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STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
Lessons for Violin, Viola and Piano
M I C H E L L E E D E L M A N ’ S Private Studio
3 0 1 3 A v e n u e M , C o u n c i l B l u f f s , I A 5 1 5 0 1 • 4 0 2 . 9 8 1 . 9 9 7 8 • m i c h e l l e i e d e l m a n @ m e . c o m • m i c h e l l e e d e l m a n p r i v a t e s t u d i o . w e b s . c o m
...........................................................................Introduction 4..........................................................................................................Purpose of Handbook 4
...........................................................................................................Teaching Philosophy 4.....................................................................................Contact Information & Preferences 4
..................................................................................................Studio Program Highlights 5....................................Music Theory & Ear Training: Classes, Consultations & Tutoring 5
.............................................................................................................About Your Teacher 6
.........................................................................................Fees 7..................................................................................................................Prorated Lessons 7
..............................................................................................................Yearly Tuition Plan 8.........................................................................................................Discontinuing Lessons 9
................................................................................................................................Refunds 9................................................................................................................Payment Options 10
...............................................................................................................................Invoices 10
........................................Makeup Lessons & Missed Lessons 11...........................................................................................................................Definitions 11
..................................................................................................................Studio Calendar 11....................................................................................................................Student Policy 12...................................................................................................................Teacher Policy 14
....................................................................In-home Lessons 15....................................................................................................................Additional Fee 15
..............................................................................................Benefits of In-home Lessons 15
..............................................................................................Lesson Length Requirement 15....................................................................................................In-home Lesson Policies 16
...........................................................................................Requests for In-home Lessons 17.............................................................................................................................Invoicing 17
......................................................................Studio Lessons 18..............................................................................................................................Location 18
.................................................................................................Benefits of Studio Lessons 18........................................................................................................Studio Lesson Policies 19
......................................................................Online Lessons 21.......................................................................................................................Prerequisites 21
.........................................................................................................................Limitations 21..........................................................................................................................Scheduling 21
............................................................................................................................Invoicing 21.......................................................................................................Online Lesson Policies 22
.............................................................................................Requests for Online Lessons 23
......................................Prospective Violin & Viola Students 24
Table of Contents
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...................................................................................................Suzuki Method Requests 24...........................................................................................................................Beginners 24
.........................................................................................................................Instrument 25.......................................................................................Instrument Care & Maintenance 26
.....................................................................................................................Shoulder Rest 27........................................................................................................................Metronome 27.......................................................................................................................Music Stand 27
...................................................................................................Books & Other Materials 28
..................................................Prospective Piano Students 29...........................................................................................................................Beginners 29
.........................................................................................................................Instrument 29........................................................................................................................Metronome 30
....................................................................................................Books & Other Materials 31
...............................................................Requesting Lessons 32..........................................................................................................Information Needed 32
............................................................................................................If Schedules Match 33..................................................................................................If Schedules Don’t Match 33
...................................................................................................Reserving a Lesson Time 33
.............................................................................Practicing 34.............................................................................................................General Guidelines 34
.........................................................................Special Notes for Violin & Viola Students 34.....................................................................................................................Music Theory 35
..................................................................Questions Outside of Scheduled Lesson Time 35.........................................................................Assigned Listening & Attending Concerts 35
.................................................Community Music Activities 36..........................................................................................................General Information 36
..................................................Performance Opportunities 37.........................................................................................................................Importance 37
............................................................................Recitals & Other Similar Opportunities 37.........................................................................................................................Scheduling 37
..................................................................................................Expectations for Students 37........................................................................Preparing for Performance Opportunities 38
...............................................................................Referrals 39
...............................................................................Glossary 40
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IntroductionPurpose of Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to state my studio policy and provide essential information. Please keep this handbook as a reference.
All major handbook revisions will be announced through email. The email will outline all changes and provide a link to the revised handbook.
Handbooks are provided as PDF files and may be viewed or downloaded from my site.
Teaching Philosophy
Music is for everyone.
My goal is to produce students who can play well on their chosen instrument regardless of their level. Students who learn basic music skills also acquire valuable problem-solving skills that can help them throughout life.
Contact Information & Preferences
I prefer to communicate through email. Phone calls are welcome.
For those inquiring about lessons: Please read my handbook and submit a lesson request form before calling.
Please do not text me.
Phone: 402.981.9978
Email: [email protected]
Routine communication should be through email.M i c h e l l e E d e l m a n ’ s P r i v a t e S t u d i o S t u d e n t / P a r e n t H a n d b o o k
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Studio Program Highlights
Individual instruction is provided for each student to meet their specific needs. Students benefit from one-on-one instruction since they are free to progress at their own pace.
Reading music is emphasized so students will not be dependent on hand position, finger number or letter name. Students who read music will learn newly assigned pieces quickly and be better prepared to play in small groups.
Ear training is provided so students will improve listening skills and develop good relative pitch. Students that have ear training in their private lessons benefit more from music study.
Practice techniques are emphasized at every lesson so students will learn to use time efficiently, develop problem-solving skills and set realistic short-term goals.
Performance opportunities are provided so students learn how to set long-term goals and take responsibility for the outcome. Students have the added benefit of learning from watching other students perform.
