Most everyone who has ever played an instrument will agree that it is one of the most rewarding things they have ever done. In addition to the pure joy of making music, long-term music study teaches important life skills like discipline and perseverance. Students who study music perform consistently better on tests. But, perhaps most importantly, playing music is fun and interesting.
Below I have listed some expectations for my families. Successful music study requires a lot of commitment and cooperation between the teacher, parent and student. Strong family bonds can be created through positive cooperation in practicing. My goal is to create happy, well-adjusted children who love music and share a mutual respect with their parents and teachers.
Expectations for the Lessons:
Teacher
Be qualified to teach any materials the student receives.
Prepare in advance for all lessons.
Assign materials and clearly communicate expectations and goals. Balance short and long-term developmental goals.
Decide on pace of study. In the early stages, the pace will be more deliberate as fundamentals are stressed and established.
Suggest practice strategies in support of all assignments.
Keep personal notes for all students and chart individual progress.
Provide performance opportunities in classes and studio recitals.
Continue her own development as a musician and teacher through performance and study.
Teach all lessons at the appointed time.
Parent
For younger students:
Attend all lessons and take detailed notes so as to be an effective home teacher. The parent who will be practicing with the child that week should be the one attending lessons.
Attend all group lessons. Do not interfere with the lesson. However tempting it may be to remind your child of something you worked on at home but seems to be forgotten now, this can be humiliating for the child and can disrupt the flow of the lesson. I promise I have noticed the problem, but am waiting for an appropriate time to address it.
Play the recordings daily. Make sure the CD is available at all opportunities that might arise (carpool, playtime, bedtime, waiting rooms).
Organize home practice and set DAILY time aside for that purpose. Practice should be part of a non-negotiable, never-changing routine, like tooth brushing. Students younger than five should be practicing in several very short intervals throughout the day. Regular and sustained practice is required for progress to occur.
Arrive 5 minutes before the agreed upon lesson time so that the child can go to the bathroom, wash hands, clip nails, put back hair and be unpacked and ready to go at the close of the previous child's lesson; lessons that start late will still end at the original time, unless the tardiness is on the teacher's side.
Commit to study for at least one year. I start most beginners quite slowly so that the fundamental techniques can be established. When these are mastered, the pace and difficulty level will accelerate.
Be positive, encouraging, excited about small achievements, never sarcastic or humiliating, and try to eliminate anger from the house.
For all students:
Pay tuition on time and in full as agreed upon with the teacher.
Register for group lessons at the beginning of the year.
Attend student recital performances, whether or not your child will be performing.
Attend important performances given by the teacher.
Follow through on all assignments given by the teacher, including practicing the instrument, overseeing specific assignments with the student, etc.
Maintain instrument in good condition at all times and purchase/rent supplies promptly.
Student
Young students
Cooperate with teacher and parent during lessons and home practice.
Wash hands, trim nails, go to the bathroom, get a drink before daily practice time and lesson time.
Treat parents and teachers with respect.
Listen to recordings daily.
Treat other students with respect.
Attend and participate in group lessons and recitals.
Bring all necessary materials to all lessons.
Older students
Be prepared for all assignments at all lessons. Your practice guidelines will be laid out for you in your lessons.
Show up on time and with all required materials for lessons, master classes and performances.
Be a role model for younger students in behavior, attitude, commitment and attire.
Group Lessons
Group lessons are held Monday nights at Sandia Preparatory School through Mesa Suzuki Groups. These are required for all students. There is a separate, annual fee for group lessons, paid to the Mesa Suzuki Groups.
Group lessons are a very important part of studying the Suzuki method. They are not only fun, they develop ensemble skills, social skills and an eagerness to learn. Students are exposed to many other students at many different levels. This is a powerful incentive to practice and improve without encouraging competitiveness. Students who regularly attend group lessons progress more quickly and are more consistent players. Group lessons happen weekly and are required of all Suzuki students. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the beginning of the group lesson. Parents, do not interrupt the group lesson for any reason other than emergency. Students should be aware of their behavior expectations. Young children should be told their expectations prior to each group lesson.
