Information and Policies
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Cypress Violin Studio
Information and Policies
2019-2020
713 992 4187
12903 Norstrum Falls Ct.
Cypress, TX, 77429
Feel free to contact me at anytime with questions.
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Pricing
One Time Registration Fee $50
Due the first year to cover costs of student materials, copies of sheet music, supplies and more to keep the studio running.
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Private lesson $50 60 minutes
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Rehearsal $15 60 minutes
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Recital Fee $20 60 minutes
(covers accompanist fee, creation of programs, certificates, awards, etc.)
Please pay at the first lesson at the beginning of the month.
If you know at the time of payment, that you will not be able to make it to a lesson on a specific date, you may let me know at the time of payment, so that we can reschedule that lesson for a different time.
Also, in case of emergencies, let me know at least 24 hours in advance (or ASAP in case of illness) if you will not be able to make it to a lesson, so we can reschedule, otherwise you will lose that lesson/payment.
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Parents and Guardians
**Watch the lessons closely, take notes and work with your children at home during practice time. Parents of beginners, please record important details of the lesson to review at home. I have seen greater understanding and retention of learning with students who have close parental supervision during lessons and practice time.
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For very independent older students approaching the teen years, remain close by and aware of their practice habits (good and bad) and lend support when needed. Use encouraging words and patience even in the most difficult moments if argument occurs (this is normal with music practice, as it can be quite emotional).
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Group Lessons
It is important that all students come to the rehearsals, to create a unity in our understanding of the group musical pieces. When one student does not come, he/she is missed greatly and his/her absence is heard and felt. Each student should do his/her best to memorize group pieces, so the focus and attention can be on listening to each other.
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I strongly encourage students to take part in a once a month group lesson through the Southeast Texas Suzuki Association. Information can be found at http://stxsa.org/ Please let me know if you are able to take part, so I can sign you up. This opens you up to the possibility of meeting other violinists throughout Houston, master teachers, workshops, master classes, a solo and ensemble festival and a whole lot of fun and games. Please request a registration form.
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Recitals
Students are asked to participate in the Winter, Spring, and Fall recitals. There will also be opportunities to perform through the Southeast Texas Suzuki Association.
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Materials
The following materials need to be purchased when you first begin private lessons.
Young Beginners:
Building Violin Skills by Edmund Sprunger
https://www.young-musicians.com/Building-Violin-Skills-p/bbvs.htm
~Suzuki Book 1 with CD Revised edition
~Slow Twinkles CD (provided for you)
~I Can Read Music
~Theory Time Music Theory Book
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Please speak with me about older beginners and intermediate to advanced students.
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It is the responsibility of the parent to provide the following materials as needed to be prepared for the student’s lesson each week:
~Violin in working condition (correctly sized for the student). Strings should be changed every 6 months to a year.
~Violin bow
~Music books as assigned by the teacher
~Metronome and electronic tuner
~Music stand
~Rosin (should come with violin)
~Shoulder pad
~Soft cleaning cloth
~tuning fork
~keyboard to check intonation
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Practice Schedule
Make a practice schedule. Have the violin out in a safe place, not put away under a bed or in the closet. Put the stand, practice book and all music out, ready to go. Make time for all facets of practice: rhythm, listening, theory, etc. These can be broken up into small practice sessions of 10 minutes at two different times of the day until the student is able to practice for longer periods.
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~100 days of consecutive practice: All students who complete this task will receive a prize as they complete it. Further incentives can be provided by parents if you would like. Once you begin this daily discipline, it is difficult to stop!
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Listening
It is important to listen to any recordings of your review and new pieces several times a day. These listening sessions can take place in the car, before going to sleep, while eating breakfast, while eating a snack, etc.
*Copies should be made of all CDs that are being listened to, so you can have them set up and ready to go in different rooms and cars. This will greatly enhance your understanding of the piece of music, while building your musical ear.