Music Theory & Ear Training: Classes, Consultations & Tutoring
Students who have studied music for a year and wish to study music theory should email me. If there are enough students interested, a class may be formed. The material covered in this class would be more thorough than private lessons. Fees for classes will be added to the handbook if enough interest is generated.
Research has shown a positive correlation between the study of music theory and increased achievement in math and reading. Students who study music theory gain knowledge that allows them to perform better on their chosen instrument.
Besides classes, I also offer consultations and/or tutoring to home school families that wish to include music theory as part of their school curriculum. A piano background is strongly recommended for any parent who wishes to teach music theory. Those interested should email me for more information. Fees will be added to the handbook if enough interested is generated.
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About Your Teacher
Michelle Edelman began piano at the age of four and violin at the age of nine.
During high school she studied violin with members of the Omaha Symphony including Phyllis Duncan and Keith Plenert, principal second violin. Viola was begun in high school, but violin remained Michelle's true passion.
Michelle attended the University of South Dakota (USD) and earned a Bachelor's of Music in Violin Performance in 2005. During her first two years at USD, she was a recipient of a Truran Piano Scholarship and studied piano with Dr. Susan Keith Gray. Violin studies were with Dr. John Thomson, who returned to New Zealand in 2009. In 2001, Michelle joined the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra as a member of the violin section.
Unique opportunities Michelle had while at USD include spending a year at the National Music Museum as a student assistant and performing a lecture recital there in 2002. As a result of Michelle’s interest in baroque violin, she has participated in masterclasses with Ingrid Matthews and Monica Huggett.
In 2004, Michelle continued her violin studies with Amy Sims, former concertmaster of the Omaha Symphony. Michelle briefly studied violin with Dr. Dan Auerbach, his teachers have included Dorothy DeLay, Felix Galimir, Harvey Shapiro and Lewis Kaplan from the Juilliard School.
Besides working as a freelance musician on both the violin and viola, Michelle has taught private lessons since 2003 and continues to play in the Sioux City Symphony. She regularly challenges herself with orchestra auditions. Recent auditions have included the Chicago Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Detroit Symphony and Milwaukee Symphony.
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FeesAn Important Note on Fees
Fees include more than your scheduled lesson time that your teacher reserves for you. They also account for the time your teacher invests outside of scheduled lessons to answer questions, create individualized lesson plans, arrange recitals and other performance opportunities, schedule lessons and issue monthly invoices.
An additional fee is charged for all in-home lessons to partially reimburse your teacher for gas and travel time. In-home lesson fees are calculated for each student using their address. This fee is in addition to prorated lesson rates and the yearly tuition plan.
Prorated Lessons
All new students will have their first incomplete month of study prorated with the rates shown below. An invoice for the first incomplete month of study will be emailed after lessons have been scheduled.
LESSON LENGTH RATE PER LESSON
15 minutes $14.40
30 minutes $28.80
45 minutes $43.20
60 minutes $57.60
Payment for prorated lessons given during the first incomplete month of study must be received by the first lesson.
Lessons are prorated in the first incomplete month of study to simplify invoicing and create a regular billing cycle. After an incomplete month of prorated lessons students are moved to the yearly tuition plan. Prorated lesson rates are identical to those charged per lesson on the yearly tuition plan.
To simplify invoicing, I prefer to start students at the beginning of the month on the yearly tuition plan. M i c h e l l e E d e l m a n ’ s P r i v a t e S t u d i o S t u d e n t / P a r e n t H a n d b o o k
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Yearly Tuition Plan
Yearly tuition plans include 40 private lessons and at least two (2) performance opportunities. Participation in more than two performance opportunities is dependent on the ability of the student.
The yearly tuition plan was designed to help students spread the cost of private lessons over an entire year. Each monthly payment is equivalent to three (3) and one-third lessons per student.
Prorated lessons do not count towards the yearly total of 40 lessons when switching to a yearly tuition plan.
LESSON LENGTH YEARLY MONTHLY
15 minutes 576 48
30 minutes 1152 96
45 minutes 1728 144
60 minutes 2304 192
Payments are due on first day of the month, with the remaining monthly payments due on the first of the following 11 months.
Yearly rates are for reference only.
Invoices are emailed seven (7) days before the first of the month. Those on the yearly tuition plan will receive an invoice that includes the number of lessons taught and missed to date. This is to help everyone plan and assure families receive all lessons.
All payments must be received by the tenth (10th) of the month. Lessons will be suspended until payment has been received.
Those on a yearly tuition plan wishing to take more than 40 lessons should email to arrange. Additional lessons will be charged at prorated lesson rates.
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Discontinuing Lessons
Please give at least one-month written notice before discontinuing lessons. This allows for scheduling adjustments and billing to be finalized.
Written notice for discontinuing lessons must be emailed.
The number of lessons received will be compared with the number of lessons covered by the yearly tuition payment plan. When more lessons have been received than the payment plan has covered, the difference will be included on the invoice for the final month of lessons. Should payment have exceeded the number of lessons received, the invoice for the final month of lessons will be adjusted to prevent overpayment.
Those who fail to provide one-month written notice or request to discontinue lessons immediately are expected to pay their outstanding balance.
Providing one-month notice allows the teacher to prepare students for discontinuing lessons. Students who are discontinuing lessons because of a move will be more successful with their future teacher if they have prepared a short piece. Most students will need guidance in choosing a piece they can easily prepare and perform well. Materials can also be recommended for students who wish to maintain their skills but are unable to continue private lessons.
