FAQs
When are lessons?
Individual lessons are once per week on the same day and at the same time every week.
When are group classes?
Group classes are in addition to individual lessons and are held approximately every other week on Thursdays. The cost for group classes is included in your individual lesson tuition. For more information about group classes, go to stepgso.org.
Can I just take group classes?
No, individual lessons are essential. You CAN join the group class program if you take individual lessons with another teacher.
Do you teach all year?
Yes, with some short breaks. My year is divided into three sessions: fall (August-December), winter/spring (January-June), and summer (June-August).
Where are lessons?
I teach in-person at the Cultural Center in downtown Greensboro and also offer online lessons.
Do you yell a lot in lessons?
I have never yelled in a lesson! I will update if that changes :)
Do you teach Suzuki lessons?
Yes, I have completed Suzuki training through Suzuki Book 10 (the highest book) as well as several supplemental courses. For students aged 4-11, I almost always teach using the Suzuki Method; for students aged 12 through adult I often still use the Suzuki books because they offer an excellent way to learn new skills in a logical order while playing great pieces, but I combine that with a more traditional approach. This means that I introduce music reading much earlier than with Suzuki Method, and parents (if applicable) do not need to be as involved in lessons or home practice.
Will I learn to play different kinds of music, like fiddle?
If you want to, yes! I strive to give every student the skills they need to play whatever kind of music they choose! In addition to the pieces we learn together, I encourage students to figure out how to play music they hear in their daily lives such as pop songs and movie and video game themes.
Do I have to practice at home?
Yes. Without home practice, you won't make much progress. As an analogy, think about learning to walk: if a child only walked once every week, it would take them a lifetime to learn how to run!
How do I know what to practice?
I use a service called Stand Partner to write a detailed checklist each week that you can access at home either online or as a print-out. You can check tasks off as you do them in each practice session, and even log your practice time! I also record short videos for students to practice with and post them within that checklist.
Do I need to own or rent my own violin/viola?
Yes. My favorite local shop is Artley Violins. Rentals are approximately $15-25 per month.
Are there different sizes of violins/violas?
Yes, sizes start at 1/64 (looks like a toy) and go all the way to 4/4 (full size). Violas also have a range of "full size" instrument sizes. I will tell you what size instrument to get! I like to physically try the instrument on you because everyone's body is different.
Do parents need to stay for their children's lessons?
If your child is under the age of 12, yes! The Suzuki Method relies on the triangle of student, teacher, parent. In the lesson, the parent's main job is to take notes that will help with home practice. Parents of older students are encouraged to be present for lessons, but are not required to do so.
I'm an adult...Can I take lessons?
Yes! I love teaching adults!
How much do you charge for lessons?
Contact me for tuition information.
Do you have recitals?
Yes, twice each year I hold recitals as an opportunity to show off what you've been learning! I encourage students to play in the recitals, but I don't require it. If a student doesn't feel ready to play in a recital yet, I strongly encourage them to come to a recital to see what it's like and to cheer on their friends from group class!
Will I have fun?
Yes! I use age-appropriate activities and games to make learning fun! Learning to play an instrument is a lot of work, but should also be fun and rewarding.
What is your favorite piece of music for the violin?
Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
What is your favorite color?
Purple!
What if I have other questions?
Contact me!
Individual lessons are once per week on the same day and at the same time every week.
When are group classes?
Group classes are in addition to individual lessons and are held approximately every other week on Thursdays. The cost for group classes is included in your individual lesson tuition. For more information about group classes, go to stepgso.org.
Can I just take group classes?
No, individual lessons are essential. You CAN join the group class program if you take individual lessons with another teacher.
Do you teach all year?
Yes, with some short breaks. My year is divided into three sessions: fall (August-December), winter/spring (January-June), and summer (June-August).
Where are lessons?
I teach in-person at the Cultural Center in downtown Greensboro and also offer online lessons.
Do you yell a lot in lessons?
I have never yelled in a lesson! I will update if that changes :)
Do you teach Suzuki lessons?
Yes, I have completed Suzuki training through Suzuki Book 10 (the highest book) as well as several supplemental courses. For students aged 4-11, I almost always teach using the Suzuki Method; for students aged 12 through adult I often still use the Suzuki books because they offer an excellent way to learn new skills in a logical order while playing great pieces, but I combine that with a more traditional approach. This means that I introduce music reading much earlier than with Suzuki Method, and parents (if applicable) do not need to be as involved in lessons or home practice.
Will I learn to play different kinds of music, like fiddle?
If you want to, yes! I strive to give every student the skills they need to play whatever kind of music they choose! In addition to the pieces we learn together, I encourage students to figure out how to play music they hear in their daily lives such as pop songs and movie and video game themes.
Do I have to practice at home?
Yes. Without home practice, you won't make much progress. As an analogy, think about learning to walk: if a child only walked once every week, it would take them a lifetime to learn how to run!
How do I know what to practice?
I use a service called Stand Partner to write a detailed checklist each week that you can access at home either online or as a print-out. You can check tasks off as you do them in each practice session, and even log your practice time! I also record short videos for students to practice with and post them within that checklist.
Do I need to own or rent my own violin/viola?
Yes. My favorite local shop is Artley Violins. Rentals are approximately $15-25 per month.
Are there different sizes of violins/violas?
Yes, sizes start at 1/64 (looks like a toy) and go all the way to 4/4 (full size). Violas also have a range of "full size" instrument sizes. I will tell you what size instrument to get! I like to physically try the instrument on you because everyone's body is different.
Do parents need to stay for their children's lessons?
If your child is under the age of 12, yes! The Suzuki Method relies on the triangle of student, teacher, parent. In the lesson, the parent's main job is to take notes that will help with home practice. Parents of older students are encouraged to be present for lessons, but are not required to do so.
I'm an adult...Can I take lessons?
Yes! I love teaching adults!
How much do you charge for lessons?
Contact me for tuition information.
Do you have recitals?
Yes, twice each year I hold recitals as an opportunity to show off what you've been learning! I encourage students to play in the recitals, but I don't require it. If a student doesn't feel ready to play in a recital yet, I strongly encourage them to come to a recital to see what it's like and to cheer on their friends from group class!
Will I have fun?
Yes! I use age-appropriate activities and games to make learning fun! Learning to play an instrument is a lot of work, but should also be fun and rewarding.
What is your favorite piece of music for the violin?
Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
What is your favorite color?
Purple!
What if I have other questions?
Contact me!
Students playing at Cone Health Women's and Children's Center at the holidays!
Students playing at a beep egg hunt for visually impaired kids!
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Halloween group class can get spoooooky!
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