Private Lessons
Group Classes are an important part of your child's musical study. They provide the opportunities to learn the ensemble skills that will be necessary for making music with other musicians, for children get to know others who play, and for parents provide motivation for each other. They can also be a wonderful source of fun games to play in your home practice.
Performances
The goal of any musical performance is to allow one's heart to be touched by the music. It is the same goal for the performer and the audience. In addition to learning to become dynamic performers, it is important that students learn to become attentive and open audience members. In other words, they should practice receiving as well as giving. It is required that students attend the entirety of any performance they take part in.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
In the last week of January each of the parent partners in the studio signs up for a conference. (Students who attend their lessons independently come to the conference along with their parents.) Discussion topics include the child’s (or children's) course of study, goals, and progress. This is an excellent opportunity for us to make sure we are working together effectively to provide the best education possible for each child.
- Private lessons are available in 30, 45, 60 or 75 minutes of length.
- Sometimes it is beneficial for very young beginners to share a private lesson. If one of them has an "off"day, they and their caregiver can still observe the other child's lesson, and both families can incorporate the new material into their practice.
- Students must be accompanied by the adult who helps them practice, until they are able to practice independently. For most children this happens between the ages of 11-13.
- Please bring all of the materials we are working on, the instrument, a pencil, and a notebook (or 2) to each lesson.
- Please turn off all electronic devices, ESPECIALLY CELL PHONES!!! It is very distracting when they ring, and it sends the message that something else is more important than the lesson. The children deserve our undivided attention.
Group Classes are an important part of your child's musical study. They provide the opportunities to learn the ensemble skills that will be necessary for making music with other musicians, for children get to know others who play, and for parents provide motivation for each other. They can also be a wonderful source of fun games to play in your home practice.
- If you still practice with your child, please bring the violin notebook to take notes on the material and skills covered and incorporate them into the home practice.
- Arrive 10 minutes before class starts so we can tune and be ready to start on time.
- Students in Book 3 and higher should bring a music stand and pencil.
- Please turn off all electric devices during group class, and demonstrate to your child that this class is valuable by being attentive, and keeping the noise level down.
- Discuss the material covered in the group lesson on the way home. This will help your child to internalize the material covered.
- Students have increasing opportunities as they advance. Group classes are customized to the needs of these older, more advanced students with chamber music, music arranging, sight-reading, independent practice skills, and more. These students also have opportunitie to participate in Pineland Crescendo Tour Group activities.
Performances
The goal of any musical performance is to allow one's heart to be touched by the music. It is the same goal for the performer and the audience. In addition to learning to become dynamic performers, it is important that students learn to become attentive and open audience members. In other words, they should practice receiving as well as giving. It is required that students attend the entirety of any performance they take part in.
- At Solo Recitals students play solo pieces accompanied by piano. Each student will be involved in two recital events during the school year; an informal recital or master class, and a formal recital (with dress rehearsal). Because of the size of the studio, there will be two dates for each of these performances. Each child performs only once.
- At Group Concerts students play the common repertoire together, and also perform harmonies and special projects with multiple parts. There are 2 group concerts per year.
- Students must attend the dress rehearsal in order to take part in the corresponding concert.
- Seeking out other opportunities for performance is highly encouraged. Some good ideas are: parties to celebrate the completion of a book; performance for family members, and performances at nursing homes, churches, temples and other community sites.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
In the last week of January each of the parent partners in the studio signs up for a conference. (Students who attend their lessons independently come to the conference along with their parents.) Discussion topics include the child’s (or children's) course of study, goals, and progress. This is an excellent opportunity for us to make sure we are working together effectively to provide the best education possible for each child.
- Parents with one child in the studio will sign up for a 30 minute conference.
- Those with two children in the studio will sign up for a 45 minute conference.
- Those with three children in the studio will sign up for a 60 minute conference.