Together we will develop and support your passion for music, and the ability to focus and creatively problem solve. We will use the Suzuki Violin School as the basis for our lessons, learning such songs as Twinkle Little Star, Lightly Row and Minuet 1 among others. I also welcome students to request songs that they like from other genres such as film scores, pop or rock songs. For example, a student of mine recently learned "My Heart Will Go On" from the Titanic. The curriculum will vary depending on the age and level of the student, but the general learning objectives will remain the same- to gain an appreciation for music and conquer progress goals week after week. 

At first our lessons will be about...

♫ Proper Playing Position
♫ Holding the Violin and Bow
♫ The Roles of the Right and Left Hands 
♫ The Names of the Violin and Bow Parts and Their Functions (ex. Tailpiece, Fine Tuners)
♫ Open Strings
♫ Playing With Our First and Second Fingers 
♫ Recognizing Basic Rhythms 
♫ How to Tune Your Violin
♫ Learning "Hot Cross Buns" and "Twinkle Little Star"

After 1-2 months of lessons our learning objectives may look more like...

♫Learning Basic Songs From Suzuki Violin Vol. 1, or other Independent Methods
♫ Performing For Others 
♫ Developing a Beautiful Sound
♫ Musical Phrasing
♫ Note Reading
♫ Mindful Practice
♫ Active Listening 
♫ Tonal Awareness
♫ Introduction to Improvisation

♫ Masters of Music from the University of Ottawa
♫ Over 20 Years Playing Experience
♫ Over 10 Years Teaching Experience
♫ Played Professionally with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, National Academy Orchestra and Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra

Homework Offered
Homework will consist of individual practice at home throughout the week with the help of a parent, caregiver, or older sibling if necessary. For beginners I recommend a minimum of 15 minutes of violin practice per day. For intermediate-advanced students a minimum of 30 minutes per day is recommended. 
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Learner process is assessed by observing their engagement in the class, and their progress on the instrument. There is no official letter grades assigned. Instead I will offer consistent and ongoing feedback to the student that is helpful, supportive and practical. Students are encouraged to write notes and set practice goals for the week. Parents will be kept up to date on the progress of the lessons, and sent any materials necessary for the student's practice that week. 
Grades Offered

Suzuki Violin Method Book 1