Questions and Answers about lessons
What do I need for lessons?
1.Obviously an instrument of appropriate size and relatively decent quality. I will direct you to other materials as far as
music.
2.A device with a web camera and decent microphone. These are available on most smart phones and tablets. If you desire
a bigger screen like I do, a computer with web camera and a microphone (either built in or external) will work.
3. A fairly reliable internet connection. There is a certain minimum internet speed that some suggest, but if you live in an
area like I do, that may not have access to the fastest speeds, it still may likely work. Mine is not particularly fast but only
on rare busy occasions do I find that to be a problem. I will allow you a free online consult to meet me and discuss
what we need, and that will give us a chance to try the set up and see if things will work.
4. PATIENCE - in the event that the internet or technology are having a stubborn or finicky moment.
1.Obviously an instrument of appropriate size and relatively decent quality. I will direct you to other materials as far as
music.
2.A device with a web camera and decent microphone. These are available on most smart phones and tablets. If you desire
a bigger screen like I do, a computer with web camera and a microphone (either built in or external) will work.
3. A fairly reliable internet connection. There is a certain minimum internet speed that some suggest, but if you live in an
area like I do, that may not have access to the fastest speeds, it still may likely work. Mine is not particularly fast but only
on rare busy occasions do I find that to be a problem. I will allow you a free online consult to meet me and discuss
what we need, and that will give us a chance to try the set up and see if things will work.
4. PATIENCE - in the event that the internet or technology are having a stubborn or finicky moment.
How to I set up lessons?
You can contact me on this website here with your contact information and any questions you might have. I will get back to you and we can set up a free online consultation where you can meet me, answer any questions, and check out our internet set ups. If you decide to continue with lessons, we will set up a time and offer you any additional information you would need.
You can contact me on this website here with your contact information and any questions you might have. I will get back to you and we can set up a free online consultation where you can meet me, answer any questions, and check out our internet set ups. If you decide to continue with lessons, we will set up a time and offer you any additional information you would need.
What online platform do you use?
I have done most of my online lessons using Zoom, due to the accessibility across all devices and computers. This can be downloaded to the computer or device. Prior to the lesson, I will send you password information so that no one else has access to our session. I am also able to use Skype.
I have done most of my online lessons using Zoom, due to the accessibility across all devices and computers. This can be downloaded to the computer or device. Prior to the lesson, I will send you password information so that no one else has access to our session. I am also able to use Skype.
How do I pay?
Contact me for the current lesson rates. Payment will be required before the session. For regular students I usually receive payments for a month or an agreeable predetermined amount of time. You will, however, not be signing your life away! I am exploring other options but currently accept Venmo or PayPal. Since PayPal charges a small processing fee I add that amount to PayPal payments. I am not currently able to accept credit card payments, but will announce if that changes.
Contact me for the current lesson rates. Payment will be required before the session. For regular students I usually receive payments for a month or an agreeable predetermined amount of time. You will, however, not be signing your life away! I am exploring other options but currently accept Venmo or PayPal. Since PayPal charges a small processing fee I add that amount to PayPal payments. I am not currently able to accept credit card payments, but will announce if that changes.
How much are lessons?
I am pleased to offer you current rates that are extremely reasonable and competitive for someone of my training and experience. Payments can be accepted currently via Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, or other.
30 minute session -$22
45 minutes - $33
60 minutes - $44
I do not tend to change rates very frequently. In the event that I choose to raise rates you will receive at least 2 months notice or more of that change. I will raise the rates first for new incoming students and keep current students at the old rate until deciding to bring them up, at which time you would receive the promised notice in advance.
I am pleased to offer you current rates that are extremely reasonable and competitive for someone of my training and experience. Payments can be accepted currently via Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, or other.
30 minute session -$22
45 minutes - $33
60 minutes - $44
I do not tend to change rates very frequently. In the event that I choose to raise rates you will receive at least 2 months notice or more of that change. I will raise the rates first for new incoming students and keep current students at the old rate until deciding to bring them up, at which time you would receive the promised notice in advance.
What levels and ages do you teach?
If you did not notice that from my other information, I teach both total beginners and as well as those who play at any level or age in either violin or viola. I currently have a number of adult beginner level students that I have enjoyed very much. I have only tried a few very young (4-5) year old beginners online. and while an in-person teacher might be better in some cases, online is certainly worth a try. For any student under the age of 7 or 8 I like to have a parent present at the session.
If you did not notice that from my other information, I teach both total beginners and as well as those who play at any level or age in either violin or viola. I currently have a number of adult beginner level students that I have enjoyed very much. I have only tried a few very young (4-5) year old beginners online. and while an in-person teacher might be better in some cases, online is certainly worth a try. For any student under the age of 7 or 8 I like to have a parent present at the session.
What teaching method do you use?
The short and simple answer is - whatever is best suited for the student. We will discuss individual preferences and goals and devise a plan that will work best for what that student needs. If you have read my background, you will find that I have a certain preference for the Suzuki method and repertoire if that fits the needs the best. If that is what we are using, it will be supplemented with other materials and exercises. I have used other methods and materials and am open to using that or a combination of whatever works. You can read a little about Suzuki here or traditional here. If you are using Suzuki repertoire, you can make use of my youtube channel to where I have videos of that music. I am working on that channel after a bit of an absence so may be adding some other music as well.
The short and simple answer is - whatever is best suited for the student. We will discuss individual preferences and goals and devise a plan that will work best for what that student needs. If you have read my background, you will find that I have a certain preference for the Suzuki method and repertoire if that fits the needs the best. If that is what we are using, it will be supplemented with other materials and exercises. I have used other methods and materials and am open to using that or a combination of whatever works. You can read a little about Suzuki here or traditional here. If you are using Suzuki repertoire, you can make use of my youtube channel to where I have videos of that music. I am working on that channel after a bit of an absence so may be adding some other music as well.
What if my internet is slow?
I would say, give it a try anyway. The area that I live in does not really high speed available except from one company that tends to go out frequently and then requires a week or so for service. My service is not considered incredibly fast and I have had few problems. I think the consistency is probably more of an issue. I do offer you a free trial/consultation session which would be a great time to test out that connection.
If you have the capability via PC or device to wire it into your wifi rather than wireless, some have said that improves the connection. Also, just being as close as possible to the wifi source may cause an improvement. If you can limit the number of devices in your house using wifi service at the time of your lesson, that may see an increase in performance.
I would say, give it a try anyway. The area that I live in does not really high speed available except from one company that tends to go out frequently and then requires a week or so for service. My service is not considered incredibly fast and I have had few problems. I think the consistency is probably more of an issue. I do offer you a free trial/consultation session which would be a great time to test out that connection.
If you have the capability via PC or device to wire it into your wifi rather than wireless, some have said that improves the connection. Also, just being as close as possible to the wifi source may cause an improvement. If you can limit the number of devices in your house using wifi service at the time of your lesson, that may see an increase in performance.
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