Studio Policies
The Individual lesson is the main part of instruction in my studio. The younger student will focus primarily on the Suzuki repertoire and sight reading.The level of the student determines the length of the lesson. Beginners have a 30 minute lesson. Those near the end of Suzuki Book 1 or the beginning of Book 2 switch to a 45 minute lesson. Those students at Suzuki Book 3 level and beyond have a 60 minute lesson.
For advanced students, I use a customized mixed method approach that draws from my own training; this includes etudes, and repertoires customized to the students level and individual needs.
A good attitude from both the student and the parent is required in order for work to be accomplished. If the student is not willing to participate, the lesson will end and no credit will be refunded for the remaining lesson time. My hope is that my students will find enjoyment with playing the violin and love for all types of music.
Instruction
Please provide your child with a well cared for instrument. If a repair or an item such as a new chin rest or shoulder rest is needed, please make an effort to get it as soon as possible. A comfortable and fully functioning instrument is vital for productive practice and progress. Please remember to bring all materials to each lesson, such as the lesson sheet, any sight reading material, and any other items being used.
Check with me before renting or purchasing an instrument. There are many violins which seem like great deals, but they are poorly crafted and sound less than beautiful. Do not move up a violin size until doing so is discussed in a lesson. When it is time to purchase a full sized violin, I will meet with the student at the violin shop to help find the best match.
Instrument
Students in my studio sign a contract to practice at least the length of their lesson, five to seven days a week. The most important thing is the amount of THOUGHT put into each practice session; MIND spent, not TIME spent. Although the student is primarily responsible, the parent must accept her responsibility in seeing to it that the student does the required practicing.Help your child by working with him to establish a regular time for daily practice. Use of practice charts and other incentives may help motivate your child. Ultimately, practicing should be regarded with the same priority as homework that is required for school. Homework is something that MUST be completed; practicing is the same.
Practicing
It is of utmost importance that the parent attends the child’s lesson. It is necessary for the parent to pay attention and take notes so that the parent may play the role of the teacher in the home. You may find it helpful to bring a digital (voice) recorder or a video recorder to record the lesson. This helps prevent arguments between parent and child about the lesson. **Any other electronic devices not being used to record the lesson must be put away during the lesson time.** If the parent is busy responding to work emails, a valuable teaching point may be missed. It is vital for the parent to be 100% present for the student during the lesson. As the child matures, he can transition into practicing alone, but it is still the parent’s responsibility to be sure that the child practices and does the required listening.
Please feel free to talk to me about any questions you or your child may have. Communication is vital to establishing a good learning relationship. If you have access to email, please send me a message.