FAQs & Studio Policies

Why do you teach the Suzuki Method?

I believe strongly in Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy of teaching the whole child, not just creating a musician. I believe in nurturing those in my life by love, and I believe in the teacher and parent working together to strengthen the child.

When is the best time to begin studying the violin?

This varies from child to child, but children between the ages of 4-6 years old have a good attention span and have sufficient ability in their muscles to start studying the violin. Another important thing to consider: As a parent, you must be at a point in your life where you can commit to following through and creating a daily practice and listening habit with your student.

Students older then 6 years of age are welcome to begin studying the violin. Be aware that intentional efforts will need to be made in order to establish a new habit of listening and practice, which can become more difficult as the student ages.

How many private lessons will I receive for my tuition?

My Violin Studio operates on a semester schedule and each semester is 4 months in length (January-April, May-August, September-December). Each semester will offer 12 private lessons. No make-up lessons are offered unless I need to cancel a lesson.

I offer group classes monthly, sometimes bi-monthly. Although there is no charge for these lessons, they are extremely valuable learning experiences and I expect attendance to be the same priority as the private lesson. If your student is under the age of 12, please plan on attending the group class.

I understand that from time to time personal events will come in the way of lessons, group lessons, and recitals. I expect to be notified when you cannot attend. If I am notified that your child will be absent, then I will excuse it. If I am not made aware of an absence more than 2 times in a calendar year (January-December), that will communicate to me a lack of interest and I will need to excuse you from the studio.

What exactly does my tuition cover? 

Weekly private lessons, studio events, my time spent on administrative duties, various incentives (stickers, candy bars, etc), and hall rental for events.

Are there extra costs associated with lessons not covered in the tuition?

Yes. Family Suzuki Membership is required for every student. This is billed annually and is paid to me with your September Tuition. I then make one payment for the studio.

Other costs may include but are not limited to: accompanists for performances, festivals, Symphony Youth Guild Membership, Suzuki Summer Institute, camps, workshops, etc.

How long of a lesson will my student need?

Students who are beginning their study and through Suzuki Book 1 will be given a 30 minute lesson slot. Once a student reaches Suzuki Book Level 2, students will need to move into a 45 minute lesson slot to allow for time to learn skills such as shifting and vibrato, and to also accommodate the longer pieces they will be learning and playing. As the student continues to advance, it will be recommended that we set-aside 60 minutes for the lesson. This usually occurs around Suzuki Book Levels 5 or 6.

Am I allowed to trade lessons with other students?

Parents and students are always welcome to arrange a trade with another student if a conflict arises with your regularly scheduled lesson time. Please refer to your student portal at www.mymusicstaff.com for calendar lesson times and phone numbers of other students to arrange the trade. Please let me know as soon as a trade has happened. I will make the changes on the studio calendar. If an attempt to trade with a student is unsuccessful and a missed lesson is the result, there will be no refunds or credits given.

How much time should my student practice each day?

I recommend students double the amount of time they spend in their private lesson for their practice time.

I have prepared book specific practice charts for your student that can help focus your child during their practice so they know when they are sufficiently done. They can be found on your mymusicstaff.com portal under the Online Resources option in the menu. I recommend lesson notes be taken on the next weeks practice chart.

Why is listening important?

It puts the music in a child’s mind and heart first, so it more easily comes out through their violin.

How much should my student listen each day?

Listening to your specific book and pieces is what sets The Suzuki Method apart from any other teaching method. The responsibility of daily listening is the parents, not the students. I require 2 hours of daily listening.

Why does my student need to review past repertoire?

This is where the students’ muscles are trained and gain their strength. It also allows the student to return to previous pieces adding new skills and musicality that improve not only that piece but their overall playing.

How can I support my student in the learning process?

I love this question! Parent participation and support is vital to the progress of your student in the Suzuki Method. If your student is under the age of 12, I require that par- ents attend every private lesson and that the parent quietly takes notes. I ask that you do not talk or instruct your student during the lesson. This creates an uncomfortable situation for both your student and myself as their teacher. At times you may think that other elements of their playing are more important to address than what I am working with them on. If this is the case, I welcome an open dialogue between us, but not during the lesson. Please reach out to me via text, a phone call or an email. and I will be happy to address any concerns you have. I will always ask you if you understand what I am teaching your student and give you the opportunity to ask me any questions you may have at the end of the lesson.

Parents must be committed to practice with their younger student (11 and younger) daily and to help their student learn the teaching point assigned at the previous lesson. You are the at home teacher or what I like to call the Practice Partner.

A parents role as their student gets older will still be active, but not as involved as before. Parents are encouraged to continue to attend lessons even if their child is old enough to come on their own (12 and older). I encourage parents check-in with their older student multiple times per week and listen to their playing, offer suggestions, and correct their playing when necessary.

