Lionel Thomas Artist-Teacher
About
Welcome to violin instruction by Lionel Thomas, Artist-Teacher. Still early in his teaching career, Mr. Thomas has already taught hundreds of students. Families and students serious about receiving quality violin instruction will find it in the depth of Lionel's pedagogical knowledge and his flexible teaching style.
I enjoy being able to share my many years of musical experience with students and their families. Most importantly, I am rewarded by seeing the progress of my students and how this increases their enjoyment of the violin.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In violin lessons, whether in person or online, my teaching helps to make students feel welcome, challenged, and engaged. These three elements help in achieving optimal progress. Inquire about joining a violin studio where your progress is of the utmost importance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Violinist Lionel Thomas graduated with a Master of Music degree from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. He received his Bachelor of Music cum laude and completed two years of doctoral studies at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. Mr. Thomas has taught and studied internationally, and is a registered Suzuki teacher for books 1 through 6, 9, and 10. He currently has a private studio in Newark, Delaware.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Individual Lessons
Individualized lessons are best-suited for any student who would like to experience quality and rapid progress. One-on-one lessons with Lionel are great for beginners all the way up through advanced players and adults.
Fees for both Suzuki Method and Traditional violin lessons start at $30/30mins, $45/45mins, $60/60mins.
Group Lessons
Anywhere from 3 all the way up through 20 students can make up a violin group class! These classes are designed to be more performance-oriented with focus on playing as many songs as you know. Both child and adult group lessons will be offered.
Fee is $10/class for each participating student. Each group class is 45 minutes. Minimum of 3 students required for all group classes.
Music Theory and Ear Training
Classes and specifics geared towards sharpening musical skills beyond playing violin. Music theory is concerned with musical structure, form, and notation. Aural skills is focused on training and developing the ear in an effort to better perceive and produce musical sound.
Music theory and ear training classes are 45 minutes and $20/class for each participating student.
Audition Preparation
Offered by request only. A package of four to six lessons with the sole purpose of performing at an audition, competition, or very important event. Students and families wishing to pursue this option may request more than one lesson in a single week. Not advisable for young or beginning students. Intense lessons best suited for advanced students.
Audition preparation packages start at four lessons for $240.
How did you get started teaching?
I first began teaching private violin lessons as a high school student in my small town of Klamath Falls, Oregon.
During college, I pursued Suzuki teacher training which helped me to become a much better and professional teacher able to teach very young students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I enjoy teaching Suzuki and Traditional violin to students of all ages. Since I began teaching over a decade ago, my youngest student was 2.5 years old and my most senior student was in their 70s!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Almost two years ago I had the opportunity to perform L'Histoire du Soldat (The Soilder's Tale) by Igor Stravinsky.
This piece is written for an odd combination of instruments including violin, double bass, clarinet, basson, trumpet, percussion, and trombone.
I enjoyed the story behind the music and the constantly changing rhythms throughout.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It is most important that a student trust and feel comfortable with a teacher. Oftentimes, students and teachers will work together for a number of years.
Sometimes the most famous and world-renowed teacher may not be the best fit for a student seeking musical instuction as a means of enrichment.
Also, it is important to choose a teacher who knows how to teach well AND perform well. Beware of teachers who can barely make a good sound on their instrument. It is okay to ask a teacher to play for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It is important that students be comfortable with the instrument they are playing and with the level of music they are studying. Also, seek you teacher's advice regarding your own musical goals and interests.