What is the duration of a typical lesson?

It depends on which level you are on the violin. For beginners, I recommend 30 minutes; for late beginners to intermediate, it can range from 30-45 minutes; late intermediate to advanced, 60 minutes is always the best. 

I will say that two lessons a week is often ideal. Unwanted habits can build quickly throughout the week, so having a lesson a couple days later is helpful in monitoring techniques. 

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Do you offer online lessons? 

Yes! I have taught many students of the years via online platforms. The lessons I teach are often over Zoom, Facetime, and Skype. If you have other platforms you would rather meet on, let me know. I'm very flexible. But something I have learned over the years—it is imperative that you have decent Wifi. If the connection is very choppy and blurry, it makes it very difficult to communicate. 

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How much do you charge per lesson? 

Please message me here.

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What form of payment do you take for lessons?

I accept various forms of payment, including cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, etc. 

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I would love to take lessons, but I don't know if I can afford it...

Please message me here—we can figure out something together that would work for you. I truly believe music should be accessible for everybody, and I do my best to accommodate people on a tight budget. So please do not be afraid to ask; I have had many people share that problem with me and we have made it work. 

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What kind of accessories do I need to play the violin?

You will need the following:

• A violin, a bow, and a violin case (of course :))

• Rosin 

• A small towel (to wipe the rosin off of your strings)

• A music stand (not mandatory but will make your life much easier!) 

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Which levels of violin playing do you teach?

I teach all levels—from beginning kids and adults, to graduate students in music universities and colleges. Please see my CV attached to the bottom of my About page, which lists my teaching experience. Looking at my CV may give you an idea of what levels have I have had experience teaching.  

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I've always wanted to start music lessons, but I don't even know where to begin! 

It's okay! You are more than welcome to message me with any questions that you have. I am happy to answer all your questions and concerns about starting lessons (and even if you're not even sure you want to start with the violin, I can help direct you to other sources on other instruments like piano, guitar, trumpet, etc) 

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Which methods and books do you use to teach for beginners-intermediate students?

The methods I use really depends on the student. Because every single student's way of learning music is very different (which is what I love!), I tailor the curriculum to the particular student. The books I have used to start students is my LJ Method Beginner's Book and later complimenting it with Suzuki book 1. For late beginners and intermediate, I often mix and match pieces from books by Suzuki, Fun with Solos (Avsharian), Solos for Young Violinists (Barber), Note Reading with Fun Tunes (Jap), Solo time with Strings (Etling), etc. 

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What is the best way to contact you?

You can message me here.

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I heard you are a Practice Buddy as well. What is that?

Yes, I have been a practice buddy for many students for many years! I basically just practice with you (or your child). Practicing well is key to improving on the violin. I have seen too many students play through their pieces and get confused as to why they are still making mistakes. I can help you (or your child) practice and be better prepared for lessons and performances. 

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Tell me more... what is the difference between doing a Practice Buddy session with you and having a lesson?

During a Practice Buddy session, it will be more like us working on a particular passage and using practice strategies (like playing the passage in strategic rhythms, or repeating passages, doing passages with metronome work, etc). As you can imagine, that will take up a lot of time. During a lesson, there is simply not enough time to practice together as there are other more general things I'd like to cover. 

You can think of lessons as a class at school, and Practice Buddy sessions as tutoring sessions that you attend outside of school. 

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How much do you charge for a Practice Buddy session?

Please message me here. Practice Buddy session rates are lower than lessons. 

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