Rates

What is a good age to start lessons?

• You can start lessons at any age after 3, and I've worked with students of any age. Students who want to start before they are 5 should use the Suzuki method.

What equipment do I need to learn the violin?

• Learning the violin requires additional accessories besides a violin. Violinists need a shoulder rest, rosin, and sometimes a music stand.

Where can I find a violin for my child?

• There are many options for finding the right violin for your child. You can choose to purchase a violin from somewhere. Or you can rent a violin from a local music store. If you choose to rent, you have the option of renting to own over time.

Can adults take lessons?

• Absolutely! I've taught several adults who are interested in starting the violin. I've seen adult students who take lessons for a variety of reasons. Some parents choose to take lessons alongside their children. Some adult students took lessons as kids or played in their middle school orchestra, but many have never played an instrument before. It's never too late to start!

How much do lessons cost?

• It depends on the length of the lesson. The shortest lesson I offer is 30 minutes. From there, it goes up to 45 minutes, and then 1 hour. For 30 minutes I charge $25. A 45 minute lesson is $40. And an hour lesson is $50.

What is Suzuki and how is it different from other methods?

• The Suzuki method is unique in that the students learn their instruments in the same way that they learned their native language. The students can start as young as 3 years old and learn mostly by ear, developing music reading skills once they learn to read words. A core belief of the method is that every child can learn the violin given good teachers, parental involvement, and a willingness to learn. There's a great intro to the Suzuki method here: https://suzukiassociation.org/about/suzuki-method/

What is the parent's role in their child's musical journey?

• In my experience, we have found that parental involvement is key to student success regardless of the teaching method. I suggest that parents participate in the lessons of students 10 and younger and encourage involvement in the following years. Parents should be involved in helping their child practice at home as well by being an active observer. This is for a couple of reasons. In order to solidify and become confident with any skill, children need to practice that skill the right way. Secondly, children are learning discipline when they practice. They are learning to set aside a chunk of time, and practice effectively. This is not an easy concept for kids and they require the support of adults. But it will pay off in the end.

How long should my lessons be?

• Beginning students of all ages can enroll in 30 or 45 minute lessons. As students progress, their lessons length may need to be increased in consultation with their teacher. Generally, more advanced students take 60 minute lessons. Sometimes really advanced students can take 90 minute lessons.