Josie Long Violin Studio

It is important for me to have a mutual understanding of expectations before lessons begin with a new student. We will discuss payment and policies. We have conversation about the student’s background, experience, and goals. The student will then go through a few evaluations to determine skill level.  Once goals have been determined and I have determined the skill level, I develop a learning plan for the student. The learning plan is built around milestones and will determine what will be covered in lessons as well as in individual practice.

In addition to being a solo violinist and recording artist, I have been teaching private violin lessons, clinics, and workshops since 2017. I started taking violin lessons at age five and later attended rigorous summer music conservatories, performed in community symphonies, and founded my own professional violin duo - all before graduating high school. I was accepted to the School of Music at Brigham Young University on scholarship, where I pursued a degree in Violin Performance under the direction of Monte Belknap. I performed in the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra and various BYU Chamber Ensembles and was featured in BYU Magazine and BYU-TV in 2010. Additionally, I was the featured guest soloist for BYU’s University Accessibility Center Annual Banquet (2011) and LDS Philanthropies Banquet (2012). I performed as a solo violinist and was recruited for studio recording projects such as EPs, commercials, demos, etc. Later, in 2014, I was the featured soloist in “Demons” YouTube music cover with Mimi Knowles and Jake Justice. A full list of notable performances and honors/accomplishments can be found on my website www.josielongviolin.com/about-josie-long

At Josie Long Violin Studio, a variety of lesson time slots are available depending on the level and age of the student. Before the student's first lesson, we will discuss what an appropriate lesson length would be. In the event that there are five (5) lessons in a month, you will not be charged extra for the 5th week. 

Please note that tuition does not pay for materials (i.e. Studio Practice Notebook, sheet music, etc.) or recital fees ($10/family) that are outside the weekly lessons. *Note: Students ages 10 and under must have a parent/guardian present at their lessons, unless otherwise discussed. 

Monthly Tuition:​

• 30-minute lessons: $100.00 

• 45-minute lessons: $150.00

• 60-minute lessons: $200.00

Since 2007, I have taught private violin lessons, clinics, and workshops. I started teaching in the Bosie, ID area and later in San Diego.  It has been my goal to create a supportive learning environment for students of all ages and abilities. Over the course of my life, I have had innumerable experiences in which music has blessed my life and the lives of others. Teaching is just one way of giving back.

I have worked with students from various backgrounds and skill levels.  I’ve had young beginners and young advance students. I likewise have had older beginners and older advanced students.

1. Fit is very important.  Everyone has their own learning style and the teacher you choose should be a good match for you.

2. Make sure you know what your goals and expectations are for yourself and your teacher.  Communicate those expectations to your teacher. It is important that you both are on the same page.  Teachers, students, and parents have different roles, but you should all be working towards the same goal. Create an outline or list what your goals are and save them so it will be easy to edit, update, and share.

3. Look at your teacher’s experience.  A good violin instructor should have teaching and performance experience.  Performance experience is especially important and professional experience is even better.  Violin instructors with this kind of experience are able to offer personal experience and insights and guidance.

4. Be clear about what you are expected to pay (what it covers).  Nothing is more uncomfortable for a teacher or student/parent than disagreements about payment.  Be upfront with questions about what lesson fees cover. Ask about recitals, practice books, late fees, and other charges that may come up.  

5. Find out what opportunities there are to play and perform.  Do students perform or have recitals throughout the year?

6. Know what materials, books, etc. the teacher requires and recommends.

Students should ask themselves what their goals and expectations are for their lessons and teachers.  What progress do they hope to make and when do they expect to make it by? What role do they want their teacher to have in their lessons and how do they want their help in progressing?