Refunds
Refunds will not be considered without one-month written notice before discontinuing lessons.
Monetary refunds are not given unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Makeup lessons are always offered as an alternative to monetary refunds.
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Payment Options
Payment before the first lesson is appreciated.
Checks can either be mailed to me at my home or handed to me before the first lesson of the month. All checks should be written to Michelle Edelman.
New students may pay me in-person at the first lesson. Payment must be received then.
I don’t accept PayPal.
Cash is accepted. Please email your intent to pay cash at least 24 hours in advance. State if you plan to always pay cash or if this is a one time occurrence. A receipt will be emailed for each cash payment.
Fees will be assessed for bounced checks.
If payment has not been received by the tenth (10th) of the month, lessons will be suspended until payment is received. Notification for suspended lessons is emailed. Lesson times are not held for more than four weeks.
Invoices
All invoices are emailed as PDF attachments. Please make sure your email address is always current.
Questions relating to items on an invoice should be emailed with a copy of the invoice attached.
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Michelle Edelman3013 Avenue MCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
Makeup Lessons & Missed LessonsDefinitions
A makeup lesson is a lesson given to the student outside of their regularly assigned lesson time. Additional time before or after a student’s regularly assigned lesson time may also be considered a makeup lesson.
A missed lesson is a lesson that the student misses. Missed lessons usually require a minimum of 24-hours notice and should not be a regular occurrence. Student illness, deaths in the family, etc., qualify as missed lessons. Missed lessons are not usually charged.
A planned missed lesson is a lesson that the student misses because of a holiday or vacation. A minimum of seven (7) days notice is required for all planned missed lessons.
Studio Calendar
Specific dates I will not be teaching lessons will be emailed to current students. They’re usually available in late August or early September.
These dates typically include the week or week(s) surrounding:
EasterThanksgiving
Christmas Eve & Christmas DayNew Year’s Day
Be aware that I don’t follow area school calendars for breaks or vacation.
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Student Policy
Email is preferred for all communication regarding makeup lessons and missed lessons. Phone calls should only be made for emergencies, illness and weather related concerns.
Notice for a missed lesson should state if a makeup lesson is desired.
Requests for makeup lessons will not be granted if 24-hour notice was not given before the originally scheduled lesson.
A minimum of seven (7) days notice is required for all planned missed lessons.
Makeup lessons for students in their first incomplete month of study will depend on my availability for that month. If I can’t makeup the lesson, I will credit the lesson toward the next month’s payment. The invoice for the next month should reflect this.
Students on my yearly tuition plan of 40 lessons per year, have eight (8) missed lessons built-in for holidays, illness, and vacation. (Most studios plan for students to have 48 lessons per year.) Having built-in missed lessons does not excuse students from notifying their teacher in advance.
Students are responsible for makeup lesson requests when a holiday is not listed on the studio calendar. A student who chooses to not have a makeup lesson when their regularly assigned lesson time falls on a holiday, will have the lesson counted towards their eight (8) missed lessons. Students should notify their teacher of this planned missed lesson at least seven (7) days in advance.
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Students should not attend their lesson if they are ill. Student illness is considered a missed lesson if the student wakes up ill that day or has been sent home from school ill. I must receive notice before the scheduled lesson time.
Weather that causes school closings will result in cancellation of lessons for the day. An email will be sent to schedule makeup lessons for those students effected. Students who have not used all eight (8) missed lessons may choose to have this count as a missed lesson.
I want to keep students and their families safe.
Students are expected to attend lessons if schools haven’t closed and there aren’t an extraordinary number of cancellations for other events.
Students should be up front if they have extenuating circumstances complicated by the weather. These will be handled on a case-by-case basis and should not be a regular occurrence.
Lessons missed without prior notice and/or just cause will be charged. Students will be notified about charged missed lessons through email. A charged missed lesson will count as one of the 40 lessons included in the yearly tuition plan.
Students not participating in the yearly tuition plan will be asked to leave if they fail to communicate about missing more than one lesson.
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Teacher Policy
I regularly take auditions for major orchestras. These auditions are extremely competitive and require significant preparation. Audition times for full-time orchestra contracts are not confirmed until close to the audition date, even though dates are announced weeks in advance. Until an audition time is confirmed, I am unable to make travel arrangements. My goal is to not let these auditions interfere with my teaching; however there may be times when I must schedule makeup lessons.
Makeup lessons are scheduled for students when the teacher is unavailable at the regularly assigned lesson time. All makeup lessons will be scheduled by email. Students will be given as much notice as possible if I become ill or have a family emergency that prevents me from teaching.
Students who have not used all eight (8) missed lessons may request not to participate in makeup lessons offered by their teacher. A makeup lesson a student chooses not to take will count as a missed lesson.
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In-home LessonsAdditional Fee
An additional fee is charged for each in-home lesson based on mileage and time. This fee is not included in yearly tuition plans or prorated lesson rates.
The additional fee is calculated using the student’s address. This fee is charged for each home where I teach, not for each student. When scheduling in-home lessons, every effort is made to teach families that live near each other. This is done to reduce costs for everyone. All requests for in-home lessons must include the student’s home address.
