Which would be better, half hour or hour lessons?

Half hour lessons are great for beginners and those who are playing in the school orchestra and could use a little individual attention.

Hour lessons are recommended for students who wish to audition for a youth or community orchestra, All-County or All-State orchestras, or have aspirations of studying music in college.

How much should I be practicing?

It's better to practice a little each day (or a lot) instead of a lot once or twice a week.

Beginners should be practicing 15 minutes at least 5 days per week.

Those taking hour lessons should be practicing an hour every day.

What makes your lessons unique?

I teach students how to practice effectively. I use a doughnut image.

There are four pieces of the doughnut and the middle. The middle is technique, it effects the four pieces.

The four pieces are: Intonation, Tone and Dynamics, Rhythm, and Affect.

By using this doughnut image, I teach students to critique their own playing. Most progress will be made during practice at home.

Zadie and Lois Lane, our two dachshunds, always attend lessons and occasionally sing along.

What happens during a half hour or hour lesson?

During a half hour lesson we work on school orchestra music, a solo piece and scales.

During an hour lesson students are expected to work on scales, etudes (studies,) and a solo piece. As needed we also will work on school or youth orchestra music and audition pieces.

Am I required to play on the recital?

I encourage but don't require students to play on the recital.

The best way to learn how to perform is to get out there and do it! Recital offers a perfect opportunity to practice performing.

If school is cancelled because of snow, do we have lessons?

No, these days will be called excused absences, unless you want to come over and shovel.