What age should I be to start the violin?
I am an adult, can I still take lessons?
Where are the lessons held, and are they individual or group?
What accessories will I need to buy for lessons?
How often do I need to practice each week?
Should I buy an instrument or rent?
What age should I be to start the violin?
Ideally, age 6-8 seems to be a good age to start learning a string instrument.
While the child is still young, they are able to train their ear for proper
intonation and develop flexibility and fine motor skills. Students of this
age have good memorization skills and do well when the parent stays for the lesson.
However, I teach lessons for all ages and have found that any age is a
time to start an instrument! I teach students ages 4 – adult.
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I am an adult, can I still take lessons?
Yes! I have quite a few students who are ages 25 to 65. If you
have the time to practice, and the desire to play an instrument,
you are the perfect candidate for lessons! I modify my teaching
approach with adults and have more flexibility with my lesson goals.
My adult students, once they have reached the intermediate level,
like to play in community orchestras, church, and even fiddle in a band!
If you are interested, I recommend coming to and Austin Civic Orchestra
concert to experience a full orchestra.
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Where are lessons held, and are they individual or group?
Lessons are held either at Sam Bass Music Center or Blackerby Violin Shop.
Lessons are 30 minutes for ages 10 and up, and 15 minutes for young Suzuki students.
If your child is younger, and proves to do well with a 15 minute lesson, I may
recommend increasing to 30 minutes. Lessons are individual and parents are invited
to attend; I strongly recommend younger students to have parents stay; parental
involvement creates successful learning and practicing.
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What accessories will I need to buy for lessons?
Required:
- Rosin
- Kun shoulder rest (example: www.kunrest.com )
- Metronome/Tuner (example: www.swstrings.com )
- Music stand for home practice (metal folding are $12)
- Fingernail clippers for case
- Music (talk with teacher)
Recommended extras:
- Extra Dominant strings (A & E strings)
(example: www.swstrings.com)
- Carbon Fiber or high-quality bow
(example: www.codabow.com)
- Manhasset metal music stand (nicer than folding stand)
- Carrying strap for case
- Rockstop – for cello only
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How often do I need to practice each week?
I recommend that each student practices 5 days a week. They should practice for
how long their lesson is on those days. They can pick any days of the week, as
long as the days total 5. Lesson does not count as a practice. Example: If your
child is taking 30 minute lessons, they need to practice 5 days for 30 minutes each
day. It is not a good idea to practice only once or twice a week and “cram” your session.
This will cause you to not make progress and to also stress you physically.
If your child is under 10 years old, please practice with them 15 minutes a day.
Younger students should not practice alone.
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Should I buy an instrument or rent?
If you have never played a string instrument before, I recommend renting
the instrument for a few months before buying one. You will want to make
sure you are ready to continue with learning the instrument before investing
in your own. When you do want to purchase your own, please discuss with me
about your price range ability and I can lead you in the right direction.
It is important to buy a high-quality instrument, bow, and case. If you buy
a nice handmade instrument for $1500 - $3000, its value will only increase over
time. The bow quality is also extremely important; spending over $150 for your
bow is a good idea. If you would like the feel of an expensive wood bow, you can
buy a nice carbon fiber bow for less!
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