Question 1

How often do students have a private lesson?

Accepted Answer

Once a week.

Question 2

What are Group Lessons?

Accepted Answer

Students have a private lesson once a week and after they have learned the first few songs in Book 1,  they also have a weekly group lesson.  There is no charge, but children are expected to attend regularly.  Group lessons are organized according to the student's level of playing, rather than age or grade.The purpose of Book 1 group lessons is to teach students how to listen and watch.  Their eyes should be on the teacher/leader at all times and their bows move in unison. They learn how to follow the (teacher) leader and play at the same tempo (speed) with all of the other students.  Students make new friends and enjoy playing their music together.  Parents enjoy the socialization and learn reinforcement of their child's skills and tips for better home practice.

Question 3

How long are private lessons?

Accepted Answer

30 min for beginners, 45 mins for intermediate students, & 1 hr for advanced students.

Question 4

Do you teach “traditional” students?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Traditional students focus more on note reading in the beginning rather than on technique (how you actually play the violin).  In a school orchestra, the teacher cannot provide one-on-one lesson time during class rehearsal.  The basic techniques are demonstrated and briefly worked on during class, but much of the rehearsal time is spent on "translating" notes and bowings and trying to play them along with the other students.  Private lessons focus on one student and how they play: what technical skills they already have, how to improve those skills, and learning new ones so they can become a more advanced player.

Question 5

Do you have concerts and recitals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a solo recital in early December and a group concert in early May.

Question 6

Where do I get a violin?

Accepted Answer

I will need to measure your child for the correct size violin before you order one. Please contact Long Island Violins for violin rentals. It is a professional violin shop, not a music store. They have an excellent rental program and outstanding service. If your child has a problem with their instrument, they will take care of the problem immediately.  Beware of Violin Shaped Objects:Although it is very tempting to buy a cheap violin on e-bay or at a garage sale, please do not do it. Chances are the instrument is poorly made and unplayable. It would cost more to make the repairs, if possible, than it would to rent or buy a well made instrument. I am not a luthier, any problematic instruments are your responsibility. Please contact Long Island Violins for ordering your rental violin and supplies. https://www.liviolinshop.com

Question 7

What are tuition costs and payment schedule?

Accepted Answer

I offer multiple payment options to fit your budget. Monthly, half every 6 weeks or in-full at the beginning of each 12 week quarter.30 minute lesson: $140/month    ($420 for 12 week quarter)45 minute lesson:  $210/month   ($630 for 12 week quarter)60 minute lesson:  $280/month.  ($840 for 12 week quarter)

Question 8

What materials are required?

Accepted Answer

Please order the exact editions as shown below. Bowings and fingerings can change and it is important for all students to learn those correctly, for technique purposes, and to play in unison during group lessons. Please do not purchase a used book or older edition. For Daily Listening: Suzuki Music Recording of Book 1 - International Version, performed by Hilary Hahn For parent use only:Suzuki Music Book (Volume 1) International Edition Paper and Pen for taking notes during your child’s private lesson. Feel free to also record the lesson; it will reinforce the lesson notes, but is not a substitute for written ones. Violin Bag - a durable bag that will keep your child’s violin and related lesson materials safe. After home practice every day, you should put your child’s violin in the case, plus the parent copy of the Music Book, notebook, pencil, & pen. Have your child pick it up and bring to the lesson.

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