Violin Villa Reviews 16

Julia Termeer is not just a maestro, she's a visionary. Her mission to create a space both virtually and in person for adult violin players from all corners of the world, regardless of their skill level, is truly inspiring. How beautiful is that?
I attended Violin Villa 2025 and thought I'd found myself on a movie set. Fabulous location, strangers who became friends and the space and support to play the violin. Oh, and how we played! I wouldn't have believed I had it in me to practice so much and push myself out of my comfort zone and into a recital. I've only been playing for 10 months. It was an incredible, life-affirming experience which I will never forget. Team Julia are an outstanding, talented group of teachers who 'get' what adult violin players need. Shout out to Iris, our chef, because the food was incredible too. It's been a month since the villa, but the magic is still there. My playing has improved, and I have more confidence. I'm no longer playing in isolation because out there, dotted across the world, are my violin villa friends, whom I think about every time I play.

Violin villa is an unforgettable experience! Being able to play all day long in an extremely beautiful and peaceful surrounding and share this experience with other students is absolutely perfect! People in the camp - from students to teachers-were so nice it just exceeded my expectations. And I can't forget our cook, who made all necessary adaptations to food allergies and still the food was delicious!
I would do it every year 'cause I absolutely loved it!

From group playing to workshops and private lessons Violin Villa has exceeded my expectations! Coming together and playing with like-minded violinists/musicians from all over the globe and sharing stories of culture and experience has made the overall experience truly a one-of-a-kind moment. I have met so many wonderful people and have enjoyed the countryside of Holland/Horst. I hope to forever hold the experience I've had here in my heart. To being more open to live and experience this life I live and to be grateful for the opportunities that come my way. Having three wonderful vegetarian meals cooked a day. And having bottomless tea, coffee and cocoa/chicory. This opportunity has truly warmed my heart. The Violin Villa team has encouraged me to challenge myself to do the things I love without hesitation and to have fun while playing violin. I will continue taking the first step even if it's outside of my comfort zone because for me this experience for me has been truly living. I will also appreciate and be grateful for the small but marvelous things in my life like sitting down to practice violin, to enjoy a cup of tea, to read a book in the sun or to take a walk. Appreciating the beauty and kindness that still exists in our world and being deeply grateful. Thank you so much Julia, Inika, Iris, Peer, Marta, Chris, Sascha and all of those behind the scenes that made this experience absolutely AMAZING as well as those who traveled near and far to make this a truly one-of-a-kind experience. I wish you all the best in your journeys and hope to meet again in this lifetime!! 😊

Violin villa was a wonderful experience in beautiful surroundings.
It was great to learn, practice and perform with other adult learners.
Julia and her team were very attentive and gave helpful advice.
It's really motivated me to continue.

Not sure what my expectations were but they were far exceeded! A real international mix of adult beginners and intermediates. Teachers and students were all so supportive, beautiful location and wonderful food. To play in a fledgling orchestra was truly magical. One lasting memory will be listening from my bedroom window to the sounds of violinists quietly practicing in the beautiful garden with just the sound of the birds accompanying them. Cannot recommend Violin villa highly enough. Every aspect was covered for our comfort and enjoyment. Thank you, Julia and team!

This was my very first violin camp and my first time playing in an orchestra and it was an unforgettable experience! The group was such an amazing mix of people, all supportive and encouraging no matter where you are in your violin journey. I felt truly inspired and motivated to hone my skills.

The camp was held in a fantastic location with beautiful, scenic surroundings. The schedule was perfectly balanced to fit everything in while still giving us plenty of time to practice our violins right away. The excursion to explore the area was an added bonus and a wonderful way to connect with others.

I’ve come away feeling like I’ve found my tribe! If you’ve never attended this camp before, I highly recommend it. You’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and unforgettable memories.

Violin Villa was one of the most fantastic experiences I’ve had. Being together housed in a fantastic villa with adult violinist from around the world is something out of this world. Thank you Julia and to your staff that made this camp experience very rewarding. I would love to thank also all the people I met which brought me knowledge and friendship. TIL next time we meet. LQ

Violin Villa 2025 (1 - 2) was an extraordinary musical retreat. It allowed me to meet and form friendships with adult violinists from around the world who play at the beginner or intermediate level of skill.

The Villa was an encouraging, supportive environment created by the talented violinist/teacher Julia Termeer. Its facilities included a gorgeous centuries-old building (with modern plumbing updates) surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds. The campers and staff bonded during practice sessions and over chef-prepared meals. By the time of the concert at week’s end we had learned a lot about each other while improving our musical skills. The schedule even included classes which allowed me to take the first steps toward learning vibrato and improvisation. Everyone attending or involved with the camp was friendly, helpful and kind.

