Philosophy
My lessons are designed to teach students all about the order and beauty of music within the context of violin-or viola-playing. Reading, engraving, ear-training, theory and composition are all woven into our work from the beginning. The foundation of our lessons are playing duets together. From the time that students learn to play their open strings, they will be making real, beautiful music with me. The tools which they receive in their lessons will enable them to continue learning and progressing on their own.
What You Will Receive
[ ] Weekly Violin Lessons
I will work with you to find a weekly time and place for your music lesson, and after that your time slot will be reserved each month by your payment. In most cases, I will come to your home to teach. When children are learning, parents are welcome to sit in on lessons.
[ ] Monthly Ensemble Days
A general class included in your tuition that provides an opportunity for students to play music with each other. Students are placed into different ensembles depending on skill level, and we work on group repertoire that requires playing different parts. Parents are welcome to sit in on these classes.
Tuition
There is a monthly tuition from September through June. It will cover any lessons you take, plus the monthly Ensemble Day.
30 minute lessons: $120 a month
45 minute lessons: $180 a month
60 minute lessons: $240 a month
Payment is expected by the end of the month previous. If paying by cash or check, payment is due by the last lesson of the month previous. If paying electronically, payment is due by the last day of the month previous. For your very first lesson, you may hand me cash or a check the day of. After lessons have commenced and for your convenience, you will receive a monthly email with the due dates enumerated.
Missed Lessons
Due to the size of my student body and the logistics of driving out to everyone’s homes, I am not able to move lessons to any other time or place on a weekly basis. However, if your needs change in a big way, I am happy to work out a permanent change of time or place with you. On the other hand, if a family cancels a lesson, I may reach out to you about adjusting that week’s lesson time to avoid a circumstance like sitting in a parking lot for an hour. In the event that very bad weather makes it impossible for me to come to you, or you to me, I am happy to teach your lesson at the scheduled time over Skype. Apart from this circumstance, there are no makeup lessons. Instead, your monthly tuition includes 10 Ensemble Days, which can be thought of as a general or group makeup.
Ensemble Days
I highly encourage you to take advantage of Ensemble Days, as they are not only able to serve as makeup for any missed lessons, but they are a barrel of fun for all of us! I do make it a requirement that families choose at the beginning of the year (or at the time of joining us) whether or not they intend to participate in Ensemble Days, as they are more structured than jam sessions, and need commitment to function. Ensemble Days are held by default on the last Saturday of every month - advanced warning is given if that needs to change for any reason. We meet in Sterling MA, and the exact location will be given to you after lessons have commenced.
Equipment
These items will need be to procured before the first lesson. (Note: the descriptions include some links.)
[ ] Violin Outfit
Contact Bridges and Bows and set up an appointment with them to rent a violin. They will take measurements for the correctly sized instrument while you are there.
[ ] Rosin
If your violin outfit does not include a cake of rosin, you can purchase your own.
[ ] Shoulder Rest
In case your violin does not include a shoulder rest, you can purchase a budget one.
[ ] Music Stand
Home stand
Travel stand (for Ensemble Day)
[ ] Metronome / Tuner
Korg makes the best combination device. For individual devices, MeIdeal makes a simple metronome, and Snark makes a simple tuner.
[ ] Three Ring Binder
[ ] 6 dividers
Journal . Technique . Repertoire . Manuscript . Theory . Ensemble
[ ] Manuscript Paper
Print 20 pages, and insert them behind the “Manuscript” tab.
[ ] Practice Journal
Print 10 pages, and insert them behind the “Journal” tab.
[ ] Pencil
Make sure it has a sharp point and good eraser.
[ ] Soft Rag
A tee-shirt type material, or microfiber, does nicely.