Frequently Anticipated Questions
What is a webcam lesson? What are the benefits?
A webcam lesson is a live private lesson that takes place at a scheduled time via webcam.
Webcam lessons allow students to save time, gas, and money. They also make searching for teachers easier, especially for adult students. Webcam lessons offer immediate feedback and allow the teacher and student to work in real-time. Finally, webcams are fun and easy to use.
What is a local lesson?
A local lesson is a lesson in which the student appears in bodily form in my studio. However, this would be practical only for students who live in the Des Moines Metro or Warren county.
Local lessons are still the standard, the traditional mode for studying virtually any instrument. They are hands-on, in-your-face, with all the requisite ambience and vibe. Indeed, it remains my preference, but I have adapted my teaching to work equally well for webcam students as it does for locals.
What is a Video Exchange? How is it different?
You make a video, I send help. How easy is that?
Students send me two eight-minute videos per week. I reply by video with suggestions and new assignments. VE retains most of the benefits of webcam, except that you swap immediacy for convenience. Please see the Webcam Info page for more on Video Exchange lessons.
What ages do you teach?
I teach approximately second-graders through adults. All students are considered on an individual basis, regardless of age.
What styles of violin playing do you teach?
At this time, I teach classical violin and viola only. Most students will start (or continue) the Suzuki literature. I occasionally use other repertoire as supplements, when needed.
How much are lessons?
As a gift to new students from August through December 2011 in honor of Violinnovation's 5th birthday, I am offering a reduced lesson rate. And. And! Your rate will not increase as long as you remain enrolled in regular weekly lessons (summers run on a slightly different schedule). All good parties must come to an end sometime, so I encourage you to take advantage of this gift before it expires. (Please see the My Studio page for rates.)
I already have a violin teacher. Can I still take lessons from you?
I'm happy to help if your regular teacher makes a request for a coaching session or consultation.
What do I need to do to prepare for the first lesson?
If you already play, be ready to play something. Make a list of questions or problems you're trying to solve. It is also helpful to have a general idea of where you want to be in a year or so. If you don't know, we'll work on a plan together.
If you are a beginner, bring your instrument and we'll dive right in.
What kind of equipment do I need for webcam lessons?
You'll need a computer, a webcam and and a high-speed internet connection (broadband, DSL or T1 or higher). Beyond that, it's up to you how much you want to spend, or what kind of "experience" you want to have. I'm glad to answer questions or talk with you further via the contact link at the top of the page.
How long will my lesson be?
45-minute lesson: beginners through the end of Suzuki Vol. 4
60-minute lesson: all students studying beyond Suzuki Vol. 5, as necessary; group lessons; coaching/consults
Setting or adjusting lesson lengths is an individualized process. Be prepared to "go long" as you advance.
Thirty-minute lessons are offered only to students registered through an institutional (school) account.
How do I sign up?
Before you contact me, please check the Studio Calendar to make sure the lesson time you would like is available. While I can't move other students to accomodate you, I can often create another time somewhere else. Also, please read the Studio Policies. Then email me using the contact link above to receive a registration form. You will be billed for the advance deposit via PayPal and your first lesson will be scheduled on receipt of payment.
How do I pay for lessons?
All billing and payments are processed through PayPal. Local students also have the option of paying by cash or personal check, but PayPal is preferred.
For new students, a deposit of one-half your first month's lesson fee is required to confirm your time. The deposit must be paid a minimum of 7 days prior to the first lesson. A second invoice will be sent for the balance.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you have to miss a lesson: I appreciate a minimum of 24 hours, when possible, for illness. Make-up lessons are scheduled only for illness or internet failure. There are no refunds for missed lessons. All other reasons should be taken care of as soon as you know about it. New students may not reschedule the first lesson unless the required deposit has been paid.
If I have to miss a lesson: I rarely miss, but if I have to, I'll contact you via phone or email as soon as I know.
In cases of inclement local weather or school cancellations, I am home and will teach anyone who shows up. Make-ups will be considered on an individual basis.
Um, I don't like to practice. Just thought I should tell you that now...
Thank you for telling me. Most students prefer to surprise me each lesson.
Practicing is generally considered to be essential to progress. However, no one can force you to do it. If you want to, you will. If you don't, you won't. There isn't much middle ground.
If you don't like to practice, perhaps it's because you haven't yet discovered sufficient motivation to make you run happily to the case and snuggle up. It's also worth considering why you're spending money on something you don't like to do. Sometimes, a small change in either thought or routine will put you back on track. Finally, maybe you're playing the wrong instrument for you. The violin isn't for everyone; all I ask is that you give it a reasonable amount of time before you make a final decision (a year or two is usually sufficient.)
In my studio, the practice expectations are set based on years of trial, error and experience. For beginners to the end of Suzuki Vol. 1 you should expect to put in 30 minutes daily, minimum, plus the same amount devoted to listening. This means that beginners through book 1 will need to set aside at least an hour a day. This changes as a student becomes more advanced. It takes time to become comfortable with the instrument and the literature.
Perhaps the worst thing you can do is underbudget your time. Keep in mind that you are not only studying violin; you are studying physiology and muscle training via the violin. To train muscles, you have to spend concentrated time making them do what you tell them. The more time you spend consistenly and correctly training your muscle memory, the less time will be necessary to fix inconsistencies and bad technique later. This means you'll learn more and learn it faster.
A close second worst thing is wasting time. Be organized and know what you want to work on before you start. And don't let yourself get tired or frustrated.
Students in Suzuki Vol. 2 will spend approximately 45 minutes practicing and a minimum of 30 minutes listening. Students in Vol. 3 and above will generally require a hour or more, plus listening. This sounds like a lot, but it's really not, considering what you're doing. I often wish I had three or four hours a day to devote to practicing! Seriously. For me, 45 minutes is merely a decent warm up!
There are ways to make it easier. Practicing in smaller chunks of time is often less stressful and highly productive. Most of my practicing, whether it is solo or orchestral music, is done in 15- to 20-minute chunks. I use a timer to remind me to stop. I have oodles of tips and tricks and motivational rants at I Heart Violins: http://violinnovator.wordpress.com.
Part of my job is to help you create a practice schedule that works for you. If you need help, just ask.