Recitals and Play-ins
Recitals will be held monthly on Sunday afternoons. Students who have pieces that are polished and consistently well played in lessons will be asked to play in the recitals. Because it takes a long time to polish new pieces, each student will not play on every recital, but are encouraged to come and listen anyway. It is valuable to hear players at different levels playing pieces that the students will someday be working on. It is also good experience to hear pieces the student has already worked on and realize how far he/she's come. I would like to encourage a supportive atmosphere in my studio where students come to hear their friends play pieces on which they have worked very hard. When your child does play, he/she is expected to perform with piano accompaniment. A rehearsal must be scheduled as soon as possible with your accompanist. He/she should be paid separately. Dress for the recitals is semi-formal. Girls should be in a below-the-knee dress, below-the-knee skirt and blouse, or slacks and blouse. Boys should be in slacks and a nice shirt.
Attendance Policy
Lessons missed by me will made up. Lessons missed by you for any reason other than illness (illness being defined as being sick enough to miss school) or severe weather (snowed in!) will not. If you have schedule conflicts for any other reason, please arrange to switch times with another student and notify me of the change right away. A list with contact information and lesson times for all students will be provided early in the semester. When picking a lesson time at the start of the semester, pick one that minimizes the potential for conflicts down the road.
No-Shows (a missed lesson with no advance notice) will not be made up. Students will be charged for the lesson. No exceptions.
Other Policies
No instrument or bow purchases will occur without the consultation and guidance of the teacher. Beginning students will not use a real violin for quite some time. Students will periodically need to move to a bigger size. When I have determined that it is time to buy or rent a first violin or move up in size from an existing violin, I will guide you through the process. A premature upsizing can cause physical problems and disrupt the student’s progress.
In addition to materials I assign, I am willing to assist students with outside music such as orchestra parts when time permits. However, the materials I assign will take precedence. It is understood that the teacher’s instruction to the student takes precedence over conflicting instruction or information the student may receive in other playing situations (school string classes, etc). My experience is that most school teachers are glad when their students are studying privately and usually defer to private teachers without taking offense.
Any outside auditions or competitions will be undertaken only with the consent and oversight of the teacher. Participation in these events are a reflection on both the student and teacher and should be planned and prepared well in advance.
If it becomes clear that the family's commitment to studio policies (including practicing, preparation, recitals and group lessons) is insufficient, we will have a serious discussion about whether violin study is right for your family. There will be no refunds given under any circumstances except for a permanent move to another city.
Below I have listed some expectations for my families. Successful music study requires a lot of commitment and cooperation between the teacher, parent and student. Strong family bonds can be created through positive cooperation in practicing. My goal is to create happy, well-adjusted children who love music and share a mutual respect with their parents and teachers.
Expectations for the Lessons:
Teacher
Be qualified to teach any materials the student receives.
Prepare in advance for all lessons.
Assign materials and clearly communicate expectations and goals. Balance short and long-term developmental goals.
Decide on pace of study. In the early stages, the pace will be more deliberate as fundamentals are stressed and established.
Suggest practice strategies in support of all assignments.
Keep personal notes for all students and chart individual progress.
Provide performance opportunities in classes and studio recitals.
Continue her own development as a musician and teacher through performance and study.
Teach all lessons at the appointed time.
Parent
For younger students:
Attend all lessons and take detailed notes so as to be an effective home teacher. The parent who will be practicing with the child that week should be the one attending lessons.
Attend all group lessons. Do not interfere with the lesson. However tempting it may be to remind your child of something you worked on at home but seems to be forgotten now, this can be humiliating for the child and can disrupt the flow of the lesson. I promise I have noticed the problem, but am waiting for an appropriate time to address it.
Play the recordings daily. Make sure the CD is available at all opportunities that might arise (carpool, playtime, bedtime, waiting rooms).
Organize home practice and set DAILY time aside for that purpose. Practice should be part of a non-negotiable, never-changing routine, like tooth brushing. Students younger than five should be practicing in several very short intervals throughout the day. Regular and sustained practice is required for progress to occur.
Arrive 5 minutes before the agreed upon lesson time so that the child can go to the bathroom, wash hands, clip nails, put back hair and be unpacked and ready to go at the close of the previous child's lesson; lessons that start late will still end at the original time, unless the tardiness is on the teacher's side.
Commit to study for at least one year. I start most beginners quite slowly so that the fundamental techniques can be established. When these are mastered, the pace and difficulty level will accelerate.
