~FAQs: Important Information you need to know~
1.) What ages do you teach in your studio?
I teach and welcome all ages. Most students do not start until they are at least 3 years old. In the instance I am starting a 3 or 4 year old, I may start with basic introductory music ideas, apart from the instrument.
2.) Do you teach online?
Yes, I teach online from FaceTime, Skype, Google Chat, and Zoom (45 min and under only). FB messenger video is possible but not optimal. FaceTime is my preference with Zoom being my second preference.
3.) Where do I go to buy needed purchases for lessons?
I have linked the main websites I use for my studio under the “Resources” tab. However, please consult with me before making any purchase on your own. Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist are not usually the best sites to get instruments or other necessities, though there can be some exceptions. I will let each student know what is needed for lessons and where said item(s) can be purchased. From there, the parent or student can click on the links given here. I have a reputation for going to great lengths to make sure each student is set up properly for his/her needs, so most of the time students can be sure they will need to place an order for a new shoulder rest and/or chin rest. Please note: for beginning, young violin students I start them on a box violin.
4.) Do you travel to other’s houses for lessons?
No, I do not travel to other’s houses for lessons. It is expected all students will come to the studio for lessons.
5.) How much can I expect to spend on violin lessons/equipment/etc.?
This is an extremely important point to consider when committing to music lessons. You are not only investing in a time commitment, you are also making a financial commitment by purchasing quality equipment (instrument, case, strings, etc), as well as other items pertaining to lessons such as notebooks, and both sheet/audio music. You will certainly need an instrument, though there are many good options that are affordable, and many programs that will let you rent, or "rent to own”. Especially for violin, you will need other additional pieces of equipment to go with it, especially right up front, and of course music. Pianists need to tuck away savings for piano tunings and music. Given that everyone’s needs are different, it is hard to give an exact dollar amount, but please be aware: music lessons=big financial commitment.
6.) How often should lessons occur?
It is preferred for consistency's sake each student take a lesson once a week. When too much time lapses between lessons, musical growth becomes difficult. If you feel your student absolutely cannot take lessons week to week, please speak with me specifically about it.
7.) How often should a student practice?
In North Spokane Music studio, it is expected the student will practice at least a minimum of their lesson time each day (i.e. a 30 minute lesson means at least 30 minutes a day). If a student does not have this time commitment a week, I will not be a good fit for your family. Consistent, efficient, daily practice is far more preferable than a few hours a few days a week, for example.
8.) Do you provide performing opportunities for your students?
Yes, at the end of the year I hold a studio recital. If students want, I hold personal recitals for them which are more informal and an opportunity for them play for friends and/or family members. I also encourage my more advance students to apply for competitions and festivals, such as MusicFest Northwest, All State Solo and Ensemble, or All State/All Northwest Orchestra. I am also a staunch supporter of the school ensembles and encourage all my students who can to be in school orchestra, as well as the Spokane Youth Symphonies.
9.) How do we take care of the instrument?
Taking care of an instrument is incredibly important. Store the instrument in a place that is not too hot nor too cold. Having a humidifier in the room is helpful too, since the climate here is dry. Remember to loosen the bow before putting it in the case, and make sure both the bow and violin are secured properly before shutting the case. Rosining the bow is important of course, but frequency is a personal preference though I encourage to use as sparingly as you can get away with. Having a cleaning cloth on hand to wipe the bow and violin as rosin builds up is important, too. I also buy small alcohol wipes from a place like Rite Aid to clean ONLY my strings and ebony fingerboard (don't use it on the maple/spruce wood or it will ruin the varnish!). Things to NOT do: put any tape, stickers, or otherwise on the violin or bow. If stickers/tape/etc needs to go on the violin, I will do that myself. Please treat the instrument with the care and respect that it was made with. For those with full size instruments, re-hairing the bow as needed is important. How frequently this happens again depends on the person and how much the instrument is played. The same applies to new strings. One last, but not least, important factor: there are dentists for instruments, called luthiers, such as Jim Kytonen at Violin Works (see under “Resources” tab). At least once a year take your instrument in to get the sound post adjusted (they use tools like you'd find at a dentist!), your bridge straightened, and the overall "health" of the instrument checked out. You will be happy you did, because the sound difference will be noticeable! With wooden pianos, it is important the room it lives in be stable in temperature and humidity. Not too warm and not too cold.
10.) Should we have insurance for the instrument?
If your instrument is of any value, please do NOT rely on renter's/home owner's insurance. That will not be enough. I'd suggest if the total value (bow(s), violin, and case) are over $1,000.00, please look into other insurance companies. I have the company I use listed in the “Resources” tab.
Important Note: I have a cat who I can shut away for the duration of the lesson, but those with severe allergies should be aware. Also, I have a medical mask exemption, so I will not be wearing one, but please feel free to do what is best for you and your family.