Violin, Viola and Cello Lessons

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Any music teacher worth his or her salt should be happy to answer any and all questions you may have. Sometimes we don't know what you're wondering about, but we'd love to help you!

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I offer more value and community to my students. Monthly group classes are included with tuition, as are early childhood music classes for younger siblings. All of my students have access to a fiddle playing group for a great rate, and my kids have access to a youth orchestra - just for my students.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love getting to know my students and their families. Of course, watching the musical progression is great, but watching my students develop as people is even more rewarding.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Question:
I'm (insert age here) and I've never played an instrument, but I've always loved (violin, viola, or cello). Am I too old to learn?
Answer:
Absolutely not! Some of my adult students are some of my fastest learners!!

Question:
My child is (insert age here). Is he/she too young to learn?
Answer:
Absolutely not! Kids of any age can learn. I've taught private violin lessons to kids as young as 4. If they're younger, why not try the early childhood music class?

Question:
How much should I (or my child) be practicing?

Answer:
It depends on the student's age, skill level, and what they want to do with their instrument. For a four year old working on pre-twinkle skills, 5 minutes/day is great! For a 10 year old in book 1, 30 minutes a day is good. If you want to get good fast, why not try practicing twice a day?

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I've been playing violin since I was 7, and always loved it. I student taught under the direction of my teachers in high school, and while I enjoyed it, I never thought I'd do it for a living. After graduating from college (in Zoology, no less), I was working part time retail and needed another job. I thought, "what can I do?" Well, I could teach. I started teaching again in 2008, and remembered how much I loved it. Now, it's my main form of income.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I subscribe to Strings, and am a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Washington State Music Teachers Association, and the American String Teachers Association.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Online lessons. They're getting pretty big, and while I feel that they'll never be able to replace traditional private lessons, I now offer lessons via Skype in case of sick or snow days.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Lessons are available in half hour, 45 minute, or hour increments. Half hour lessons are $100/month, 45 minute lessons are $125/month, and hour lessons are $160/month.