Some parents wonder whether the Suzuki Method is a good fit for children who are independent learners. Because the method emphasizes listening, repetition, a structured sequence of pieces, and parental…
My younger students who have been taking violin lessons with me for a few years tell me that orchestra is easy, and they really enjoy it. That’s my goal for…
Once a violin is a good fit for a student's level, the bow is often the next thing worth looking at. A bow needs to match the instrument it's paired…
Most students start out on a rental or an entry-level violin, and that's the right way to begin. As your playing grows, it's natural to wonder when to upgrade your…
Choosing the right violin is one of the most important decisions a violinist can make. It directly influences sound quality, comfort, technique, and how well a student progresses over time.…
One of the most common things adult violin students tell me is that they know they should practice, they just can't seem to find the time. After a long day…
Progress on the violin isn't just about how much you practice; it's about how you practice. Many students plateau not because they lack talent, but because of how they practice.…
Rent or buy? It's one of the most common questions I get from new families, beginning and returning adult students. The right choice depends less on rules and more on…
One technique I keep coming back to with students, whether in Falcon Heights, North Oaks, Mounds View, or through online lessons, which I've offered since 2014, is 'stopping the bow.'…
Humidity: Understanding the effects of humidity on your instrument is one of the most important aspects of caring for your instrument. Instruments will crack and/or have poor sound quality if…