Benefits of In-home Lessons
• In-home lessons benefit parents by eliminating the drive to and from the studio. • Students benefit from having lessons in familiar surroundings. • Parents are more involved in the process of learning an instrument. • Families with more than one student are able to have back-to-back lessons. A studio
schedule does not always allow this convenience. • Students in the same family have the potential benefit of learning ensemble skills
during private lessons. Projects have included violin duets and a piano student learning to accompany his sister on violin.
Lesson Length Requirement
In-home lessons require a minimum lesson time of 45 minutes. The extra 15 minutes of lesson time can be used to review material from the previous lesson, ear-training and check workbook assignments.
A home with more than one student must have a minimum combined lesson time of 45 minutes.
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In-home Lesson Policies
Everyone requesting in-home lessons must agree to the following:
1. Student is prepared to begin their lesson upon the teacher’s arrival. Piano students should be seated on the piano bench. Violin and viola students should have their instrument out. All materials required for the lesson must be ready for use.
2. Have a quiet, clean area where in-home lessons can be taught.
3. Minimize distractions and interruptions during lesson time.
4. An adult must be home during all in-home lessons for students under the age of 16. Exceptions may be made for high school students with additional stipulations and parental consent.
5. Provide as much notice as possible if someone in your home becomes ill and is contagious. This is to prevent spread of illness to the teacher and other students. Lessons are not taught in homes if someone is ill.
6. Provide a minimum of 10 days notice for all planned missed lessons. This is to help your teacher adjust lesson times with other students that receive in-home lessons on the same day.
7. In-home lessons are scheduled back-to-back for students who live in the same area. Please be flexible if the teacher requests an earlier or later time on your regular lesson day. Requests are usually made at least a week in advance.
8. Understand that in-home lessons might not always begin promptly at the assigned time. The teacher sets a timer at the beginning of each in-home lesson to confirm the student receives their entire lesson time.
9. A parent of a young, beginning student must attend lessons until I feel the student is able to practice productively on their own.
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Requests for In-home Lessons
Priority will be given to home school families requesting in-home lessons. My schedule is most flexible for in-home lessons during the day.
A family that does not home school may request in-home lessons, but this request will only be honored if I’m already in the area to teach and it works with my schedule. Scheduling preferences for families who do not home school should only include times that will work year-round.
Invoicing
Students in their first incomplete month of study will have the in-home lesson fee applied to each lesson scheduled.
A family that has multiple students receiving in-home lessons will only be assessed the in-home lesson fee for each trip to the home.
The following formula has been provided to help families budget for in-home lessons after their first incomplete month of study. (Note: This formula will need to be modified for any family with more than 60 minutes of lesson time.)
[ (In-home Lesson Fee x 401 ) + Yearly Rate for Tuition Plan2 ] / 12 = Monthly Payment Monthly invoices will show the in-home lesson fee separate from the yearly tuition plan.
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1 All yearly tuition plans include 40 lessons.
2 Yearly rates for tuition plans can be found on p.2.
Studio LessonsLocation
All studio lessons are taught at my home. My home is located in a circle. I live in a green house with multicolored bricks.
Benefits of Studio Lessons
• Greater variety of times for student lessons. • Students benefit because the studio teacher has greater access to their music library.• Piano students have the opportunity to learn to play on an instrument other than their
own. • Violin and viola students who do not have a piano at home have the opportunity to
experience being accompanied by one during lessons.
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Studio Location:3013 Avenue MCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501
Studio Lesson Policies
Everyone requesting studio lessons must agree to the following:
1. Students should arrive no more than 5 minutes before their assigned lesson time. Upon arrival students should knock on the door, enter and wait quietly for their lesson. Students are not allowed to wait outside of my home. This is to respect my neighbors.
2. Please park in the middle of the circle. My driveway is only for personal use. Parking near the mailbox is reserved for student drop off and pick up.
3. Those entering my home are asked to remove their shoes and place them on the mat near the door. Piano students using pedal may leave their shoes on.
4. Lessons must begin and end at their assigned time. Studio lessons are scheduled back-to-back.
5. Please do not wander around my home or yard. This is to prevent unnecessary distractions and interruptions during lessons. Your teacher will not accept responsibility for any injury that results from students or their guests wandering around her property.
6. Parents are welcome to attend lessons. Those who accompany a student shall not create distractions or interrupt the lesson. Such distractions and interruptions are unfair to the student.
7. Please turn all cell phones off or place them on vibrate. Students are not to use cell phones during lessons. Those who accompany students to lessons are asked to put their phone on vibrate and step out if they need to accept a call.
8. The bathroom in my home is only for student use in an emergency.
9. Everyone who drops off or picks up students should park near the mailbox. Students are able to see the mailbox from the studio window. My driveway is only for personal use and cannot be seen from the studio window.
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10.Students should be picked up no more than 5 minutes after their lesson. After finishing their lesson, students should wait quietly and watch for their ride through the studio window. Students are not allowed to wait outside of my home. This is to respect my neighbors.
11.Any student who damages or disrespects my property will be warned once and then dismissed from their lesson. A parent will be asked to accompany the student to all remaining lessons or until I feel the student will respect my property.
12.A parent of a young, beginning student must attend lessons until I feel the student is able to practice productively on their own.
13.Students are expected to bring all assigned materials to every lesson. A cloth bag reserved only for music lessons is a great way to keep all materials together.
