Brenna Bast Violin Studio
About
I teach violin lessons to students ranging in age from 4-adult and from skill level of beginner-advanced.
Lesson plans are prepared individually to ensure they meet the needs and skill set of the student.The goals of the lesson plans are to: Motivate home-practice, improve technique, improve posture,advance in repertoire, learn music theory, obtain performance skills, learn patience, and internalizeeffective home-practice methods.
I love working with different students and their different goals / skillsets. It's rewarding to me to see students progress in repertoire and skillset, and practice the discipline needed to play an instrument.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We will spend the first few lessons discussing goals, past experience with the violin, and working through some basics like posture and technique. From there, we will work to expand skills and repertoire.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taught lessons through my own studio since 2010 and have taught violin through City Strings since 2018.
My background includes study with Roger Frisch of the Minnesota Orchestra, Joan Covington of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, and concertmaster of the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 Minutes: $25 per lesson
45 Minutes: $37.50 per lesson
60 Minutes: $45 per hour
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in my hometown when I noticed the shortage of private violin teachers in the area. From there, I continued teaching because I found the process rewarding, I enjoy teaching people how to play, and I discovered that teaching makes you a better player.
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my students range from suzuki repertoire of about books 1 through 5.
The studio is well rounded and includes kids as young as 4 with a more strict Suzuki methodology, and adult students who are learning to play as a hobby.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had a student recently who has been struggling with shaky, wobbly sound due to tension in his bow hand. It was really rewarding to see him work through that and to help him identify what was causing the tension and a solution.
It's especially rewarding to ensure that even without me being there, he now has an efficient way to identify and resolve it in home-practice.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask for 2-4 lessons with the teacher as a sort of trial run to see if the student and teacher are a good match.
A good teacher is one that the student doesn't dread seeing (that's a big red flag), that the student feels safe with, and that improvements can be seen in playing within the first 2-4 lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What is your commitment to the instrument? (Hobby, professional goals, casual interest, music advanced education goals, etc.)
2. Is your teacher willing to work with you on your level of committment and ability to practice?