What ages and levels do you teach?
I have experience teaching violinists from childhood beginners through doctoral performance students. I am happy to meet with students at all ages and levels.
How early can my child start? How do I know if s/he is ready?
Typically, I begin students between ages 4 and 6. I do not have a set formula that determines readiness, especially as there is such a fast learning curve at the very beginning. Patience, focus, and an interest in music are promising signs of aptitude. It is possible to begin students before age 4. Families with children younger than 4 should be in touch to discuss preparing for lessons. Cultivating a musical home from an early age is an excellent investment.
How do we start? What will we need before my child begins lessons?
I am happy to meet with families to see if I will be the right match for your child. If you decide to work with me, I will provide a detailed equipment list then. Minneapolis-Saint Paul has a number of excellent string instrument stores that make this quick and painless. I strongly recommend reading the following books in the meantime:
- Your Child's Self-Esteem by Dorothy Briggs
- Parent Effectiveness Training by Dr. Thomas Gordon
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & How to Listen So Kids Will Talk
by Faber and Mazlish
- Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki
What method do you use?
I consider my teaching to be a hybrid of the Suzuki and traditional European methods of teaching. I have completed seminars, fellowships, and private teacher training that cover the Suzuki Method, traditional methods from Havas, Rolland, and Zweig, and methods of conservatory teachers such as Flesch and Galamian. My goal is to combine the aspects of each method that will be the most useful for each student.