What Should We Bring To The Trial Lesson?
Do not get a violin before the trial lesson. I will size your child at the trial lesson.
You don’t need to bring anything with you to the trial lesson unless you’re a transfer student (see below).
Transfer Students:
- Bring your violin and all of your lesson books and materials.
- I will assess the playing level and identify both strengths and areas needing remediation.
- We’ll go over the studio policy.
- I’ll answer your questions regarding policy program.
- I will check the size of your violin and will request the correct size. Sometimes it’s necessary to move down a size.
Violin Readiness & Sizing
When your child is ready for a real violin I will let you know.
I will measure for the correct size. I’m not only looking at arm length, but width of shoulders, general build and strength of your child.
Correct size is important to prevent injury (nerve damage, pulled muscles/tendons, Carpal tunnel, etc) and ease of playing.
The wrong size will slow down progress. A child will not want to play a violin that is too heavy or cumbersome.
Transfer students who have the wrong size violin will need to get the correct size.
Purchasing a Violin
I donˋt generally recommend purchasing violins under 1/2 size.
However, if your child needs a 1/64 or 1/32 violin purchase maybe the only option.
If you want to purchase a violin, most under $300 are toys and are not suitable for lessons.
No fun color violins, simply because they sound terrible and are toys.
No cracks or unglued seams.
Must come with all parts: case, bow, bridge, fine tuners, pegs, strings.
You will likely need to rehair the bow and buy a new set of strings for used instruments.
Don’t buy anything that needs repaired. Repairs will likely cost more than what you paid for the violin.
If you’re not sure if something is okay-send me a link. However, I can’t 100% tell you without seeing it in person.
Some Brands: Eastman, Suzuki, Stentor, Scherl & Roth, Franz Hoffman, Glaesel
Renting a Violin
I will let you know what size to get. Please ask for this size at the store. You will need to go with my recommendation, not the store—they are not always correct.
STORES:
Studio Parking
ADDRESS: Will be provided in prior to the trial lesson.
Park in the driveway, not on the street- we must provide all businesses related parking.
Don’t park in the grass.
Park so that the family after you can park next to you.
You may not sit in your car or leave it idling (running) in the driveway during the lesson. Gas fumes back up into my home when families do this. It’s not good for my health and it’s bad for the environment. We must also follow the state idling laws due to business activity.
We must conduct ourselves so that we do not disrupt traffic patterns or make it uncomfortable for neighbors to enjoy their property.
If parking requests are not followed, I run the risk of not being able to run the studio from my home. Therefore, families who cannot accommodate these requests will be dismissed from the studio immediately.
I’ll meet you in the driveway when you arrive to show you how to walk back to the studio door.
Studio Rules
No food or eating in the studio.
Beverages okay, cup must have a lid.
No shoes in the studio. Slippers and non-slip socks welcome.
Families are welcome in the studio and studio bathroom. All other areas of my house are private, including the back yard.
Visitors and siblings are welcome as long as they are not a distraction.
Everyone who attends must remain in the studio for the duration of the lesson. There is no hanging out in cars or on the property.
Parents be mindful of screen use during the lesson. Children have better focus and behavior when you’re focused. I will not repeat myself to adults who are not paying attention during the lesson.
Group class Church Address & Parking
Group classes are held at The Westminster Church of the Brethren.
1 Park Place Westminster, MD 21157.
NOTE: There are two churches across from each other, separated by Bell Grove Square park. Make sure you’re at the correct church! See the map below.
Enter through the double red doors off the parking lot on the Park Ave. side of the building (see photo). Note: All doors on this building are red. Make sure to use the ones off the parking lot and not the street.
If you need elevator access, please let me know ASAP.
If arriving late: Door is locked promptly at the start of class. Text me and when I see the message someone will let you in.
Screen free during group class between the hello and goodby bows
Required Books & Materials (not covered in your tuition)
- KLIQ Tuner. No clip on tuners.
- Poly Pad Shoulder sponge (order one size larger than your violin size). If unsure of the size, ask at lesson.
- Tote bag to carry everything.
- Suzuki Book 1 without CD (if you download digital recordings). AND/ OR
- Suzuki Book 1 with CD (cd can be helpful if listening in multiple places). CD players are also available on Amazon.
Digital recordings see download options below.
I’m happy to order all supplies for you after charging your account, if this is helpful-let me know. I can’t however order the digital recordings for you.
Digital Suzuki Recordings
Digital recordings come in many formats and through various services.
Here are the options for Suzuki book 1.
You will need the Hillary Hahn receding:
iTunes. Go to the iTunes Store app (the pink/purple with white star app). Search for “ Hilary Hahn suzuki vol.1 “. If you try to find it though the Apple Music app (coral with white music notes) it will say “item not available.”
Westminster Suzuki Strings - A Suzuki Violin School 