Schedule
Lesson schedule for 2024/2025 sessions are as follows:
Fall semester runs from September 11th to December 23, 2024
Winter Semester runs from January 7th to June 20th, 2025 (Makeup lessons from June 23rd to 27th)
Holidays and days off follow the Aspen View School division calendar available Here
Makeup lessons will be made available during and after the last week of lessons in June. Makeup lessons may also be offered at other times at my discretion.
You Will Need:
New students just starting violin will need just a few things to get started. The first is a violin! This may seem obvious, but having your own violin (and not just using one for the lesson) is an important part of playing. If you don't have access to a violin all week, then you won't be able to practice between lessons. If purchasing a violin is outside your budget, many music stores offer a rental program to help you get started. You will also need the bow that should come with the violin (don't tighten it up until your first lesson where I will show you how), rosin, a shoulder rest, and a couple of music books. Most students use the Suzuki book 1 for songs and I Can Read Music Volume 1. Don't purchase these until you have spoken with your teacher, since every student is different and sometimes I reccommend other books instead. If you would like more detail on purchasing/ renting the things you need, check out this blog post that summarizes more: Everything You Need
Fees
Private Lesson fees for the 2024 fall semester will be $350 for half hour lessons. Winter Semester lessons will be $575. For students at higher levels such as Suzuki book 3 or higher, I recommend 45 minutes and up to 1 hour lesson. For beginner students I do not offer longer than 30 minute lessons.
Payment can be made monthly or by semester via etransfer, cash, or cheque. If payment is made monthly, the amount is due at the beginning of each month for the upcoming month. If the payment is made by semester, payment is due at the beginning of the semester. Invoices will be sent to students for the entire semester, not monthly.
In the case that a student is unable to finish the semester due to unforeseen circumstances (lack of interest, moving, etc.) two week's notice is required. If an outstanding balance exists if the student has paid for the entire semester, the remainder of that balance will be returned when the student ends lessons. If two week's notice is not given, the student is expected to pay for the upcoming two weeks. In the case that the instructor cannot finish the year due to unforeseen circumstances, all outstanding balances will be returned to the student.
Cancellations
The fees you pay reserve your lesson time for the entire semester.
If you cannot attend a lesson, 24hrs notice is required to reschedule a makeup lesson. You may do this through the student portal or contact your teacher. If you forget a lesson or miss the cancellation window, you may not reschedule or book a makeup lesson. You will be charged for the missed lesson. You may schedule your planned cancellations through the student portal.
SNOW DAYS are an exception to the 24hr cancellation window, if it's too cold or you are snowed in we can reschedule the lesson or I'd be happy to teach it online. If you are cancelling through the student portal on days like this, please contact me to have me override the program and allow the makeup lesson.
Performing
Performances are not a mandatory part of lessons, but they are highly encouraged. Challenging yourself to perform is an excellent way to build confidence and consistency with your violin. It is also a great motivator to practice! Performance opportunities may be provided throughout the year for students to grow their skills, and a year end recital will be held to show off all their hard work throughout the year! Students are also encouraged to join the Wendy Brook Music Festival in the spring to have the chance to be adjudicated on some of their playing.
Practice
Practice is an integral part of playing any instrument, and practicing between lessons allows students to improve during the week between lessons. Students that practice regularly will be more motivated as they see more progress between lessons, retain more information, and develop the muscle tone and memory for playing. For young students, practice can be a difficult concept, but with the help of a parent they can learn to have fun and form it into a good habit. Having a parent involved in lessons and practice is extremely important for young students since the parent can help them remember what they worked on in lessons and apply it as they go through the week. For students 8-10 parental involvement is needed less as the students can read over their notes from lessons to help with practice. I generally recommend beginner students (1-2 years of playing) to practice in 10 or 15 minute intervals, and older students at higher levels work up to 30 minutes of practice a day. Daily practice is important rather than one long practice right before your lesson! Although practice can sometimes feel difficult, approaching it with a positive attitude and incorporating some fun songs can make it an enjoyable time of your day. (I like to make a cup of tea or light a candle while I practice)