Christchurch
Violin Lessons | Online Lessons
Bio
Indiana Bell is an award-winning violinist and highly sought-after violin teacher, widely recognised for her exceptional artistry, engaging teaching style, and versatility across a wide range of musical genres. Known for her ability to inspire and develop young musicians, she maintains a thriving private studio and is regarded as one of the most promising emerging violin educators in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Currently the Principal Second Violinist of the 2025 New Zealand National Youth Orchestra and Concertmaster of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, Indiana has built an impressive performance résumé that includes extensive solo, orchestral, and chamber appearances. Recent highlights include being awarded a Tohu Kahurangi Blues Award for Achievement in Music by the University of Canterbury Student’s Association (2025) and performing the Bruch Violin Concerto with the Christchurch Youth Orchestra (2025). Recently, she has also been a guest soloist with the Liedertafel Male Voice Choir, a performer in Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park 2024, and has toured the South Island with composer Rakuto Kurano as part of his “Chapter Five” (Jan/Feb 2025) and “Paris, Vienna, & Beyond” (Aug/Sep 2025) concert series.
Indiana completed a year-long performance music course at the University of Canterbury in 2024 with A grades across all subjects. That same year, she was awarded both the prestigious Liedertafel Male Voice Choir Scholarship and the Robert Perks Scholarship from the Christchurch School of Music, and served as Assistant Concertmaster of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra. Her performance work spans classical repertoire as well as fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary styles—making her a rare and adaptable musician in high demand for both performance and teaching.
A graduate of the renowned Specialist Music Programme at Burnside High School, Indiana received excellence endorsements in NCEA Music each year and collaborated regularly with the University of Canterbury Strings and Professor Mark Menzies. She was Assistant Concertmaster of the award-winning Burnside Orchestra, participated in several nationally recognised chamber ensembles, and reached the Regional and South Island Finals of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest in her final year. In 2021, she was selected to perform as violin soloist for Galway Gal with Magna Voce at The Big Sing Regional Competition.
Her leadership roles have included serving as Concertmaster of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, Assistant Concertmaster of the Burnside Orchestra, and co-leading the second violin section of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s Virtuosi ensemble.
From a young age, Indiana demonstrated remarkable musicality and initiative—leading orchestras at Cobham Intermediate, receiving the Cup for Musical Leadership, and performing in the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival Orchestra.
Indiana’s formative experiences with The Bellbird Trio—a family chamber group performing at weddings, festivals, and community events—instilled in her a deep commitment to connecting with audiences and nurturing musical communities.
As a teacher, Indiana is known for her ability to foster technical excellence, expressive playing, and a genuine love for music in students of all ages. Her students thrive under her mentorship, and her teaching approach is grounded in empathy, rigour, and creativity. She continues to be a dedicated ambassador for music education in Christchurch and beyond.
Teaching Info
Lesson Pricing
- 30-minute lesson: $30
- 45-minute lesson: $50
- 60-minute lesson: $60
A 1/8 size violin (suitable for students aged approx. 4–6) and a full-size 4/4 violin (suitable for students aged approx. 11+) are available for students to try or borrow.
Teaching Philosophy & Experience
I believe that personalised learning is key to musical growth. As a teacher, I prioritise patience, encouragement, and individualised attention, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace in a supportive and positive environment.
I have over 2 years of teaching experience and have taught students of all ages, from as young as 4 years old through to adult learners. In 2025 alone, I taught over 24 students from a wide variety of musical backgrounds and abilities, ranging from complete beginners with no prior musical experience to advanced students at Grade 8+ level.
My teaching approach is flexible and tailored to each student’s learning style, goals, and interests, whether they are learning violin for enjoyment, school music, or working towards exams, performances, and auditions.
Lesson Content
Lessons focus on building strong foundations while developing musical confidence and expression. Students can expect work on:
- Technique (posture, bowing, tone production, intonation)
- Scales and arpeggios
- Technical exercises and studies
- Solo repertoire and duets
A wide range of genres is explored, including classical repertoire, fiddle music, contemporary/pop styles, and more, helping students become versatile and well-rounded musicians.
But remember, what each student learns is catered entirely to the individual student, what they enjoy, and the right methods to supplement their learning.
Musicianship & Theory
Lessons are supplemented with music theory to ensure students develop strong reading skills and musical understanding. This provides an excellent foundation for students who wish to go on to join orchestras, chamber groups, school ensembles, or pursue further musical study in the future.
Performance Opportunities
I believe that regular performance opportunities are an important part of a student’s musical development. Students are encouraged to perform in supportive settings, and I hold two student concerts each year.
My students have also gone on to perform in:
- School and community talent shows
- Music competitions
- Busking performances
- Successful orchestra auditions
I am impressed by Indiana's dedication and passion for teaching the violin. She possessed exceptional knowledge and skills to effectively convey the techniques to my 10-year-old son, who had no music background. She always creates a positive and encouraging learning environment, which I appreciate. I have noticed that my son's weekly class with Indiana made him more keen on music and developed good listening skills. He gains more confidence and enjoys coming to the class because he finds Indiana friendly and easy to get along with.
Anne
I do notice she has been practicing longer, and she didn’t need to be told to practice. Thank you for all these efforts you spent on her, I think she has been inspired by you.
Mandy
He loved his violin lesson and told everyone about it. I loved Indiana's calmness and ability to match my son's mood and encourage him to try something new with no pressure. It's been rare to see this skill, and it seems to come naturally.
