Semi-Private Music Lesson - Learn an Instrument in a Friendly Small Group
Learn to play an instrument with a small group. Perfect for siblings, learning pods, or anyone who is not ready for 1:1 private lessons. Choose from violin, fiddle, viola, cello, guitar, banjo, or mandolin.
SRS Music & STEAM
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(25)
What's included
8 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Are you ready to learn an instrument? Choose from violin, fiddle, viola, cello, guitar, banjo, or mandolin! Do you want to improve your playing and musicianship in a fun and friendly group? Get feedback and encouragement on your playing with an enthusiastic teacher. This semi-private class is perfect for siblings or learning pods. Anyone who feels more comfortable learning with a group will fit right in! You'll be learning with the same people each week and building a community of musicians. Plus, this format supports most charter funds. This class is learner-directed. Your teacher will adapt and adjust lessons to create a just-right pace for you. You'll learn new pieces and music based on your level and interest. In each class, you can expect to start with a review and check-in to see how you are progressing. You can ask questions about the previous class. Next, you'll work together with your teacher on a focus lesson or skill. You'll share a "victory lap" at the end of the lesson, when each musician can play for the group. While these classes are learner-directed, beginners can expect the following lessons: 🎻Class 1 - Taking Care of Your Instrument Name the parts of the instrument and how they function. Learn how to care for your instrument. Learn how to tune your instrument and keep it in good playing condition. 🎻Class 2 - Posture and String Names Practice holding your instrument correctly and use good posture. Learn string names and the correct way to pluck the instrument. Try counting and plucking different rhythms. 🎻Class 3 - Rhythms and Rhythm Games Learn how to care for and hold a bow or pick correctly and how to create good tone. Try some rhythm games and exercises. 🎻Class 4 - Making Music Putting it all together - using a bow or pick while holding the instrument at the same time! Practice a variety of different movements and rhythms to produce a beautiful tone. Practice keeping your bow or pick in the correct location on the strings. 🎻Class 5 - Notes and Scales Learn to play your first scales and chords. Complete a listening activity - how to tell if you are in tune. Practice your scales with the different rhythms we've learned. 🎻Class 6 - Learn Your First Tune Learn to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or other simple tune. Listen for the scale within the songs and play with the rhythms you've learned. 🎻Class 7 - Try a New Genre Learn to play Boil ‘em Cabbage Down, an old-time fiddle tune. Listen for the scale within the songs and play with the rhythms you've learned. 🎻Class 8 - Curriculum Connections Plan with the group for continued learning. Set goals and select songs and curriculum for teacher guidance. Start learning to read music and explore music theory concepts. Continue practicing your songs and skills. Learners are welcome to enroll in multiple sessions of this class. As you advance and your teacher gets to know you, you'll work on intermediate skills and songs. ***All learners participating in a small-group lesson must play the same instrument. After you enroll, please send a message sharing which instrument you would like to learn.*** Instruction on different instruments is available on the following schedule: MONDAYS: violin, viola, or cello TUESDAYS: violin, viola, cello, mandolin, guitar, banjo WEDNESDAYS: violin, viola, or cello THURSDAYS: violin, viola, or cello FRIDAYS: violin, viola, or cello
Learning Goals
Students will learn proper posture and playing technique for their instrument. Students will learn techniques and exercises for improving playing posture and tone on their instruments. Students will learn their first scales and songs. Advancing musicians will build repertoire and develop intermediate skills.
Other Details
Supply List
Violin and bow in good playing condition. Rosin for the bow. Shoulder rest. Tuner or tuning app.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2022
4.9
25reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from Marymount University
Master's Degree in Music from Florida State University
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Cleveland Institute of Music
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Converse College
Stacey Rae Sinclair is a lifelong musician with the heart of a teacher. She is a certified teacher with a master's degree in education. Over her 15 years of teaching, she has taught private lessons, workshops, and camps. Stacey Rae Sinclair is a successful teacher on Outschool. Since September of 2020, she has been in good standing, with a 5-star rating. She founded Stacey Rae Sinclair Music (SRS Music & STEAM) to help fill the consistent demand for 1:1 violin lessons, fiddle classes, and more. Her mission is to bring a love of learning and joy for music to all her learners.
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Bodhi Bryan-Roig has a huge passion for music. He has been playing the violin for over 10 years and the guitar for over 7 years. He wants to share his passion for music with others. He hopes to inspire kids to pick up and continue to play the violin, an instrument he immediately fell in love with. Bodhi studied classical violin under Stacey Rae Sinclair. He is ideally suited to join the SRS Music team, with the perfect combination of musical skills and teaching philosophy. When teaching, he always focuses on the things learners are doing right. He gives encouragement and advice through positive feedback.
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Chris Jones is a lifelong musician and multi-instrumentalist. He began learning Suzuki Cello at 3 years old and picked up violin in grade school. After discovering an old mandolin in a closet, Chris fell in love with the instrument and learned bluegrass and folk music. From there, he went on to learn guitar, banjo, and piano as part of his continuing music studies.
Chris earned his Doctorate in Music from West Virginia University. He has taught music as a visiting assistant professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College, teaching applied instrumental lessons in guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, and fiddle. He also founded the West Virginia Wesleyan Appalachian ensemble and taught music theory, ear training, music history, and general education courses in music appreciation. Chris is a talented educator who makes learning music fun and accessible for students of all ages and skill levels. With his breadth of knowledge and expertise on several instruments, he is sure to be a great fit for your young musician.
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Julia Seaton loves helping students find joy in music and accomplish their goals! She has taught violin since 2015 and beginning piano since 2017, and she currently performs in concerts with the Oxford Sinfonia. Julia holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Honors Humanities. Her primary violin teachers include Emma McGrath and Alex Russell, and she has performed in orchestras and chamber ensembles under Christopher Russell, Marek Szpakiewicz, Gerry Marsh, Yuki Mori, and Mark Gasbarro. Julia always adjusts her teaching curricula to support each individual student on their unique musical journey. Her mission with every student is to foster a love of music through a blend of challenge and adaptability.
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Kimberly Testa has been a music educator for the past 3 decades. She holds several state teaching certificates, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Her education includes a BM from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a MA from Stony Brook University. Maintaining a focus on classical string and piano instruction, Kim’s primary instruments are violin, viola, and piano, as well as secondary instruments that include cello and acoustic upright string bass and voice.
In the early 90’s Kim started her teaching career in New York Public Schools. During that time, Kim taught full-time, performed in a band and community orchestras regularly, adjudicated NYSSMA, LISFA and SCMEA music festivals, and taught privately. After moving to Los Angeles, CA in 1999, Kim started her own private studio, catering to clients in the greater Los Angeles area. She also worked with a private music company that provided music instruction for private and public schools. Kim continued to study, teach and perform regularly until 2005, when she started a family. In 2010 Kim moved to the Boston, MA area. She continued to teach privately on violin, viola, cello and piano, and joined the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra and several other performing groups. In 2016, Kim returned to the public school system and taught in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Now settled in Florida, she maintains a private music studio.
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Live Group Class
$25
weekly or $200 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
25 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
1-4 learners per class
