Here I tried to provide some answers to commonly asked questions about my violin lessons. If you don't find an answer you are looking for, please write or call me.
Do you accept new students?
Yes, I do. Feel free to contact me either by email or by phone for a free consultation/assessment/trial lesson either for you or for your child.
Am I too old (too young) to learn the violin?
Short answer is no. :-) You are just the right age.
Here comes the long answer:
Some children are generally better capable to process information, have softer hands and faster learning abilities, but adults who are studying and playing music have other sets of skills, such as responsibility, discipline, "right" mind set etc. It's never too late or too early to start - and you never know where this journey will take you. I can promise you only one thing: you will feel wonderful, because that's what music does to people :-).
Why should I or my child study with you?
Because like in any field, in order to become successful, you need to find a real professional who is dedicated to his job and is passionate about it. Since music is a live and ever-evolving matter, learning it does not work just from watching YouTube videos or studying books. Having lived, taught and performed all over the world I have adapted my teaching style to fit individual needs, be it just to provide some fun learning a new skill or to help somebody further study and participate in International Competitions, should it be their goal. Even if the world musical career is not your goal, you still need to find a good teacher with the right approach, the one who motivates and challenges you in a right way. Each lesson should give you a sense of personal accomplishment and joy. Since I am a teacher with a lot of experience all over the world, I can provide you with all the different skills used in other countries and a lot of positive energy which is needed to be a part of this art. I believe that is why my students always leave with a smile on their faces after their lessons.
What method(s) do you use in your teaching?
Basically, I have my own method which is a combination of the Russian school (which has spread all over the world but still produces very strong and successful players) with other European/American elements. My students learn the right technique from the very start (such as posture, violin and bow hold etc), so there is a strong base to their progress which helps to develop all the right reflexes needed for violin playing later. If you are familiar with the Suzuki system, we can start with it, too. It really depends on the level, desires and ambitions of each individual student.
Where do the lessons normally take place?
Usually I teach in my beautiful home studio in South Austin and many local schools but since March 2020 all my lessons take place online via Skype, Zoom or any other media you are familiar and comfortable with. Please refer to contacts for more information or send me an email to [email protected] if you'd like to get more details.
Do you teach group lessons, such as Suzuki etc.?
In rare cases I do group lessons (for more than one student). However, I believe that one-on-one instruction is still the best for both student and teacher in terms of the learning speed and their relationship. This is how it's done almost everywhere in the world and this is what works best.
How long are your lessons?
I usually teach 1 hour long lesson once a week, but for some more advance students who are preparing for tests, exams or competitions, it can be more. On the other hand, beginners are more comfortable with 30 or 45 min lessons, so we do what works best for them. Staying flexible is the key!
How much do you charge for lessons?
Please contact me for rates either by email or by phone: [email protected] , (512) 739-7445