"I know that the most joy in my life has come to me from my violin".
Albert Einstein
Photo: Yoshi Shimizu
About Violonissimo
Where young violinists become artists
Founded in Geneva by violinist Hong Anh Shapiro, Violonissimo is a unique school. Since its creation in 2000, it has supported, guided and inspired young musicians in their quest for artistic excellence, within a caring and inclusive environment.
Creativity, individuality and the development of each student are at the heart of our teaching, nurturing talents and fostering passions. While honoring the legacy of great violin masters such as Joseph Gingold, Franco Gulli and Mimi Zweig, Violonissimo's teaching is part of an ambitious approach of creation, research and innovation.
Thanks to constantly evolving teaching and a rich program of artistic activities — concerts, workshops, chamber music courses and masterclasses — our students are supported in the realization of their aspirations and the development of their artistic identity.
Every year, Violonissimo students participate in national and international competitions, where they win numerous awards. Over the years, Violonissimo has thus established itself as one of the most distinguished and awarded music schools in Switzerland. The musical education of young people around the world is deeply important to us.
Since 2013, the teaching team at Violonissimo has been expanding its commitment to the international stage in its support of music education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school currently supports Barrios Orquestados, a youth music organization in the Canary Islands, Spain, thus continuing its mission: to bring the magic of music to life where hope and sharing meet.
Our Pedagogy
Cultivate passion, nurture talent
We believe that music is an essential part of every child’s education and that every child has the ability to learn to play an instrument.
Musical ability is not simply innate: it can be nurtured, developed and allowed to flourish over time. Every child has immense potential.
Our mission is to guide each student with care, help them discover their abilities and give them the means to fulfil their musical aspirations.
The Enchanted Violin
An introductory programme from the age of four.
Designed for very young beginners, The Enchanted Violin offers a natural, lively and sensory introduction to the violin. The programme draws inspiration from Shinichi Suzuki’s philosophy and teaching method, which are based on listening, imitation and gradual learning according to the mother-tongue approach.
This is complemented by the Jaques-Dalcroze method, which encourages children to experience and understand music through movement, rhythm and physical expression. Listening, movement and musical expression develop together in a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, confidence and the joy of playing.
The Violonissimo Programme
A personalised and progressive learning journey
Building on The Enchanted Violin, the Violonissimo Programme accompanies each student through the different stages of their musical development.
Drawing on extensive experience and guided by a constant pursuit of innovation, Violonissimo’s teaching approach creates a subtle balance between enjoyment and challenge for every student. We believe this balance is the key to a harmonious, fulfilling and lasting musical journey.
Through a carefully selected and structured repertoire tailored to each stage of learning, young musicians discover a rich variety of styles while broadening their musical horizons and developing their technical skills.
The Young Artists Programme
A path to excellence for highly committed young musicians
This programme is designed for particularly motivated students who wish to pursue comprehensive and intensive classical training in preparation for advanced musical studies or an artistic career.
Through masterclasses, chamber music and opportunities to perform as soloists, students refine their instrumental technique, deepen their interpretative skills and gradually acquire the abilities essential to the life of a professional musician.
Artists from the Start
Through recitals and concerts, our students develop confidence, stage presence and artistic maturity from an early age. The stage becomes a natural extension of the learning process: a place where technique meets emotion, where music is shared and where every student learns to give their very best.
Practical Information
2026-2027 SEASON
From August 31, 2026 to June 21, 2027
Programmes and Fees
The Enchanted Violin
For young beginners aged 4 to 5.
One weekly 20-minute individual lesson, 10 workshops and 4 concerts: CHF 600 per term — 3 terms per academic year.
Violonissimo Programme
One weekly 30-minute individual lesson, 10 workshops and 4 concerts: CHF 800 per term — 3 terms per academic year.
One weekly 45-minute individual lesson, 10 workshops and 4 concerts: CHF 980 per term — 3 terms per academic year.
One weekly 60-minute individual lesson, 10 workshops and 4 concerts: CHF 1,180 per term — 3 terms per academic year.
Flexible Programme
Individual lessons may be booked as needed, and additional lessons can be arranged according to the student’s requirements.
CHF 100 per hour
Violonissimo Artistic Programme
This programme is designed for students enrolled in other music schools who wish to participate in Violonissimo's artistic activities. Admission is by audition.
The programme includes:
One ensemble workshop per month
Four concerts per academic year
One annual masterclass led by an internationally renowned guest artist
Annual fee: CHF 600
Lesson Schedule
Individual lessons are offered from Monday to Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Lesson times are arranged directly with the teacher.
Workshops (Group lessons) take place one Friday each month, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dates are published on the Calendar page and may be changed if necessary.
Concerts
École Violonissimo organises four student concerts each season:
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a winter solo recital;
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a gala concert at Victoria Hall;
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a spring solo recital;
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a concert celebrating the Fête de la Musique.
Dates will be published on the Calendar page.
Competition Participation
Taking part in competitions can be an excellent source of motivation for young musicians.
Upon request, we prepare students who wish to enter competitions in Switzerland and abroad.
Lesson Location
Studio Violonissimo
Rue François-Bellot 2
1206 Geneva
Registration and Concert Fee
An annual fee of CHF 200, covering registration and concert expenses, is charged for each student.
This fee is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal.
Family Discount
A 5% tuition discount is offered for the second child from the same family.
Terms and Conditions
The academic year comprises 34 weeks of lessons, 10 workshops and 4 concerts.
Individual lessons may be rescheduled in the event of illness or for another valid reason but are non-refundable.
Payment Schedule
Tuition fees are payable on the following dates:
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15 September
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15 December
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15 March
School Holidays and Public Holidays
Jeûne genevois
Thursday, 10 September 2026
Autumn holiday
Monday, 19 October to Friday, 23 October 2026
Christmas and New Year holiday
Monday, 21 December 2026 to Friday, 8 January 2027
February holiday
Monday, 15 February to Friday, 19 February 2027
Easter holiday
Friday, 26 March to Friday, 9 April 2027
Ascension holiday
Thursday, 6 May and Friday, 7 May 2027
Pentecôte
Monday, 17 May 2027
Summer holiday
From 21 July 2027