Question 1

What is the youngest age that you teach?

Accepted Answer

I teach from age 4 upwards. I recommend that very young students have basic reading and counting skills before starting violin. Students younger than 4 may benefit from a general music class for preschoolers instead.

Question 2

Do you teach adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I teach adults of all levels from beginner to advanced. It is never too late to begin learning violin.

Question 3

Do you teach group lessons?

Accepted Answer

Group lessons are generally not available as each student has a unique pattern of strengths, challenges, and goals. Lessons are planned and structured to fit each individual student's needs.

Question 4

Do you teach Suzuki method?

Accepted Answer

No, I am not a Suzuki teacher. However some of the pieces that you will learn may also be found in various Suzuki books.

Question 5

Do I already need to be able to read music to learn violin?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not necessary for a beginner. You will learn how to read sheet music along with your violin skills.

Question 6

Do I need my own instrument? Where can I buy or hire a violin?

Accepted Answer

All students need to have their own violin. Young students should be measured to make sure that they have the correct sized instrument. Adult students require a 4/4 (or occasionally 3/4 or 7/8) size violin.
 
We have a range of secondhand violins for sale in the studio. Sydney String Centre (https://violins.com.au/)has new instruments available to purchase, as well as a rental program.

Question 7

How do I pay for my lessons or violin purchase?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit/debit card.

Casual students pay the full fee per lesson, while ongoing students are entitled to the discounted 4-lesson package paid in advance.

Question 8

What should I bring to my first lesson?

Accepted Answer

You will need your violin, a loose leaf folder, and a notebook. It is fine to bring a bottle of water into the studio.

Please ensure that your fingernails are cut short and your wrists are free of jewellery or watches. It is also suggested to keep your hair tied back (if it is long) so that it doesn't get caught on the violin.

Question 9

I am a parent, can I sit in the room during my child's lesson?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course! Parents are encouraged to watch every lesson to see how their child is progressing. For young children it can also be helpful for a parent to see what needs to be practiced at home. If you are unable to attend your child's lessons in person, we will record regular videos to keep you updated.

Question 10

What will I learn during my lesson?

Accepted Answer

The lesson structure varies depending on the level of the student. Young children learn movement, rhythm, and pitch skills in addition to correct violin/bow posture, before starting to read and play simple music notation.
 
For older children and adults we follow a traditional lesson structure of warm ups, scales and arpeggios, exercises, etudes, repertoire, sight reading, and aural skills. Not all of these elements will be present during every lesson. However you can generally expect about half of your lesson to focus on technique, and about half on repertoire.
 
The repertoire that you will learn spans all musical styles and time periods from Baroque to contemporary. There is an emphasis on using correct technique and applying the accepted choreography of the bow in order to produce a quality sound, rather than just "playing the notes".

Question 11

How soon after starting lessons will I become proficient at violin?

Accepted Answer

There is no easy answer to this question as every student has a different musical background, physicality, level of understanding, and practice ethic. Students who develop a strong daily practice habit can expect to see the fastest progress.

Question 12

How much daily practice should I do?

Accepted Answer

Students are free to practice as much as they like, although it is recommended to take frequent stretch breaks. A good starting point for a beginner is 20 to 30 minutes of practice per day. The amount of recommended daily practice increases throughout the intermediate and advanced levels.

For optimal learning results, the quality of practice is more important than the number of minutes, and the frequency is more important than the overall amount. For example, a student will retain a higher level of skill if they practice 20 minutes daily for 6 days per week, rather than 60 minutes twice per week (even though this adds up to the same amount of overall practice).

Question 13

Are violin exams available?

Accepted Answer

Optional AMEB violin exams can be taken throughout the year. Both children and adults are eligible as candidates. Please discuss with me if you are interested.
 
Written music theory exams are required for some advanced students as a prerequisite for their practical violin exam.

Question 14

Can I start lessons with you right away?

Accepted Answer

I look forward to meeting new students! However there are a limited number of time slots in the lesson schedule, and most students continue their lessons on an ongoing basis. As such, I can't predict when a new lesson time will become available.
 
If I am unable to place you right away, you can request to be notified when a lesson time opens up. Casual lessons are also available for prospective students during school holiday periods.

Question 15

What if I need to cancel my lesson?

Accepted Answer

The studio has a detailed policy regarding cancellations and catch up lessons. Please contact us if you require a copy of the policy.

Question 16

Do you teach viola, cello, or piano?

Accepted Answer

No, I don't teach viola or cello. However piano lessons are available for selected students.

Prelude Violin Studio

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