FAQ

Q:Where do lessons take place?

A: At my home studio near Royston Elementary in Royston. Upon registration you will receive the exact address.

Q: What day is group class?

A: Group classes are on Wednesday evenings between 4:15-6pm. Read the studio policy for exact times for each level.

Q: How much are lessons?

A: Please read the studio policy for accurate prices (fees vary year to year).

Q: Should I go buy a violin before my first lesson?

A: No. The right violin size can mean the difference between playing easily and being in pain. Please do not purchase or rent any new equipment (violins, strings, chin/shoulder rests, bows, bowhold helpers, etc) without consultation directly from your teacher. They will be able to determine your posture needs more accurately than an online chart or music store.

Q: Can I just try out lessons for a few weeks before committing to the whole year?

A: You are welcome (and encouraged!) to observe other students’ lessons and sit down for a meeting with your teacher before committing to the Suzuki program. It is usual to discuss why you have chosen Suzuki and the violin, what you hope for your child, and what your teacher can do to tailor lessons to your child’s needs.

However, “trial periods” do not exist in a Suzuki studio. Students are expected to sign on for a full school year because it takes so much more than a couple months to learn how to play with any proficiency, and part of what children learn through lessons is commitment to doing something daily, even when it’s challenging.

Q: My child doesn’t seem musically talented. Can they benefit from music lessons?

A: YES! In Suzuki, we do not believe in inborn talent – everything is learned. If the child is capable of learning to speak, they are capable of learning to play. There is no experience necessary for the child or parent.

Q: I want my kid to have fun. Will they have fun learning such a demanding instrument?

A: That is entirely dependent on you! In Suzuki violin, parents are involved in the entire process because you directly influence what your child does day to day. Competence leads to fun, so if you insist on daily practice, listen to assigned music, and show your child that you’re interested in them, they will be interested too. Kids have fun when they feel accomplished!

Q: Can I bring my other child(ren) to private lessons? To group lessons?

A: Yes, but with some exceptions. If having a 2nd child in the room will significantly distract the student or you from note taking, it’s probably best they don’t come to the lesson. There are colouring materials available at the studio to keep young ones occupied, and a collection of chapter books. At group classes you will need to provide activities.

Q: Can I have private lessons without group classes/alternate group class and private lessons?

A: Your lesson tuition includes group class because it is an expected part of a Suzuki student’s education. It is highly discouraged to skip private lessons, however, at your discretion, you can choose to be absent from group classes. Absences will only affect your standing in the studio if it causes practice to drop below the minimum requirements (see “studio policy”, section 13).

Q: I can’t make it to group classes this year. Can I just pay for private lessons?

A: Your tuition is a package deal – it includes private and group classes, music transcription, instrument upkeep (restringing, finger tapes, tuning emergencies, etc), and weekday availability for having your questions answered in written or video format. It’s like the gym – you can choose to go just for the sauna, but the price will not change to reflect how you choose to take advantage of the services offered. You may find that the resources your child requires change year to year.

Q: What should I expect from my first week of lessons? First month? First year?

A: During the first week, you will learn what is expected from the student (listening, practicing, etc), how to set up the instrument, and how to hold the violin and/or the bow.

Within the first month, expect to learn most pieces hands separately – we begin with pizzicato (plucked) songs, and add the bow on the strings when the bow hold is solid. It is usual to have had several lessons before learning how to place the fingers on the strings.

A young student may accomplish all of the Twinkles by the end of their first year and possibly beyond, but it is not unusual at all for very young ones (3-5) to only reach the beginning of the twinkles by the end of their first year. It is common for older beginners (8+) to reach the middle of book 1 within their first year, depending on the frequency of listening and practice, of course.