About VIOLIN, CELLO, and GUITAR LESSONS

  • ​​String lessons are open to any students interested in learning to play VIOLIN (Gr. 1 and up), CELLO​ (Gr. 3 and up), or GUITAR (Gr. 3 and up)
  • BEGINNING Gr. 1-3 GROUP VIOLIN CLASSES ($180 for ten weekly 30min. classes) start in September, January, and April (3 sessions per year). Maximum 6 students per class to ensure individual attention. Group classes are already discounted, so there's no sibling discount.
  • pull-out Individual Lessons are 30 minutes weekly and are scheduled in consultation with the classroom teacher and the student's parents.
  • instruction follows the Traditional European Method (students learn note reading, rhythm patterns, elements of music theory and history, style, etc.) combined with Suzuki Method elements.
  • all activities are subject to the school calendar, policies, rules and regulations
  • students must bring their instrument and music binder/book to all lessons
  • nails must be clean and trimmed.
  • Please read "What do I need to start", below
  • Expected practice time: minimum 10-15 minutes 4-5 days a week
  • TUITION for 1-on-1: $140/month for 30min. individual lesson + sheet music
  • There is a sibling discount: two students for $250/mo, or three students for $375/mo (any instrument)
  • Lessons can continue through the summer (same rates) at teacher's Park Ridge studio.
WHAT DO I NEED TO START?
  • Read the TUITION and POLICIES pages
  • SIGN UP here
  • Rent a VIOLIN or CELLO - we highly recommend "Seman Violins" of Skokie; $25/month for violin rental, or $38/month for cello rental. 
  • For GUITAR, young beginners will need a fractional size instrument (1/2, 3/4), rental or purchase.
  • Please avoid wasting time and money with violins or cellos off eBay, Amazon, etc. since they are barely playable, at best. Effective teaching and learning cannot (and will not!) occur with sub-standard equipment. Please be aware that manufacturing and adjusting a string instrument is a complex and detailed skill performed by highly trained and experienced professionals, and it is highly unlikely to come across a good instrument online, sight unseen. A playable string instrument is a most sophisticated tool, and beginners, in particular, deserve good tools!
  • Rental instruments come with bow, case and rosin; inexpensive insurance covering damage and adjustments is included
  • Music stand for practice at home is recommended
  • Sheet music in a binder will be provided, and is included in your tuition
  • Metronome/tuner (recommended apps)
  • That's it! I'll confirm with you, then figure out a good lesson time with the classroom teacher, and we'll get started right away!