Cost of Lessons

Pricing

Who Can Take Lessons?

Violin and viola students at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, ages 6 and up (though students under 6 who show signs of readiness may be considered).

Location

Lena’s home studio on the east side of Carmel, IN, close to Inlow Park. Exact address will be provided once the student schedules the first lesson.

Lesson Schedules

Lessons will take place at a regularly scheduled time, once per week. Students who must miss their regular lesson may be able to schedule a make-up lesson if Lena's schedule allows. Summer and holiday schedules are more flexible to allow for traveling and camps.

Length of Lessons

The length of the lesson can range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, and should depend on the age and level of the student. Recommended lesson lengths:

  • 30 minutes: for some beginning violin and viola students, especially those under 7

  • 45 minutes: Usually best for beginning and intermediate violin and viola students

  • 60 minutes: intermediate and advanced violin and viola students

Required Supplies

  • Violin books, as decided by the teacher

  • Violin and bow (not required for the first lesson)

  • Violin accessories, such as rosin, shoulder rests, and music stands

Beginner Lessons

Beginning strings students will learn proper playing position and how to care for their instruments. Early lessons will focus on drawing the bow across the strings. After a few months, students are ready to add the left hand fingers. Students will be taught basic rhythms and music theory, and how to read music. Lessons will draw primarily from the following materials:

  • The Sassmannshaus Tradition: Early Start on the Violin, Volume I and II

  • The Young Violinist's Repertoire Book, by Paul de Keyser

  • Solos for the Young Violinist, Barbara Boxer

INtermediate Lessons

Intermediate strings students will work on developing tone production, vibrato, shifting, and a variety of bow strokes. They will also learn scales, arpeggios, and etudes in a variety of keys. Students who wish to apply for county and all-state orchestras will receive coaching for the auditions. Lessons will draw from the following materials:

  • Etudes by Wohlfahrt, Mazas, Trott, and Kayser

  • Solos for the Young Violinist, Barbara Boxer

  • The Sassmannshaus Tradition: Volume III and IV

  • The Suzuki Violin School, Volume IV, V, VI

  • Selections from the standard violin and viola repertoire

Advanced Lessons

Advanced string students will learn to play scales, arpeggios, and double stops in all keys. They will also study advanced etudes and expand their repertoire. Students will be prepared to audition into county and all-state orchestras, music festivals, and competitions. Lessons may draw from the following materials:

  • Bach, 6 Sonatas and Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin

  • Kreutzer, 42 Etudes and Caprices

  • Dont, 24 Etudes and Caprices

  • Paganini, 24 Caprices

  • Concertos, sonatas, and concert pieces from the standard string repertoire