Wedding Violinist & Musician

How long are the lessons?

Lessons can be 30 min., 45min., or 1 hour. For young students (ages 3-6) just beginning, I like to start with two 30 min. lessons a week. For students 7 and up, I recommend a 45 minute or 1 hour lesson. Advanced students should consider two, 1 hour lessons a week. This provides ample time for building strong technique and repertoire.

Can the lessons be in my home?

I do offer lessons in student's homes for an additional fee. My prefferance is to teach in my own studio because by teaching in one place, it opens the opportunity for more students to take lessons.

Are the lessons private, semi-private or classroom style?

I will be teaching private lessons in the beginning. I plan to add group lessons, master classes and a summer music theory camp in the future. However, all students must be enrolled in private lessons to take part in the other activities offered by my studio, except for Music Theory activities. In private lessons, students get personal attention that encourages them to do their best.

How long will it take to learn the violin / my first song?

Most students can learn a simple song by rote in about thirty minutes. They can generally learn to read music beginning in the third month.

How and where do I acquire an instrument and supplies?

There are two options: renting or buying an instrument.

Renting

You will need to call a local instrument dealer/music store and ask about rental. If you want to know if violin playing is for you, this is a good way to go. I recommend that you inform the renter that you must have the instrument approved by your violin teacher prior to renting. This will insure that you get a violin that is in good condition.

Local stores are:

Sam Ash, (941) 351-7793, 7606 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34243

Fogts Music Inc, (941) 957-1288, 4209 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231

Buying

You can contact a local instrument dealer/music store or look online. One can spend from $50 to $2,000,000 on an instrument. The advantage of buying is typically you will get a better instrument for the price. For beginning students, I recommend purchasing an "outfit." An outfit usually includes a violin, case, bow and sometimes rosin and a tuning pipe. They begin at about $100 and go up. For advanced students, you will buy the violin, bow and case separately. I recommend that you inform the seller that you must have the violin approved by your teacher prior to your purchase. This will insure that you get a violin in good condition.

Local stores are:

Sam Ash, (941) 351-7793, 7606 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34243

Fogts Music Inc, (941) 957-1288, 4209 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231

Supplies

Local music stores will either have items in stock or can order them for you. If the need is not urgent, I recommend using mail-order houses such as Shar 1-800-248-7427 (SHAR), http://www.sharmusic.com. Feel free to call them and order their catalogues; they are great for comparing prices.

Local music store, such as:

Mathis Music, (941) 924-2202, 3821 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239