Private Violin Lessons
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Location
My studio is located in the Upper East Hillside neighborhood of Duluth.
Lessons take place in person. Remote lessons are available if scheduling or transportation conflicts arise.
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Pricing
Registration Fee: $20 per year​
30 minute lessons: $80 per month
45 minute lessons: $120 per month
60 minute lessons: $160 per month
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Monthly tuition rates apply regardless of the number of lessons attended.
Payment is due the first lesson of each month. I accept cash, check, and Venmo.
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Scheduling
Lessons are scheduled for a regular time and day of the week. Students are expected to attend a lesson each week, with the exception of scheduled breaks and holidays. Alternative scheduling arrangements will be considered with advance notice on a case by case basis. Switching between in-person and virtual lessons is not a problem so long as I know ahead of time.
For scheduling inquiries, please use the contact form below.
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*** At this time my studio schedule is full and I am not taking any new students. ***
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What to Expect
No prior musical experience or knowledge is required - all you need to get started is a properly sized instrument in good working order.
Additional materials are determined as lessons progress.
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Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes long and meet once per week at a regularly scheduled time. Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons. The younger the student, the more I encourage parents to sit in and observe. Performance opportunities are available several times each year.
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Practice is essential for developing violin playing skills and abilities. Students who practice regularly in short, focused sessions typically do much better than those who attempt to 'cram' with longer, sporadic practice sessions. Before starting private lessons, please consider how much time you have to commit to practicing each week. Students with busy lives may need to schedule their practice time to ensure it actually happens. Be upfront about what you can commit to so we can set realistic expectations for progress together.
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My Method
The primary focus of my teaching is to establish healthy and natural foundational techniques. I believe the ability to read music is an invaluable skill for any aspiring musician, so I also focus on music literacy. Above all, I strive to maintain a professional, non-judgmental, and encouraging environment.
My approach is determined by the goals, needs, and learning style of each individual student. Rather than adhering to one particular method or set of books (such as the popular Suzuki method), I prefer to select repertoire appropriate for each student and supplement additional material as needed.
After years of cobbling together materials from several different sources, I wrote my own method book for beginners. The book, titled First Steps, features my favorite beginner-friendly songs, exercises, and visual resources in a in an easy-to-follow sequence that builds both physical playing skills and music reading skills. Once we've worked through the basics, I make recommendations about what books and repertoire to get. Students in my studio also have access to my vast collection of violin and fiddle books.
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All Ages Welcome
Children, tweens, teens, young adults, "old" adults... people of all ages are welcome in my studio! The 'best age' to start playing the violin depends entirely on the individual. Please use the contact form below to start a conversation with me about if your child is ready to start and if we would make a good student - teacher fit.
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If you are a grown-up interested in picking up the violin, private lessons are a great way to ensure you learn the fundamentals properly. It is also never too late to get back into playing. If you have not played your violin in years, I am happy to help guide your journey back to proficiency.
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Classical vs. Alternative Studies
Whether you are hoping to join an orchestra, start a band, impress at an open jam, or simply play some tunes for your own enjoyment, lessons will help you learn the techniques needed to get you there.
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All of my students work on some of the standard classical repertoire and exercises for violin to build skills and hone technique. Continued focus on classical music will suit students with an interest in orchestra and/or solo recital performances.
While I am a classically trained violinist, I also have a strong background in fiddling, alternative styles, and improvising. I greatly enjoy teaching people the skills needed to play in this style and have an extensive library of tunes to share.
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Why Take Lessons?
Studying the violin is about so much more than songs and technique. Music requires commitment, diligence, and patience. Gratification is often delayed. Lessons help guide you through the ups and downs of the learning process. As playing ability advances, confidence and character builds alongside it. Each one of the skills and virtues learned through music can be applied to other areas of life.
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Selecting a Violin
Please visit my instrument sizing and selection page for information and advice regarding acquiring an instrument.
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For more information, or to schedule your first lesson, please use the contact form below.
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