Studio Policy
Parents
A parent is expected to attend all private lessons with their student. The parent is also expected to practice with their student until it is decided that the student has reached a level of maturity where he or she can practice successfully alone. This takes longer than you might think 😉.
Lessons
- Your lesson is your time! Come prepared (and on time...even five minutes early) so you can get the most out of your lesson. Your progress depends on how prepared you are for your lessons.
- Be sure to bring your music and the practice sheet from the previous lesson with you each week. Mark your practice sheet!
- Please make sure that your child’s hands are washed, fingernails are trimmed. Long hair should be pulled back, and no gum!
- If necessary, a sibling is welcome to come along, but they should not be a distraction. They can bring a book, homework, or quiet toys (no food), and sit quietly in the lesson room next to the parent.
Group Class
Group classes are included in your tuition. They are required and awesome so don’t miss them! Group classes are a key component to the Suzuki Method. They foster musicianship and add a fun social element to playing the violin.
Practicing
Students are expected to practice all of the practice points from the lesson at least five days during the week. The length of the practice session depends on the age and level of the student. Even with consistent practice, progress only happens with diligent and correct practicing (not just “playing through” the music). The most important practice session is the one right after your lesson while the instructions are still fresh. I know that is when kids are LEAST excited to practice, but even a few minutes reviewing the lesson instruction will be SO HELPFUL!
Attendance
Emergencies/sicknesses happen. When possible, I will work to reschedule your lesson; however, makeup lessons should be used sparingly. If you know you can’t make a lesson in advance, let me know ahead of time. Better yet, try to swap lesson times with another student. If I have an emergency and cannot teach your lesson, you can choose to schedule a makeup or be refunded for that lesson.
Listening
Last but definitely not least…Listen to your Suzuki recording AT LEAST ONE HOUR A DAY!!!! Seriously. ONE hour a day (at least) will do AMAZING things for your progress. It will make EVERYTHING easier. TRUST ME. Listening to the Suzuki repertoire is an essential part of the Suzuki Method. Listening will help the student learn the music quickly and correctly. Listening should be a part of daily life at home and in the car. It is also a wonderful idea to listen to recordings of great classical musicians.
