"In studying with Tomas my seemingly impossible barriers have evolved into possible, attainable goals. He has revived my understanding as to why practicing “the basics” is the way we truly improve our overall skill, musicality and confidence. I’m extremely grateful that my music students will also organically benefit from the strength that he has helped me cultivate."
Monica Belzer5-8 Grade Orchestra Director in David Douglas School District
"Professor Cotik consistently demonstrates his passion for teaching by tailoring to the individual student’s immediate needs and long term career goals"
Viet BlockMaster Student at PSU
"His teaching, recordings, and publications are informed by thoughtful study of the relevant scholarship. Lessons are challenging but always fun, and inspire me to make the most beautiful music possible."
Pamela A. MoroProfessor Emeritus at Willamette University
"Dr. Cotik is a phenomenal violinist who has a profound understanding and patience with his students. Practicing has become much more efficient, fun and productive. I feel more confident when performing."
Shion YamakawaMasters student at PSU

Book a Private Lesson

Please fill the lesson inquiry form