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View our Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about the violin lessons I offer to students in the Greater Twin Cities Metro, including St. Paul, Falcon Heights, Crystal, and North Oaks.
If your question is not answered here, please contact me and I will be happy to answer any additional questions
I primarily use the Suzuki method as it has been a well-established, sequential and proven method for studying the violin. Suzuki violin books as well as supplemental technique books are used.
Yes. Since I began teaching violin lessons in 2004, I have noticed substantial differences between the Suzuki method and the traditional method. The main difference that sets the Suzuki method apart from the traditional method is parental involvement. When parents are present during lessons, they can take notes on technique as it is introduced. These notes can then be reinforced in the home with gentle reminders, which allows for the technique to develop into the child’s muscle memory. Ingraining good technique into muscle memory will help the child advance quickly, which leads to improved motivation. The traditional method relies on the child to do everything that was discussed in the lesson during his/her home practice. While this may work for an adult, it can quickly become overwhelming for the younger student. It is important to have a practice helper (the parent) so that more of the lesson is recalled.
Yes. Sometimes children like to figure things out on their own. As a result, the strategy for helping them is different. Rather than telling them, for example, “Make sure your thumb is bent on the bow,” it is advisable to ask questions to let them form their own conclusions. Asking the question, “Is your thumb bent on the bow?” will encourage the student to be more independent.
Sometimes you may hear a piece on YouTube and there is no written music available. If your child can play by ear, sheet music is not necessary.
Yes. L
earning how to play by ear helps adult violinists become better players for the reasons mentioned previously. The review of Suzuki violin pieces helps adult students refine their technique as they progress through the Suzuki repertoire.I teach all levels of violin from beginning to concertos. I have taught a number of special needs children.
Most beginners take 30 minute lessons. However, some very young children start with fifteen minute lessons and progress to a 30 minute lesson. As a student advances, more lesson time is usually needed to work on more difficult pieces and/or techniques.
Some people may feel differently about this but I don’t feel that it is necessary to take piano before starting violin lessons.
Students have the option to play in two recitals a year. I may occasionally have students play for other people after or before their lessons to gain performance opportunities. In addition to the recitals, all of my students have the option of participating in the East Suburban Federation of Music Clubs which is a chapter of the Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs. Six violin students of mine are in Minnesota Youth Symphonies and Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies. During the year, I help my students prepare for their auditions for these orchestra programs.
This can best be explained in the first lesson as I will need to point to different parts of the violin, which if set up right, will make it easier for the student to play the violin.
Yes, starting with the 1/16 size, violins are available to rent. One hundred percent of the money paid into an instrument will be credited to the next size. Visit this page for more information or contact me if you have any questions about where to go.
