Frequently Anticipated Questions
What is a webcam lesson?
A webcam lesson is a live private lesson that takes place online via webcam. It is exactly the same lesson as a local private lesson, except for the obvious difference of the teacher and student being in separate locations. Webcam lessons are private, secure, safe and fun, just like in–person lessons should be.
What is a local lesson?
A local lesson is a lesson in which the student physically appears in my studio. However, this would be practical only for students who live in the Des Moines Metro or Warren county. Students can begin local lessons at age 3.
Why should I consider webcam lessons? What are the benefits?
1. Save time -- you don't have to leave home and there are no weather–related cancellations to hassle with.
2. Save gas - is the nearest teacher 30 miles away?
3. Save money - consider the gas you're saving by not driving and waiting in traffic, the "treats" (er, bribes?) that you don't have to buy on the way home from lessons, the extra wear and tear on your car, and the sitter you don't have to hire for the younger kids.
4. If you or your child lives in an area where there is a teacher shortage or no one has an available opening, this could solve your dilemma.
5. You don't have to be a computer nerd to use a webcam.
Are there any age limits or restrictions?
My niche is adult students, but I accept beginners and transfer students as well. Having been an adult student who was mostly unsuccessful at finding teachers who were as willing to teach me as I was to learn from them, I am extremely sympathetic to the unique needs and circumstances of adult students and welcome them enthusiastically. Local students can begin lessons at age 3; webcam students can begin lessons in 4th grade.
What styles of violin playing do you teach?
At this time, I teach classical violin only. I use the Suzuki Violin School as the primary repertoire, supplemented as (or if) needed on an individual basis.
How many students do you have?
My studio enrollment varies because I don't require contracts. I had 19 students during the 2008-09 school year, 14 of whom were webcammers. As of January, 2010, I have seven webcammers and two inactives.
How much are lessons?
The fee chart is on the My Studio page.
I already have a violin teacher. Can I still take lessons from you?
Under most circumstances, I prefer not to teach students who are taking weekly private lessons with another teacher, unless the teacher has requested my opinion. Unless your current teacher is aware of the situation, it could be a conflict of interest (some teachers might even consider it unethical), not to mention embarrassing and uncomfortable.
What do I need to do to prepare for the first lesson?
If you are a parent and your child is beginning lessons:
If your child is between ages 3 and 9, at least one parent will need to register for my Parent Education Course. Parents of older students may want to take the course on a voluntary basis, just to get a "feel" for what to expect from lessons before we start. I've designed this course to address issues and concerns that are common to Suzuki–style learning. My students have been more successful at lessons as a result of this course. Parent Ed. can be done in-person in my studio, by mail or email, or via web conference.
The course is currently a combination of lecture, discussion, and parent lessons. Normally, after completion of the lecture/discussion part of the course, parents of 3-6 year olds will have weekly 30-minute private lessons with the child in attendance, who will receive part of the instruction time as s/he demonstrates readiness and eagerness to learn. As we all get to know each other and the child becomes comfortable, the child receives more of the lesson time. Depending on the child, it is expected to take six to nine months before the child takes over the entire lesson time. Older students will receive most of the lesson time when lessons start, but there may be times that the parent gets significant lesson time at important junctures in the learning experience.
Make sure you have purchased the listening CD for Suzuki Violin Schoool, Vol. 1 and listen to it as much as possible.
If you are an adult student:
You should be listening to Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 CD well before the first lesson. It is also helpful to have a general idea of where you want to be in a year or so. Dream big and we'll work on a plan to get you there.
What kind of equipment do I need for webcam lessons? I'm not very computer–savvy.
Webcam technology is easier to use than you might think. You'll need at minimum a computer, a webcam and and an internet connection. Beyond that, it's up to you how much you want to spend, or what kind of "experience" you want to have. I'm glad to answer questions or talk with you further via the contact link at the top of the page.
Which kind of lesson should I register for?
A 15- or 20-minute individual private lesson is intended for: beginners working up to the middle of Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1 who study via webcam from a school. This option is for institutional accounts only.
A 30-minute individual private lesson is intended for: all beginners, regardless of age; students studying from mid-book 1 through completion of Suzuki Violin School Vol. 2.
A 45-minute individual private lesson is intended for: students who have completed Suzuki Vol. 2; students who transfer to me from other teachers.
A 60-minute individual private lesson is intended for: advanced students (book 6 and higher) and students who would like extra lesson time to address specific issues in their playing (e.g., techniques, sight-reading, orchestra music, audition prep., etc.)
How do I sign up?
Check the Studio Calendar to make sure the lesson time you would like is available. Times are updated the same day they are filled. Green boxes mean the time is available. Red boxes are unavailable. Please also read the Studio Policies. Email me using the contact link at the top of this page and I'll send you an application. Please make sure to add me to your address book so that these emails are not filtered as junk.
If I'm doing webcam lessons, how do I pay?
All billing and payments for webcam lessons are processed through PayPal. Local students also have the option of paying by cash or personal check.
What is the cancellation policy?
I appreciate as much notice as possible if you have to miss a lesson (minimum 24 to 48 hours). Make-up lessons are scheduled only for illness or technical difficulties. There are no refunds for missed lessons. If I have to miss a lesson, I will notify you as far in advance as I can so that we can reschedule your lesson. If we can't reschedule, I will credit your account for that lesson.
In cases of inclement local weather or school cancellations, I am home and will teach anyone who shows up. Make-ups will be considered on an individual basis.
What about security? Will my child and I be safe during lessons?
I (and my husband, who is the resident computer genius) strongly encourage children to become comfortable and fluent with technology. However, technology can be confusing, scary and dangerous, especially when using webcams. The safety of your children is my first and foremost concern.
To protect your child's safety and mine, lessons will utilize multiple age-appropriate levels of security. Please understand that this is to protect all of us should it become necessary. This procedure is not negotiable. Parents must agree to this policy during the registration process.
A parent, grandparent, school teacher or other guardian/custodian of students under the age of 13 will be required to be in my view of the webcam for the entirely of the lesson, at least until we get to know each other really well. I often address comments and instructions to the adult during the lesson, so this is as much for function as it is for security.
Parents of students aged 13 and above are requested to be nearby or available during the lesson, but are not required to be in camera shot. Students in this age group are expected to take their own lesson notes and mark their music as needed, so they understand the assignments, if an adult is not available to help during the lesson. Parents who cannot attend lessons will receive regular progress reports.
The lesson may be recorded on my end. If a lesson is recorded, a copy will be provided to you at no charge. You are also welcome to do your own recording on your own equipment if you like.