14.Please do not bring any food or drink into my home. This includes chewing gum and candy.
The above policies have been created by your teacher so that she can give her undivided attention to each student during their assigned lesson time. Your teacher wants to make sure everyone receives at least 110% value for their investment.
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Online LessonsPrerequisites
Online lessons are offered when students are unable to attend local lessons because of a temporary, career-related relocation. Your teacher does not recommend students rely on online music lessons for more than six (6) months.
Instruments used for daily practice must be kept in playable condition. Students are responsible for locating music stores, instrument repair shops, etc., in their area. This should be done before your instrument needs a repair. If your instrument is a rental or on a purchase plan, make sure the agreement is not violated by having a third party complete a repair.
Limitations
The convenience of online lessons makes them very appealing, but there are also disadvantages. Some of these include the teacher’s inability to correct hand and body position, mark student music and write lesson notes for the student. Please see this article for a complete list of advantages and disadvantages with online lessons.
Scheduling
Online lessons are usually scheduled near the time of the student’s regular lesson. This helps reserve the student’s lesson time for when they return and allows the teacher to maintain her teaching schedule. Students who desire a different online lesson time should state their scheduling needs when requesting online lessons.
All policies for makeup and missed lessons apply to online lessons.
Invoicing
Fees for online music lessons are identical to yearly tuition plan rates.
Students who have been receiving in-home lessons will have their in-home lesson fee waived until their return. Please email departure and return dates so that invoices are correct. M i c h e l l e E d e l m a n ’ s P r i v a t e S t u d i o S t u d e n t / P a r e n t H a n d b o o k
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Online Lesson Policies
Everyone requesting online lessons must agree to the following:
1. Students have studied their instrument for one year and have studied with me for three (3) months. This is to ensure good habits have been developed and can be maintained.
2. Student is prepared to begin their lesson at the assigned time. Piano students should be seated on the piano bench. Violin and viola students should have their instrument out. All materials required for the lesson must be ready for use.
3. Lessons may only be recorded for the student’s personal use.
4. Minimize distractions, interruptions and background noise during lesson time.
5. An adult must be home during all online lessons for students under the age of 16. Exceptions may be made for high school students with additional stipulations and parental consent. Students must be able to independently adjust equipment if they are home alone.
6. A parent of a young student must attend lessons until I feel the student is able to practice productively on their own.
7. An additional 15 minutes is scheduled for all online lessons. This extra time is not charged and might be needed if technical difficulties occur. The teacher will set a timer to confirm all paid lesson time is received.
8. If a student is unable to maintain good habits, I will recommend the student find a local teacher and discontinue online lessons. Confirmation of this decision will be emailed after a discussion with the student. All lessons paid in advance will be taught to help ease the student’s transition to a local teacher. It is unethical for me to continue online lessons when I’m unable to correct bad habits that prevent student progress.
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Requests for Online Lessons
All requests for online lessons should be emailed.
FaceTime is preferred. Skype and Google are also acceptable.
Please remember that all policies for payments, refunds and discontinuing lessons apply to online lessons.
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Prospective Violin & Viola Students
Suzuki Method Requests
I am familiar with the Suzuki Violin Method and have studied the repertoire, but I am not a certified Suzuki instructor. My beginning violin and viola students are assigned method books from the Sassmannshaus Tradition.
Beginners
Beginners should only request lessons if they can commit to at least four lessons in a row. This encourages good habits to develop on the chosen instrument from the start. Parents may be asked to attend lessons until I feel the child is able to practice productively on their own.
Beginning students should plan on 30 minute lessons. There may be instances where students are either very young or have extremely short attention spans. To help prepare these students for a 30 minute lesson, 15 minute lessons are offered as long as the student is consistently progressing. A parent should attend all lessons and monitor practice time daily for any student who receives a 15 minute lesson.
For very young students wishing to begin on viola, it is highly recommended to begin on violin and then switch. Student-sized violas can be difficult to obtain. There have been cases where student-sized violins have been strung to act as violas. This practice is not in the best interest of the student.
Beginning students on the violin and viola should not attempt to play the instrument before the first lesson.
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The first few weeks of lessons will be devoted to holding the instrument and bow correctly. Only when these skills have been mastered will the student begin to play the instrument. Students who develop a good bow hold and hold their instrument correctly will progress faster when they begin playing.
All students who have not learned to read music will have a music theory workbook and/or flashcards assigned. I prefer my students make their own flashcards. This allows students to apply what they’ve learned. Flashcards should be used daily.
Instrument
Anyone requesting violin or viola lessons should contact one of the shops listed below to obtain an appropriately sized instrument and/or to make sure their current instrument is correctly sized and in good condition. If a family has a good relationship with a shop or music store not listed below, they are encouraged to contact them.
Nielsen Violin Shop Sarah E. Gray Restoration of Violins, Violas, Cellos, LLC
1904 Farnam Street 1722 St. Marys Ave #220
Omaha, NE 68102 Omaha, NE 68102
402.342.5880 402.889.3515
https://www.facebook.com/Nielsen-Violin-Shop-153602821345209/
www.sarahgrayrestoration.com
Instruments used for daily practice must be kept in playable condition.
