WHEN TO BEGIN:  The Early Start
The best time to begin music study is when both parent and child are ready.  Some children (and parents) are ready at four (4) years old. Beginning in first or second grade is still in the range of the early start. Some children will ask to start if they have exposure to music. Many parents believe, as I do, that music study is an essential part of a well-rounded education and will take the lead.  The tools of the Suzuki Method, namely CD recordings and patient parent participation at lesson and at home, provide early training with outstanding results.  It is a fun way to learn and also nurtures the parent / child relationship.

SUZUKI SAID,  "It's never too early OR too late to begin!"   With older beginners I often introduce note-reading  earlier - as soon as posture, pitch, and tone are secure."   Many older children, teen-agers and adults of all ages are excellent beginners and become accomplished intermediate to advanced players.  

VIOLIN LESSONS:  Approach
Lessons are individual using the best tools of the Suzuki Method and Traditional methods.   The Suzuki method focuses on ear training, while the Traditional method begin with note reading.   I choose and combine the best elements of both methods for each student in each learning situation.

STUDENT-CENTERED MUSIC VIOLIN RENTALS - $10 per month
In the beginning it is usually best to rent an instrument, rather than purchase, especially in the case of young children who will be changing sizes as they grow.  I have a supply of smaller violins that I rent for $10 per month to students in my studio. I have sizes 1 / 16 thru 3/4 and a few full size. The advantage to this idea is to be free to shop where you wish when the time is right to purchase.

OUTSIDE FACILITY RENTALS - approximately $20 per month
Rentals at violin shops are considerably higher because equity is earned toward purchase - but only in that shop.  Still, many people prefer to do that.  I will need to approve the instrument, something a reputable shop will recommend.  I am happy to provide information on good shops in and outside the area.  This is an important aspect to research thoroughly.  You will need a quality instrument - one that works well and sounds as good as possible.

MUSIC & MATERIALS:  selected and provided as needed by the teacher and paid for separately.  A partial list includes the following:
Suzuki Violin School Vol. I - VI with supplemental pieces from the Traditional repertoire.  For early note-reading Avsharian's Songs for Little Players, Barenreiter's Early Start on the Violin; and followed by Erich Doflein's Vol. I (The Beginning), and Vol. III (Positions II, III and V); and Hrimaly scale book for scales and arpeggios.

Violin Lessons:  Call or Contact for lesson pricing.   Multiple classes available.
Registration Fee - $35
Private Instruction: weekly half-hour lesson
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Additional Class Options
Small Group Instruction:  weekly one-hour lesson-Small group lesson (3 students) 
Master Class Instruction:  weekly half-hour private lesson, plus weekly one-hour group lesson     [Sept-June commitment required].

Special Event Prep: This class prepares the student for special events like All State Auditions, Solo & Ensemble Festival evaluation, College and Orchestral Auditions.

ENSEMBLE PROGRAM -  Provided at NO Additional Cost ($300-$600 value)
Required Recital Prep: 2-3 hrs per week group lesson for approximately 3 months.  Beginning in the late winter - early spring.  I provide an ensemble opportunity with music that will be included in the spring recital.  Rehearsals are at the studio and set-up around everyone's schedule.  The majority of rehearsal time falls on Friday and Saturday.  Playing the violin is both an individual and a team "sport".  Playing together is challenging, fun, and increases violin and reading skills, social skills and musicianship.   

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