Melbourne music teacher has 1908 A E Smith violin stolen in targeted nighttime robbery

A violin worth a staggering $70,000 is among a 'shopping list' of instruments that were stolen from a Melbourne music teacher's home.

Thieves broke into Jenny Occleshaw's music studio in Oakleigh on Tuesday, making off with violin bows, a cello and viola as well.

But Jenny says losing the violin is what hurts the most.

"It's like an extension of arm, part of my body. You can't imagine being without it," Jenny said.

Jenny bought the 1908 Smith violin 20 years ago and is just the second person to own it.

"It's part of Australian history. That maker only made 200-something violins," she said.

Because the instrument is so rare, the trapeze artist claims it will be "impossible" to resell.

Police are investigating, and believe whoever is responsible broke into the music studio in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A man wearing a hat was sighted fleeing the area of Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, in a silver SUV.

Because the thieves only took a handful of items from the room, Jenny believes it was a targeted attack – but hopes it's not from someone within the music industry.

"If you were to steal a violin you would have no happiness playing that instrument. It would bring you no joy," she said.