Beginning students on violin or viola are encouraged to rent instruments. Please get information on rental rates and availability of a correctly sized student instrument before requesting a lesson. Students will need to go to a shop to be properly sized for an instrument. An instrument is required at the first lesson. It must be playable, correctly sized and include a properly fitted shoulder rest.M i c h e l l e E d e l m a n ’ s P r i v a t e S t u d i o S t u d e n t / P a r e n t H a n d b o o k
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When signing a rental agreement for an instrument, students should make sure they can exchange the instrument if I do not agree with the sizing at the first lesson. Shops have a tendency to recommend larger instruments for students who are in-between sizes. An instrument that is too large makes it extremely difficult for the student to develop good habits.
SHAR music provides an excellent guide for buying a student instrument. Your teacher does not recommend buying an instrument without a trial period. Bringing the instrument to at least one lesson is encouraged.
Two expenses students should be aware of with the violin and viola are string replacements and bow rehairs. As a general rule, everything for the viola will be more expensive than violin.
Instrument Care & Maintenance
Everyone who rents or buys an instrument from a shop should ask for information on instrument care and maintenance. If the shop is unable to provide this, I will get you information. An alternative resource on the care of your instrument is James M. McKean’s Common Sense Instrument Care: How to Look After Your Violin, Viola, or Cello and Bow. The ISBN number is 978-0962608193. Stringed instruments are fragile and can be easily damaged; knowledge is the best way to prevent damage and costly repairs.
If there is a problem with your violin, viola or bow and you are unsure of what to do, please contact me immediately. Do not wait until your lesson. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to take it to a shop for repairs. I am not qualified to repair instruments. However, I can make suggestions and offer guidance on how to explain your instruments problem to a shop.
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Shoulder Rest
Shoulder rests are recommended for all violin and viola students. Some of my students have had good results with foam rubber and rubber bands. Other students have bought a shoulder rest from one of the shops listed above. Most shops will assist students with choosing and adjusting a shoulder rest. If the shop offers a few types of shoulder rests, ask if they have a model you can try with your instrument before buying. Families should be aware that shoulder rests have to be replaced as a child grows and needs different sized instruments.
Metronome
All students must have a metronome that includes a reference pitch of A=440. A combination digital metronome and tuner is helpful for violin and viola students because it provides visual response for tuning. A digital tuner can also be bought separately when a family already owns a metronome. These can be bought online or at a local music store.
Beginning violin and viola students are required to bring their metronome to the first lesson.
Music Stand
Violin and viola students who aren’t beginners will need a music stand that is an appropriate height. A stand that does not allow a student to stand up straight while playing is too short. Suggestions for music stands can be found at http://www.sharmusic.com.
Beginning students may wait and buy a stand after they have mastered basic skills required to play their instrument while reading music.
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Books & Other Materials
Students should not buy materials unless they have been assigned.
Beginning violin and viola students will have the ISBN of the method book emailed to them. This book should be brought to the first lesson. Books can be bought online or at a local music store.
Students may be asked to buy a package of 4x6 index cards. These will be used to make flashcards. Please do not buy a prepackaged flashcard set. I prefer my students make their own flashcards as part of their learning process.
If a student has already studied with a particular method book or series, please bring them to the first lesson. Advanced students should bring music for the most recent work studied.
Violin and viola students are usually assigned a music theory workbook. This is dependent on the age and level of the student. Some of these workbooks are designed for beginning string players. The ISBN number will be emailed. Books can be bought online or at a local music store. Students assigned a music theory workbook should have it for their first lesson.
All students are required to have a notebook for lesson notes. Any type of notebook is acceptable as long as it is bound. Separate pieces of paper have a tendency to get lost.
Please have a pencil for marking music and completing workbook assignments.
Additional materials will be discussed as needed.
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Prospective Piano StudentsBeginners
Beginners should only request lessons if they can commit to at least four lessons in a row. This encourages good habits to develop on the piano from the start. Parents may be asked to attend lessons until I feel the child is able to practice productively on their own.
Beginning students should plan on 30 minute lessons. There may be instances where students are either very young or have extremely short attention spans. To help prepare these students for a 30 minute lesson, 15 minute lessons are offered as long as the student is consistently progressing. A parent should plan to attend all lessons and monitor practice time daily for any student who receives a 15 minute lesson.
Instrument
Everyone requesting piano lessons should make sure their piano is in good condition before beginning lessons. Owners of acoustic pianos who have not had their piano tuned recently should consult a professional piano tuner.
Students who need to buy or rent a piano should contact at least two local music stores before requesting lessons. Your teacher does not offer consultation for buying an instrument. Some helpful information on this topic can be found at http://marthabeth.com/rent_or_buy.html with more specific information on whether to buy a new or used piano at http://marthabeth.com/new_or_used.html. Do not buy a piano without hiring a registered piano technician to inspect it first.
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Electronic keyboards are a good alternative to an acoustic piano. Some helpful information on what students should look for in an electronic keyboard can be found at http://marthabeth.com/electronic_keyboard_features.html. Any electronic keyboard purchased should have at least 61 keys that are identical in width to those on a piano. An electronic keyboard set up like a piano will have 88 keys and 3 pedals, often resemble an upright piano and usually include a bench.
The best person to advise you in the care of your electronic keyboard is the dealer you bought it from. Recommendations for care and maintenance might also be included in the instructions.
Acoustic pianos need to be tuned periodically. These should never be placed against an outside wall or in an environment with quick changes in temperature. A professional piano tuner is the best person to advise you on the care of your acoustic piano.
