My daughter had taken violin lessons for only a year and a half overseas before we moved back to my hometown of Marietta.  I was fortunate through various connections to be introduced to Dr. Vera.  That began a 9-year process that was an education for me as well as my daughter.  This is what I learned. 

       The teacher makes a monumental difference in this process and in whether the student will pursue the violin to the student’s highest ability and enjoyment.  For the vast majority of violin students, there will be significant ups and downs.  There will be breakthroughs and there will be periods of progress that are very slow to the outside observer.  There will be times when something utterly different is needed.  There will be frustration.  I observed Dr. Vera make all the difference in guiding my daughter through this process by providing supreme encouragement while also challenging her to step outside her comfort zone. 

·       Flexibility in approaching the individual student is critical.  I saw my daughter not make All-State in 7th and 8th grades and then I saw her make All-State in 9th and 10th grades after Dr. Vera tried something different—specifically, having my daughter take one-time lessons from a violist and a cellist so that my daughter could hear their input.  Dr. Vera knew that sometime a student needs to hear the same thing from another source as well as different input; so she helped to make that happen.  I saw my daughter not make ASYO one year and then make ASYO the next year as she continued to make strides while Dr. Vera encouraged more performance opportunities in various competitions to increase her confidence.   

·       The word “holistic” seems to me a little squishy in the context of such a demanding endeavor as violin.  But that may be the best way I can describe how my daughter was able to flourish through her lessons with Dr. Vera.  Dr. Vera thought one year of dance as a high school elective was an excellent idea as it would help with stage presence; she also encouraged my daughter with suggestions for attending a class by a visiting expert in performance anxiety and techniques, as well as by providing her videos and articles regarding music performance in general and violin in particular.  My daughter is now a freshman pursuing a double major in Music Performance and Chemistry and participating in the Emory orchestra and chamber string quartet; music will always be a part of her life. 

Dr. Vera clearly has outstanding technical credentials.  What I can speak to is that she brings much more to the process than her violin expertise.  I can highly recommend Dr. Vera because she provides support, encouragement, challenges, and flexibility in working with each student as an individual so that they can reach their highest ability and enjoyment in violin. 

 (E. Stebbins)

During our search for a violin instructor we asked our son which teacher inspired him the most. Without hesitation he named Dr. Ilyushina. Even several years since studying under her, she remains an inspiration and upward call.

Dr. Ilyushina gave our son experiences beyond the lessons, i.e., recitals, workshops, concerts and even a few backstage introductions to renown violinists. All of this affords aspiring musicians a chance to dream big.

In every way, Dr. Ilyushina is professional and unique. She is able to see where students’ abilities lie, project where they can go musically and get them there. She has been a great teacher and mentor, not only to our son who took lessons from her, but also to our other son who plays a different instrument.

We highly recommend Vera Ilyushina Violin Studio.

(A.   Schirmer)

 My daughter studied under Dr. Ilyushina for approximately 2 years. She is amazingly talented and an excellent teacher who focuses on building the best foundation and technique in her students. Under her guidance, my daughter was able to improve her technique, tone and confidence. She always encourages her students to push themselves and helps provide many opportunities for performance. She encouraged my daughter to audition for the highest orchestra in GYSO and she not only made it, but was concert master and invited to play in the string quartet. She also has students who auditioned and placed in AYSO.

Her experience and knowledge of violin is superb. She truly cares about and supports her students. We were heartbroken when we had to move out of state and could not longer study with her. My daughter grew so much under her guidance. We highly recommend her with 10 stars.

(L. Mandrell)

The absolute pinnacle of violin instruction anywhere in the state of Georgia. Vera's patience and visual teaching are second to none. During basic lessons I feel the elements of violin masterclasses being pushed toward me to help realize my full potential.

(Z. Price)