About Me – christinaknoll.com

Teaching lies at the heart of my musical practice. I am dedicated to guiding students toward confident, expressive, and healthy violin playing while nurturing curiosity, discipline, and a deep enjoyment of the instrument.

My motivation: You

Music’s ability to connect people, communicate emotion, and give shape to shared experiences continues to motivate and inspire me. As a teacher, I consider it both a responsibility and a privilege to guide students toward technical confidence and expressive freedom. Helping them discover the full expressive range of their instrument, and to play with clarity, ease, and curiosity, is a deeply rewarding process. Music’s versatility and depth ensure that this journey never stops evolving.

christina's story

My musical journey began early at the age of six when I first picked up the violin. Immersing myself in youth orchestras, chamber groups, competitions, and performing as a soloist with orchestras in my home province, I developed a deep love for music. At seventeen, I moved to the Netherlands to further my studies, earning both my Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Amsterdam Conservatory in 1999 and Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Rotterdam Conservatory 2001.

Alongside my conservatoire education, I was fortunate to train under renowned teachers and also worked with a Cesar therapist, whose methods have greatly influenced both my playing and teaching. I have been deeply inspired by many international teachers, some of whom trace their pedagogical lineage to the legendary Ivan Galamian and Ivry Gitlis.

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I have a rich professional performance background, having played with the Metropole Orchestra (2013-) at the Jazz Sea Festival, the BBC Proms, and toured through Europe. I have also recorded with Snarky Puppy and Jacob Collier, recordings that were awarded two Grammy Awards. My radio appearances include performances with major orchestras in the Netherlands, including the Filharmonisch Orkest, Het Brabants Orkest, Radio Symfonie Orkest, and Holland Symfonia/Balletorkest. Additionally, I’ve participated in dance and theatre performances with T.R.A.S.H. (2007–2009), Bencha Theater (2005–2007), and De Daders (1995–2000) co-produced Trompet voor Olifant”: a musical theatre for Primary School (2017-2020), and played in the Irish swing band Unicorn (2023-2025).

teaching experience

2026- Violin/Viola Teacher; St Anne’s Diocesan College

2020-2024 -Violin Teacher; Haarlem Koorschool

2002-2013 -Violin/Viola Teacher & String Orchestra Conductor; Muziekschool Zuid-Kennemerland

2001-2003 – Violin Teacher; Artex -Kunstenschool Texel

1998-2002 – Substitute Violin Teacher; Vivace Employment Agency

2001-2003 – Violin teacher; De Vrijeschool Amsterdam

1997-Present – Founder Christina Knoll Viool

Methodology

With extensive training both in Southern Africa and the Netherlands, I offer a strong technical foundation paired with a body-aware approach to playing, ensuring students develop technical security alongside individual expression.

I believe that a solid technical base is essential for freedom of expression. My teaching focuses on sound production, ease of movement, and musical understanding, helping students feel both secure in their technique and free to explore their own musical voice. I work with students of all ages and levels, offering support in exam preparation, ensemble skills, and broader musical growth. Coaching chamber music is another area I cherish, as it fosters attentive listening, collaboration, and musical responsibility.

While I emphasize the importance of a strong foundation through our amazing note system—opening up a broad range of playing possibilities—I also advocate for playing from memory and auditory learning. For instance, I often incorporate Irish folk tunes and improvisation, as they encourage a deeper connection to the instrument and enhance heart–based playing. This approach fosters a strong bond between the musician and their craft, which I believe is vital for long-term success.

Above all, I am committed to empowering students to play with freedom and confidence, fostering a lifelong connection to music. I believe that disciplined, yet enjoyable, practice is key to mastery, and that progress—whether big or small—leads to fulfillment.

Christina approaches students and parents in a pleasant and positive way. She helps the student develop and raise their playing level without it feeling like an obligation.

Monday - 8-8:30am

Happy irish hour

Free Irish song tutorial

Grab a cuppa

No books allowed!

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