Pianos used for daily practice must be kept in playable condition.
Students beginning lessons are welcome to email me a picture of their piano and bench setup. This picture allows me to make recommendations for good posture and body position for daily practice. I believe that it is important for students to develop good habits from the beginning.
Metronome
All students must have a metronome that includes a reference pitch of A=440. These can be bought online or at a local music store. A combination digital metronome and tuner is a great investment for those who might be learning an additional instrument in the future.
Beginning piano students are required to bring their metronome to the first lesson.
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Books & Other Materials
Students should not buy materials unless they have been assigned.
Students beginning piano will have book ISBNs emailed to them. The books are needed for the first lesson. The series of books I prefer has a workbook for music theory and a repertoire book. Books can be bought online or at a local music store.
Students may be asked to buy a package of 4x6 index cards. These will be used to make flashcards. Please do not buy a prepackaged flashcard set. I prefer my students make their own flashcards as part of their learning process.
If a student has already studied with a particular method book or series, please bring them to the first lesson. Advanced students should bring music for the most recent work studied.
Students are required to have a notebook for lesson notes. Any type of notebook is acceptable as long as it is bound. Separate pieces of paper have a tendency to get lost.
Please have a pencil for marking music and completing workbook assignments.
Additional materials will be discussed as needed.
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Requesting LessonsInformation Needed
It’s important to meet needs of every student I accept. Phone conversations are often used to determine these needs. I ask all prospective students to either email me or submit a lesson request form with the following information before calling. This is to ensure I can meet your scheduling needs before taking more of your time. Please send emails to [email protected]. Students should obtain rates and other information on renting/buying an instrument before submitting a request.
Name of Prospective Student: Phone Number:Age and/or Grade: (if applicable)Public, private or home school? (if applicable)Does anyone else in the home play an instrument?
What instrument would be studied?Will the student be a beginner?If not a beginner, how many years has the instrument been studied? If there were previous lessons, what was the length? (30, 45 or 60 minutes)What lesson length is being requested?
Is this request for an in-home or studio lesson?Please remember that an address is required for all in-home lesson requests.
What days of the week are best?What times of day are best? (use blocks of time such as 10am-1pm or 3-5pm)
Parents requesting lessons for their children should only list times they will be available to attend lessons. Those requesting in-home lessons should only list times that work year-round.
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If Schedules Match
An email will be sent listing possible lesson times. The email will also ask if you’d like a phone call and what times are best to call.
If Schedules Don’t Match
An email will be sent stating I’m unable to meet your scheduling needs.
Reserving a Lesson Time
Deposits will not be accepted until I have confirmed my availability.
A $25 deposit is required to reserve a lesson time. A deposit of $50 will be required for families with more than one student. The $50 deposit is also required for those requesting lessons on more than one instrument. This deposit partially reimburses your teacher for organizing your first lesson(s). An invoice will be emailed.
Deposits must be paid by check. Please see the payment section for details.
Lesson times are not reserved until a receipt (for the deposit check) has been emailed. Checks are not cashed until a lesson has been scheduled and attended.
Lesson times will not be held for more than four (4) weeks. This date will be listed on the receipt.
A student who schedules and attends a lesson within four (4) weeks will have their deposit applied toward their first incomplete month of lessons. The remaining balance for the first incomplete month of lessons is due at the beginning of the first lesson.
Written notification is required if the student decides not to take lessons. Notification must be emailed. The deposit check will be shredded if the email is received by the date listed on the receipt. Students who do not schedule and attend a lesson within four (4) weeks will lose their deposit. M i c h e l l e E d e l m a n ’ s P r i v a t e S t u d i o S t u d e n t / P a r e n t H a n d b o o k
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PracticingGeneral Guidelines
• The recommended amount of daily practice is discussed at the student’s first lesson. This is usually the same length as the student’s lesson.
• Parents who are requested to attend lessons should also practice with their child.
• All students should practice every day. Daily practice sessions help students progress faster. Ensemble rehearsals are not a substitute for individual daily practice.
• Students should plan to practice at the same time everyday. If the same time doesn’t work everyday, they should create a schedule. A few minutes of focused practice is better than skipping a day.
• Lesson notes should be reviewed at the beginning of each practice session. It is helpful for students to review and make additional notes after their lesson.
• Focus on improvement and problem-solving during practice, not the time remaining. Mental engagement during practice, not endless repetition, helps determine student success.
Special Notes for Violin & Viola Students
Violin and viola students who have been taught to tune their instruments should always tune at the beginning of each practice session. Please do not practice on an out-of-tune instrument.
In the event a violin or viola proves too difficult for a student to tune, I recommend taking it to a nearby shop or music store. There is rarely a charge for this service.
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Music Theory
Students with music theory workbook assignments are encouraged to complete a small portion of their assignment each day. This helps keep material fresh in the student’s mind. Questions about assignments should be asked before the next lesson.
Assigned music theory flashcards should be used daily. Please do not buy a set of prepackaged music flashcards. Students are expected to make their own flashcards. Beginning students may use the flashcards included with their method book. Whenever new flashcards are assigned, the student is required to bring them to the next lesson. All newly assigned flashcards should be completed two (2) days after the lesson.
