Teaching Method

For beginning or younger students,  I use a combination of Suzuki and traditional method books.  Adult students and
students with some experience will receive a personal assessement and an appropriate program will be designed.

Practicing requirements will vary from student to student.  I recommend thirty minutes of practice daily for beginning
students.  Very young students do best when allowed to break up the thirty minute segment into shorter sessions to
accomodate their limited attention span.  Adults or older students will usually decide for themselves what amount of
daily practice will accomplish their goals.  Students may be dismissed for failure to practice or achieve set goals.

Every student is guided through a music theory course.  To assure that no area of music theory is missed, all students
are started assuming they have not been exposed to music theory.  The course starts with the basics and prepares the
student for college level music theory.

Method books, tapes  and music may be purchased from me or local music stores.  Begininners will start with the
Suzuki Book I.  Others may bring what music they have to their first lesson.

Each student will need their own violin, bow, case, rosin, shoulder rest and music stand.  There are stores that rent
instruments and they can recommend the correct size for the student.  I recommend not purchasing an instrument
immediately until after playing the instrument for a while.

Parents are asked to attend the first lesson.  From then on, the student should attend the lesson by themselves. Very
young students are an exception, as the parents will need to help with practicing.  

Recitals

There will be a minimum of two recitals yearly.  Every student will be expected to participate in recitals.  Recitals
give each student an opportunity to learn the art of performance which is an integral part of musicianship.  Recitals
will be held in my studio. Each student will be placed in a small group according to ability.  Parents and friends are
invited to attend each recital.  Punch and cookies will follow each recital.

There will be a playing class prior to the recital.  The playing class is a dress rehearsal of the performance just for
other students.  Each student will play their recital selection and be instructed in the proper stage or performance
etiquette.  The following week will be the formal recital for friends and parents to attend.