a2violinlessons@gmail.com

Current teaching availability: June, 2012

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Each 45-minute private lesson is $40.

For new students, a deposit is required to reserve the first lesson time.

Pre-payment by the month (or semester) is preferred.

Additional time is available for chamber coaching.

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Lessons are scheduled weekly at my residence throughout the school year. Summer lessons are available. I kindly request 24 hours notice if you would like to reschedule or cancel a lesson. Without this notice, payment for the missed lesson may be forfeited, and I may reschedule at my discretion and availability. In the event schools are closed due to inclement weather, please contact me to confirm your lesson time.

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Beginners should wait to purchase a violin and instead rent one from Shar Music, in Ann Arbor. A portion of your rental payments will go into a purchase account in your name. A showroom associate can assist you with finding the correct fractional size for your child (most adults will play at 4/4, or "full-sized" violin). Please ensure that rosin is included with the rental, and ask the person helping you to verify that the bow is straight. While you are there, also select a shoulder rest (most violinists use one) and purchase the book "I Can Read Music" Volume 1 for violin, by Joanne Martin.  

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To the parent: Practicing 101

Music is a huge factor in developing a healthy life that is eclectic, yet balanced. The fine art of classical music easily teaches the principles of teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and success, at any age. Music is a richly social activity, and offers genuine camaraderie and diverse, lifelong friendships that can span the globe. The study of music has been proven to boost overall learning curves and improve problem-solving skills, concentration, and general mathematics. Any person at any age involved in musical study is undeniably more intelligent.  

But not without a minimal amount of concentrated effort. The only way to develop and maintain musical talent is through regular practice and instruction. I will see most students only once a week; I simply cannot teach anything to anybody who does not play the violin most of the other days. Practice time for children will require a minimum level of adult supervision. For a beginning violinist, I will recommend playing at least 5-15 minutes on most days. Intermediate and advancing students will be expected to devote at least 30 minutes to daily practice. I am relying on the parent to monitor the responsibility of practicing at home, and provide a consistent, weekly lesson schedule for their child. I prefer to work with children who are intelligent, focused, and organized; I would hope they accurately reflect their parent.      

If regular practice at home does not occur, private lessons can often times become an unpleasant, expensive, and frustrating experience on both sides of the music stand.