Be positive, encouraging, excited about small achievements, never sarcastic or humiliating, and try to eliminate anger from the house.
For all students:
Pay tuition on time and in full as agreed upon with the teacher.
Register for group lessons at the beginning of the year.
Attend student recital performances, whether or not your child will be performing.
Attend important performances given by the teacher.
Follow through on all assignments given by the teacher, including practicing the instrument, overseeing specific assignments with the student, etc.
Maintain instrument in good condition at all times and purchase/rent supplies promptly.
Student
Young students
Cooperate with teacher and parent during lessons and home practice.
Wash hands, trim nails, go to the bathroom, get a drink before daily practice time and lesson time.
Treat parents and teachers with respect.
Listen to recordings daily.
Treat other students with respect.
Attend and participate in group lessons and recitals.
Bring all necessary materials to all lessons.
Older students
Be prepared for all assignments at all lessons. Your practice guidelines will be laid out for you in your lessons.
Show up on time and with all required materials for lessons, master classes and performances.
Be a role model for younger students in behavior, attitude, commitment and attire.
Group Lessons
Group lessons are held Monday nights at Sandia Preparatory School through Mesa Suzuki Groups. These are required for all students. There is a separate, annual fee for group lessons, paid to the Mesa Suzuki Groups.
Group lessons are a very important part of studying the Suzuki method. They are not only fun, they develop ensemble skills, social skills and an eagerness to learn. Students are exposed to many other students at many different levels. This is a powerful incentive to practice and improve without encouraging competitiveness. Students who regularly attend group lessons progress more quickly and are more consistent players. Group lessons happen weekly and are required of all Suzuki students. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the beginning of the group lesson. Parents, do not interrupt the group lesson for any reason other than emergency. Students should be aware of their behavior expectations. Young children should be told their expectations prior to each group lesson.
Recitals and Play-ins
Recitals will be held monthly on Sunday afternoons. Students who have pieces that are polished and consistently well played in lessons will be asked to play in the recitals. Because it takes a long time to polish new pieces, each student will not play on every recital, but are encouraged to come and listen anyway. It is valuable to hear players at different levels playing pieces that the students will someday be working on. It is also good experience to hear pieces the student has already worked on and realize how far he/she's come. I would like to encourage a supportive atmosphere in my studio where students come to hear their friends play pieces on which they have worked very hard. When your child does play, he/she is expected to perform with piano accompaniment. A rehearsal must be scheduled as soon as possible with your accompanist. He/she should be paid separately. Dress for the recitals is semi-formal. Girls should be in a below-the-knee dress, below-the-knee skirt and blouse, or slacks and blouse. Boys should be in slacks and a nice shirt.
Attendance Policy
Lessons missed by me will made up. Lessons missed by you for any reason other than illness (illness being defined as being sick enough to miss school) or severe weather (snowed in!) will not. If you have schedule conflicts for any other reason, please arrange to switch times with another student and notify me of the change right away. A list with contact information and lesson times for all students will be provided early in the semester. When picking a lesson time at the start of the semester, pick one that minimizes the potential for conflicts down the road.
No-Shows (a missed lesson with no advance notice) will not be made up. Students will be charged for the lesson. No exceptions.
Other Policies
No instrument or bow purchases will occur without the consultation and guidance of the teacher. Beginning students will not use a real violin for quite some time. Students will periodically need to move to a bigger size. When I have determined that it is time to buy or rent a first violin or move up in size from an existing violin, I will guide you through the process. A premature upsizing can cause physical problems and disrupt the student’s progress.
In addition to materials I assign, I am willing to assist students with outside music such as orchestra parts when time permits. However, the materials I assign will take precedence. It is understood that the teacher’s instruction to the student takes precedence over conflicting instruction or information the student may receive in other playing situations (school string classes, etc). My experience is that most school teachers are glad when their students are studying privately and usually defer to private teachers without taking offense.
Any outside auditions or competitions will be undertaken only with the consent and oversight of the teacher. Participation in these events are a reflection on both the student and teacher and should be planned and prepared well in advance.
If it becomes clear that the family's commitment to studio policies (including practicing, preparation, recitals and group lessons) is insufficient, we will have a serious discussion about whether violin study is right for your family. There will be no refunds given under any circumstances except for a permanent move to another city.