What You'll Need
Students will need to either rent or buy an instrument (please no electric or left handed violins) to take lessons. You may rent or buy a violin from a violin dealer, also, affordable loaner violins are available from StringSchool (please select "With Loaner" when signing up for class).
Students wishing to buy an instrument should simply search the phone book for the nearest stringed instrument store (search maps with the query "Violin Dealers" or "Musical Instruments.") All instruments at the beginning stage are of about the same quality with some variation in the quality of materials. It is recommended that you buy from a violin shop/well established music store: beware of dealers that do not seem to specialize in stringed instruments.
If you're going to buy an instrument, you'll be good to start with a violin that is $250-$600. On auction sites and from some online dealers you'll be able to find violins for around and under $200 (which may be too good to be true—though it is possible to find a working violin for $200 and below, it is not recommended, many bargain instruments have structural problems and produce terrible tone.) Do the usual checks if buying online, and make sure the instrument is in playable condition needing no repair. Adult students will need a 4/4 or full-size violin.
A note about fingernails...kind of a strange thing to consider, BUT some students have been unable to part with their long fingernails so everyone should know: if you have long nails, taking this course will require that you trim them very short. (It's not possible to have good left and right hand position without short nails.)
About Your Teacher
Over the past years, I've been delighted to help people make violin and viola playing a part of their lives. I've been teaching for over 30 years in Seattle and Olympia Washington, Eugene Oregon, and in New York City. While in Eugene I taught for the 4J School District as an orchestra director and conducted sectionals and auditions for the Eugene Youth Symphony. I've also been on the faculty of the Suzuki Institute of Seattle, Tacoma Youth Symphony Music Camp and director of the Thalia Olympic Music Camp. MORE
I wish to build a school that offers music education for adults. This school is to have various programs for all stages in one's musical development. It is my goal to create such a school that says: "It is never too late to start. It is never too late to experience, and create music."
It is my belief that the arts are interrelated and when given an insights into music making, these insights can lend a fresh approach to other processes. Playing an instrument is not merely learning technique or faithful reproduction of pieces, it can be a diving board for an exciting journey into self discovery through the world of the arts: composers, musicians, dance, theater, visual art and literature. I hope to pass this feeling of a inter-relatedness on to my students and to give my students something to take home in their hearts.
It gives me great joy to teach and to see my students discover and grow.
Ed Davis
Tuition
Please note that missing class is not recommended and you will need to practice outside of class! As every class builds one upon another, if you anticipate missing a class, you may schedule a private make-up lesson to keep current with the group.
Our session includes eight 1-hour group classes and one private lesson.
Reservation/Partial Tuition:
$135
Tuition Remainder, Due by First Class:
$160*
TOTAL TUITION: $295
Loaner Violin: $60**
* $160 by check or cash, $166 by credit card.
** If you are interested in renting a violin for the course, please select "loaner violin" when enrolling. Students may use and take home loaner violins for the duration of the course. This one-time fee covers the loaner for an entire 8 week session.
As these are group lessons with limited class size and a meeting space provided, please commit to the full session in which you wish to be enrolled. Fees for the session are not refunded for missing class or discontinuing for any reason.
Meeting Place
939 Eighth Avenue, 3rd Floor, buzz #202 or #307 for entrance to the building.
Subways A, B, C, D, or 1 to 59th Street Columbus Circle.
FAQs
Do I need to know how to read music to take this class?
No, we'll be using a simplified notation that will allow us to focus on playing.
How long are the lessons and how many students are there in class?
Classes meet once a week for 8 weeks, and each class is about 1 hour in length. This course also includes one 30 minute private lesson. Classes are limited to 5-9 students.
How much will I learn in this class?
We are able to cover stance, holding the instrument and bow, basic bowing and rhythm, fingering and about 4 songs with our first song containing variations.
I have had a month of lessons with another teacher, is this class for me?
If you have had a few lessons, it is still recommended to take this beginner course as we do cover fundamentals. If you have had more than 3 months of lessons,
please write and describe your experience—you may be eligible to join a class that is further along.
Work sometimes will keep me late, what if I have to miss class?
Students who miss class should
schedule a make-up lesson to stay current with the class. Lessons outside of class are a great way to stay current or to have extra help from time to time.
After this class, will I be able to continue where I left off?
Yes! Ongoing classes will be offered so long as there are enough students interested in moving forward. Continuing classes may be scheduled at a different time.
If I rent a loaner violin, can I take it home?
Yes, you'll need to practice of course! Loaner violins can be kept for the whole session and the rental fee covers the loaner for the entire 8 weeks of class.
