A: For beginners, I prefer to do 2 20 minute lessons per week. I feel that more frequent lessons when starting out is best because it gives us more chances for repetition and I can correct bad habits before they start. However, I know that’s hard to work into many peoples schedules. Most of my students choose to do one 30 minute lesson per week. A: Tuition for 2 20 minute lessons per week is $45/ week. One 30 minute lesson is $35, a 45 minute lesson is $45. Q: Where do I get a violin? A: I recommend Little Rock Violin Shop to all my students. Full disclosure: I am an independent contractor there trying to get their online store up and running. However, I truly believe in my heart they are the best place around for all your string instrument needs! If you already have a violin, I highly recommend taking it by their shop before starting lessons to have them look it over and ensure that your instrument is in the best playing condition. Q: Do you teach viola as well? A: YES! I am actually a violist by training. Q: Do you teach adults? A: Yes! I generally teach adults in private lessons. If there is enough demand I would be happy to start an adult beginner class. If that interests you please message me! Q: What is solfege (do-re-mi)? A: Do you remember the song from "The Sound of Music"- "Do, a deer, a female deer, re, a drop of golden sun"? Solfege is assigning a syllable to each note of the scale. They syllables are do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, and do (again). It is a wonderful system that paves the way for sight-singing (reading a sheet of music and being able to sing without a piano or other instrument) and helps in playing with others and improvising without sheet music. I consider it essential to a well-rounded music student! Q: Can you tell me more about you and your philosophy as a teacher? A: I have played viola since I was 8 and I have been teaching both violin and viola for four years. I have done all sorts of work including playing with professional orchestras and in quartets and other small ensembles for weddings and other special private occasions. I enjoy teaching Music first and the Instrument second. My first priority as a music teacher is to keep the student's passion for music alive and well! My second priority is to teach the student the building blocks of music that will serve them no matter what style of music they end up playing- classical, bluegrass, funk, blues, punk, whatever! And finally of course I want to teach the student to play with good form that will keep aches and pains from getting in the way of their playing. Fun things about me: Every once in awhile I like to "busk," or play music on the street for tips. I love seeing people's eyes light up when I play a song they love!
