Leon Sturdee

Leon Sturdee is a passionate violinist and violin teacher working in Helsinki. He studied musicology at the University of Cambridge, UK, and violin at the Yehudi Menuhin School, before moving to Helsinki in October 2025. He welcomes students of all ages and abilities and offers flexible pricing options.

For child beginners, Leon usually teaches each student twice a week, for 45 minutes per lesson. These shorter and more frequent lessons keep children engaged and reduce their fatigue. He uses elements of the Colourstrings method, along with folk-inspired learning-by-ear and other techniques. The standard price for child beginners is €250/month, but can be adjusted for lower-income families. Siblings are discounted (€100/month per additional sibling).

Leon gives adult beginners and more advanced children one 1h–1h15min lesson per week. He usually charges around €180–200/month for such classes.

Most of Leon's pupils hire their instruments from How Violins. This is arranged between the students and How Violins directly, with guidance from Leon.

Please do not hesitate to contact Leon if you are interested in a trial violin lesson!

“Leon is a fun, kind, patient, and excellent violin teacher who has helped our 7-year-old fall in love with the violin. Lessons are tailored to him and balance theory with practice. Leon has inspired our son to write his own music every week, and a highlight of each lesson is hearing Leon play our son's composition back to him. Beyond the teaching, Leon is a joyful presence for our son and our family. We are so grateful, and recommend him enthusiastically.” – Ivana

“Leon developed a strong rapport with my 12-year-old daughter while supporting her to improve her violin technique and musicianship. He was also very reliable and punctual. She made excellent progress and I would be happy to recommend him to other parents looking for a violin teacher.” – Katy