As with the acquisition of language skills, parents are deeply involved in the child’s process of learning to play the violin. For children under 10, a parent or adult is required to attend every lesson, for the entire lesson. Ideally, the same parent, as the “home teacher”, practices daily with the child. This ensures that the child receives consistent information and that practice sessions are productive. Remember, most of the child’s learning will take place at home.
I do understand that it is not possible for some families to have the same parent attend each lesson and do home practice every day. I will work with each family to come up with a plan for lessons and practice that is doable, positive, and facilitates the child’s musical learning. Note-taking and filming at lessons are great ways to ensure that everyone knows what to work on at home.
Lessons start with a few meetings between myself and the parent, or with a small group of parents. This extra time enables us to start building our parent-teacher relationship, a key component of the Suzuki approach, and makes lessons with the child run much more smoothly when they begin. During these parent-teacher sessions, we cover the information and techniques laid out in the “parent phases” in Ed Sprunger’s book Building Violin Skills. Please purchase a copy of the book and look through it before our first meeting.
A large determinant of your child’s success with music is the quality and consistency of home practice. We practice to make things easier. Regular practice is essential for learning an instrument. It is my job to give you the tools you need to be able to teach your child at home.
Please practice a minimum of 5 days a week with your child. It is much more useful to practice a little bit every day – even for 1 minute – than to save it all for a few long sessions.
Weekly lessons are scheduled in the fall. This will be your lesson day and time for the entire school year.
For new students, I ask that parents commit to lessons for one school year.
Tuition is charged on a yearly basis, but can be averaged into 12 monthly payments as follows:
30 minute lessons: $1560 per year, or $130/month
45 minute lessons: $2210 per year, or $175/month
60 minute lessons: $2760 per year, or $230/month
Discounts of $15/per month are offered for siblings.
Monthly tuition covers a range of 40-42 private lessons, including five lessons during summer, eight group classes, and two recitals.
If you decide to stop lessons during the year, you will only be charged for lessons you have taken, plus an additional month from when you inform me that you’ll be stopping. In other words, if you tell me that you will be stopping lessons, you are still financially responsible for the next month’s tuition. You can choose to take lessons during this month, or just pay the fee.
Payment is due at the first lesson of each month. A fee of $25 will be added for
late payments. Payments can be made automatically through your bank, via check, Venmo, or Paypal. Thank you!
I want music lessons to be available to everyone. If tuition presents a challenge to your family, please talk to me about sliding scale and work-trade options.
There are no refunds for missed lessons or classes; monthly tuition remains the same regardless of the number of lessons and group classes attended that month. This includes studio closures for holidays and vacations. During some months your child will receive five lessons, during others three or four.
If you have to miss your regular lesson, I am occasionally able to offer makeup lessons if there has been a cancellation that week.
For families who are interested, I will also provide a calendar with my teaching schedule and contact info for participating families, so that students can swap lessons if scheduling conflicts or illness arise.
If I have to miss a lesson, I will make it up or offer a refund.
Monthly group classes are an important source of musical learning and inspiration for students and families. There will be eight group classes over the course of the year, and regular attendance is required. Parents should plan to attend as well. Group classes typically take place on the first Sunday of each month.
There will also be two student recitals during the school year. Recitals provide a sense of accomplishment for students, a chance to share what they have learned, and the opportunity to experience performing in a supportive setting. They are also a much needed opportunity for us all to eat cupcakes together. Attendance at both recitals is required.
Please see the studio calendar for dates, times and locations of group classes and recitals.
Please feel free to call or email me if you have questions or thoughts you would like to discuss concerning your child’s lessons. I am always happy to hear how things are going at home, and I think the best learning happens when we are all on the same page and questions are addressed as they come up.