There were so many stories shared, so much laughter, so much music, so much enjoyment. Bravo—and thank you— to Julia, her excellent staff, and all the campers who made this special experience one to treasure.

I came to this experience a bit nervous - wondering if I would fit in and if I could make new friends and if my violin 🎻 playing would be good enough. I was so amazed that in all these ways and beyond I felt affirmed and appreciated!

The staff is incredible- Julia is a gifted violinist and teacher of adults! She has a wonderful encouraging way of guiding and inspiring- don’t miss the opportunity to learn from her! All the other staff that she has included in the camp are of the highest quality!

Playing my violin all day long - in the workshops, informally with other participants, practicing on my own in the beautiful surroundings, and in the orchestra we created together, and at our final concert together Thursday evening for friends and family on Zoom followed by playing our solos for each other - it was all so wonderful.

Making new friends as an older adult can be challenging. ViolinVilla provides the amazing opportunity to form friendships with the other participants quickly - real friendships that you carry away with you and enjoy. Amazing.

ViolinVilla is a magical experience you don’t want to miss! I turned 70 in July and this was my birthday present to myself! What a joy!

2025 Violin Villa offers an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with other beginner violinists from all over the world while all share a common bond of music. The Villa draws you in like a butterfly to a flower as its beauty and serenity surround you. The power of community support and acceptance is ever-present and always on display with Julia and the team at Violin Villa.
This nourishing environment fosters a unique bond among participants while honing their critical violin skills.

Violin Villa is more than a violin camp; it's a personal journey of growth and engagement. You come away feeling stronger from your achievements and emotionally enriched by the relationships with new friends.

I never imagined this would be such an experience of a lifetime that renewed and refreshed my soul. If you ask, "Is Violin Villa right for me?" the answer is yes; an open mind leads to an open heart.

My experience at Violin Villa was so fulfilling. As an adult learning violin again after a 25 year hiatus, it is difficult to connect with other adult learners. I craved meeting and playing with other adults who were going through the same process as me. Violin Villa absolutely provided that and so much more. I was surprised by how many people were feeling exactly the way I was. It was a chance to laugh and even commiserate about our struggles and achievements with violin playing. Julia and her whole team were just the best! She is fun and made the whole week a relaxed and encouraging environment to learn new skills and perform (optional) in a recital with group and solo pieces. It was SO MUCH FUN!! Staying in the old mansion was very comfortable and the meals were the perfect place to get to really know each other. And the gardens were inspiringly beautiful. I loved getting to play outside! It was hard to leave at the end of the best week ever!!

Wow, Violin Villa 2025 was such a fantastic experience, way better than I ever expected! Getting to meet other adult learners in a beautiful, historic place with amazing healthy food was just the start. In my time there I learned so much, laughed a ton, and made some truly wonderful friends. The whole vibe was so supportive, and the teachers were the best—so encouraging and great at building your confidence. Playing in the ensemble at the end felt like such a fun and huge accomplishment. And even the solo wasn't as terrifying because everyone was just so supportive and kind. A huge thanks to the incredible staff and all the friendly people who made it so special!

In July, 2025 I attended the Violin Villa camp at a beautiful and peaceful venue in the Netherlands. I am 69 and have only played the violin for 3 years. I am from the USA. It was a well organized program that not only gave me confidence in playing with a group of other adult beginners but also gave me insight to what I needed to do to be more confident in myself as a beginner. They made it a fun and educational experience. I returned home with a new respect for myself as a person. A big bonus is the camaraderie that developed among the participants as well as the care and support given by the entire staff.

The food, the fellowship, and the unique learning experiences make this worth every penny! Violin Villa offered us a variety of workshops and rehearsals. We got introduced to the Alexander Technique and Balfolk music traditions in addition to the traditional classical methods of learning and playing. The schedule was full of learning as well as opportunities to just sit and connect with one another. And the chef made us absolutely beautiful and delicious meals. It’s a once in a lifetime experience - unless you choose to do it again that is!

Violin Villa 2025 (2) was a fantastic experience. To meet fellow adult learners in beautiful surroundings, to stay in historic accommodation and to be provided with the most healthy and nutritious food was just the start!
Add to that the instruction, the encouragement, the confidence-building by the teaching staff and the finale of playing ensemble and solo was such an achievement.
My time at the Villa far exceeded my expectations. Thanks to all of the wonderful, friendly participants and to the staff!