Where do I buy music and supplies?
What can I get out of playing the violin?
Do I really have to practice every day I eat?
What if nobody in my family does music and I can’t carry a tune?
What sort of supplies do I need?
What age can I start?
Should I play violin just to make my parents happy?
Can my mom or dad help me with practicing, even if s/he isn’t a musician?
I want to grow up to be on the Yankees, not a violinist; I know that some students actually want to be professional violinists. Can we both benefit from lessons with you?
Your local music store is a great resource!
In New Haven, you can go to Foundry Music: www.foundrymusicco.com
In New York, for music, I like the Juilliard bookstore: www.bookstore.juilliard.edu and Frank Music Company: www.frankmusiccompany.com and for supplies, I go to Strings and Other Things: www.stringsandotherthings.com. You can also get lots of strings and other supplies at the major violin shops in the city.
If you prefer to go online, there are lots of choices. For music:
For strings and supplies:
I really feel that my students gain so much more than the ability to play the violin and an understanding of music, two wonderful assets already in themselves. You will realize that if you work on something, week in and week out, that seemingly impossible things become possible. You will hear pieces to strive for, and feel how far you have come when you hear and see other students in the beginning stages. You will develop a sense of community with other violin students that is beautiful to see.
My rule is to practice every day that you eat. I know how busy we all get, and, of course, schoolwork is the highest priority. However, the violin, like most things, will be more fun if you put the work in. If you don’t practice, you won’t progress, you’ll (probably) feel guilty, you’ll stagnate, and you’ll get bored. If you practice, the sky is the limit! Seriously!
Don’t worry. You probably have more talent than you think, and even if you don’t, I PROMISE that if you practice, you WILL become a violinist!
A violin and bow, rosin, the music we work on, a notebook, a pencil, sponge/shoulder rest, and a music stand. You can rent the instrument until you are ready to buy. Eventually, you will need a metronome, an extra set of strings, and to replace your rosin.
You can start anytime! But if you want to study violin with me, I don’t accept children under 5 years of age. If you can concentrate for at least 30 minutes, you can start start violin.