There are some great resources available to parents who are struggling practicing with their student, or feel inadequate about helping their child because they know little about the violin. Nurtured by Love by Dr. Suzuki and Teaching from the Balance Point by Ed Kreitman both offer a deeper understanding of your role as the practice partner. I hope you would feel comfortable talking to me about any struggles you are having with your child on this journey. I want to be your best resource and help you guide your student to success.

May I video record the lesson?

Yes, provided it is used only for personal reference and not published on any social sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

At what age should my child take responsibility for their practice?

By age 12-13, a student should be able to do the majority of their practicing on their own. Work towards this goal, by gradually scaling back what you, as the practice partner, are involved with beginning around the age of 9 or 10.

Are younger siblings allowed to attend lessons?

I would prefer younger siblings not come to lessons only because they often take so much of the parents attention to keep them quiet and entertained that the student’s instruction is in competition. I understand if this is a hardship and will work with you individually on this point.

How will I receive scheduling notifications for lessons, concerts, and other events?

Each semester I prepare a calendar with dates of lessons, group lessons, and recitals. You are responsible to refer to the calendar on mymusicstaff.com for the dates of these events. I will promptly communicate with you via e-mail and text of any changes to the calendar.

Please keep your student portal on mymusicstaff.com up to date with current email addresses and cell phone numbers so that I can communicate with you regarding important studio information.

What do I need for the first lesson?

Violin, bow, soft cover violin case

KUN shoulder rest Foot Chart,

Bow Exercises by Cathryn S. Lee

Suzuki book 1 music and CD (or mp3 purchase)

“I Love to Read Music” volume 1 for violin by Denise Willey, and “I Love to Read Music” note reading cards by Denise Willey

The Shoulder Rest and Suzuki books can be purchased at www.sharmusic.com or any local music store.

The “I Love to Read Music” materials can only be purchased from her website: ilovetoreadmusic.com

The Bow Exercises Book I will order through the author. Cost for this book is $25+tax.

Should I buy or rent an instrument?

Buy. You will get a better quality instrument, and you can trade in the value of your current instrument when it’s time to upgrade to the next size or quality. With that being said, renting has its benefits as well and ultimately I am interested in the student having the best instrument your budget allows for. A great sounding violin will reward your child’s efforts as they play correctly. A violin that sounds bad in the hands of an experienced violinist, will always sound bad.

Where do you recommend I purchase a violin?

Adam Day, Charles Liu & Peter Prier Violins, are a few places I highly recommend. The best violins that come into my studio I have noticed come from Charles Liu. I also have had great experiences with Summerhays (the Salt Lake location) as well. There are other locations around the Salt Lake Valley, but these are the dealers I have had experience with personally.

How much should I spend on a violin?

This varies based on size, and playing level. My answer is to get the best instrument you can afford. A better instrument will have better tone and will reward your student when they do something correct in their playing. This is very motivating and will help them grow in confidence with their playing.

How do we care for the violin?

Replace the strings annually with Dominant Strings. I recommend purchasing them from www.sharmusic.com

Re-hair the bow every Fall and Spring.

Wipe Rosin dust from the instrument and bow daily.

Swipe one coat of Rosin on the bow daily. (One swipe is from the frog to the tip and in reverse from the tip to the frog.)

The following are important etiquette items that must be supported in my studio:

Please do not come to my home if you or anyone in your household is sick or within 2 days of feeling better because with my immune system, you are still very much contagious. As many of you know, sickness for me now after my kidney transplant can be a really scary thing due to the effects of the immune suppressing mediation I take daily. The best option if anyone in your household isn’t feeling well is for me to do a FaceTime or Zoom lesson. If you would like to use this option, instead of cancelling your lesson, please let me know as soon as you can before your lesson time so I know what to plan for.

Do not let your student’s violin case bump into my door or other furniture either on entrance or on exit from the studio.

Always remove your shoes before coming into my home. We are a sock only family. During sandal weather, please bring socks to put on your feet so that they are covered during the lesson. Never put your feet on my couch.

Be aware of writing instruments and their tips. Too often I am finding marks from pencils and pens on my couch which are very difficult and sometimes impossible to remove.

Arrive 5 minutes before the start of your lesson. Understand that if you arrive late to your lesson, I will teach what time is remaining before the next student arrives.

Before I can begin teaching your student the following must be completed:

• Use the restroom 
• Hands Washed
• Instrument out • Nails clipped • Shoulder rest on  • Rosin the bow • A good drink of water
• Note reading Cards, Note Reading Book, and Suzuki Book prepared to be placed on the music stand open to the current repertoire.

Please refrain from using your cell phone during the lesson.