Questions Outside of Scheduled Lesson Time
My goal is to answer all student questions by the end of each lesson. However, there may be times when extra help is needed before the next lesson. Students are encouraged to call or email with these questions. This encourages good communication and allows the student to progress. If I can’t help the student through email or over the phone, I’m aware of the issue and can help at the next lesson.
Parents are always welcome to call or email with questions about their child’s progress.
Assigned Listening & Attending Concerts
Some teachers regularly assign students to listen to recordings. There will be times that I may do this, but only for a short time and with a specific purpose. Students should not depend on recordings to learn assigned music.
In place of regularly assigned listening, students are encouraged to listen to all types of music and attend concerts. More advanced students are encouraged to listen to other works by the same composer.
KVNO, a radio station on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is recommended for listening to Classical music. Performances from orchestras around the world, along with many other fine programs are broadcast.
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Community Music ActivitiesGeneral Information
Students are encouraged to find and participate in community music activities. It is the student’s responsibility to meet registration deadlines and pay all fees related to these activities.
Auditions, competitions and festivals often require significant commitment from both student and teacher. Students should not register for any audition, competition or festival unless they have discussed it with their teacher first.
Community & School Ensembles
Community and school ensembles provide opportunities for musical teamwork. I am willing to help students with community and school ensemble music, but will not commit entire lessons. Student ensemble music is usually a level or two below that being studied in lessons. Simpler music reduces working memory load and allows the student to focus on watching the conductor, staying with their section, listening and playing in tune.
Parents should confirm a community ensemble has a qualified director and/or instructor with an appropriate degree before having their child participate.
Omaha Area Youth Orchestras provides excellent ensemble opportunities for violin and viola students. Violin and viola students may participate in ensembles beginning in fourth grade.
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Performance OpportunitiesImportance
Performance opportunities provide students with a goal. They also allow students to share their talents with others in the community. Participation in performance opportunities is only recommended when the student is likely to succeed.
Recitals & Other Similar Opportunities
Recitals are just one type of performance opportunity offered for students. Other performance opportunities might include small groups of students going to a senior living center or a few families gathering in someone’s home.
Scheduling
Recitals and other performance opportunities are scheduled for maximum student benefit. Performance opportunities are provided based on student readiness. This helps motivate students to practice consistently. Consistent practice builds student confidence and encourages steady progress.
My goal is to have all performance opportunities last less than an hour.
Smaller performance opportunities will be scheduled a month in advance. These might include a few families gathering in a home or a visit to a senior living center.
Larger performance opportunities will be scheduled two (2) months in advance. A recital is an example of larger performance opportunity.
Expectations for Students
Students should plan to participate in two (2) performance opportunities each year. Any student who wishes to participate in more than two (2) performance opportunities may do so if they are well-prepared.
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Performance opportunities will be assigned to students if they have not participated in two (2) performance opportunities and the student is available at the scheduled time.
• Piano students are expected to memorize their music.• Violin and viola students may be asked to memorize music.• Students who are performing duets will not be asked to memorize music.
Preparing for Performance Opportunities
Students should start using the following practice strategies two (2) weeks before a performance opportunity:
1.Play your piece at least once a day without stopping.
2.Have someone distract you while you perform your piece. Your goal is to not stop playing until you’ve finished the piece. This helps prepare you for possible distractions during performance.
3.Ask family or friends to be a practice audience. Practice announcing your piece, performing and bowing. Your teacher will provide information on announcing your piece, bowing, etc., when a performance opportunity is scheduled.
4.Perform your piece in the same clothing you plan to wear for the performance. Dress code is specified for each scheduled performance opportunity.
5.Practice performing your piece at the home of a friend, neighbor or relative. This helps you prepare for performing in a different environment. Piano students will have an opportunity to perform on a different instrument.
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ReferralsThe Greatest Compliment
One of the greatest compliments teachers receive from their students are referrals for new students. As a token of my gratitude, my students will receive a small gift card. There is a limit of one gift card per family for each successful student or family referral.
Discounted and free lessons are never offered because they reduce the value of tuition.
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GlossaryA) Ear training
“Ear training or aural skills is a skill by which musicians learn to identify, solely by hearing, pitches, intervals, melody, chords, rhythms, and other basic elements of music.” 3
B) Relative pitch
“The ability to identify the intervals between given tones, regardless of their relation to concert pitch (A = 440 Hz).” 4
C) Shoulder rest
“A shoulder rest, whatever its design, is an accessory to facilitate holding the violin (or viola). This can lighten the task of the left hand, enabling smoother and lighter shifting technique. All rests must make a compromise between violin (or viola) support and freedom (or flexibility in holding the violin or viola). There are a number of soft rests (generally anatomy friendly) and harder or rigid rests on the market.”5
D) Metronome
“A metronome is any device that produces regular, metrical ticks (beats, clicks) — settable in beats per minute. The metronome is used by musicians to help keep a steady tempo as they play, or to work on issues of irregular timing, or to help internalize a clear sense of timing and tempo.”6
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3 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_training.
4 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relative_pitch. This is a simplified definition.
5 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder_rest. Your teacher does not agree with all information in this article.
6 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronome. Your teacher does not agree with all information in this article.
E) A440 (pitch standard)
“A440, which has a frequency of 440 Hz, is the musical note A above middle C and serves as a general tuning standard for musical pitch.”7
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7 From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A440_(pitch_standard).
