Burnham Violin Studio
About
I have been teaching for 3 years using the Suzuki method.
Most of my students have been 5-13 years old and beginners, but I would love to teach any age! I am also able to teach up through Suzuki book 3.
I have been playing violin for 10 years and love it! I want to help create the excitement I feel for this instrument in others.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When starting a new student, I have a trial lesson. This lesson allows parents and students to see how I teach and if I will be a good fit for them. It also allows me to see what the student already knows related to both the violin and music in general and gives me a good starting point to prepare the first lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I learned violin through the Suzuki method and when I completed the final book, book 10, I took a training course in how to teach book 1. I plan on taking the courses for the other books as well.
I have taken music theory courses in college as well and use this to help teach my students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $60/month. This includes four 30 minute private lessons and one 45 minute group lesson. Depending on the student's level, I might recommend a longer lesson time every week. This would be a little bit more expensive but is completely optional. If the student would like me to come to their home I also charge a small additional fee usually around $5.
How did you get started teaching?
My violin teacher recommended I teach as well when I was nearly finished with the Suzuki books. She helped me audition for a training course, and I loved it! My first student was a 12 year old girl from my neighborhood, and I've slowly gotten more students since then.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students ages 5-13. They all were in the first book of the Suzuki method. Some of them had previously taken lessons, but some were brand new and hadn't had any music lessons at all.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had a student who was very shy and would barely say two words to me during the lesson. I had a hard time connecting with them and making it enjoyable for them. One day before the lesson I was talking with the student about how school was going, and we found out we had a lot of interests in common! From that lesson on they were my most chatty student!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the teacher is a good fit for you. Some teachers are more demanding than others and require more time and effort than you feel you can put in. Both from the student and from their parent if they are a child.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What pace do I want to go at? Do I want to dive right in and start rigorous practicing and have more demanding lessons, or do I want to start slowly and have it be more relaxed?
What experience with music do I already have? Sometimes people forget to mention they have played another instrument, or that they know note reading or some theory and I end up teaching them things they already know! Refreshers are never bad, but it can be boring for the student if they already know these things!
What time commitment am I willing to put in? How much practice time can I have every week?