Small Group Lesson PODs - NEW!
Before Covid-19, it was difficult to compete with the meaningfulness of in-person private lessons. However, the advent of online teaching has opened up a world of possibility and new developments in string teaching. In fact, enormous benefits have presented themselves including creating access for violin lessons to students who might not have been able to take them before for a wide variety of reasons.
FALL 2020
POD Half-SESSION I: AUGUST 24 through OCTOBER 16, 2020 (8 lesson weeks)
POD Half-SESSION II: OCTOBER 19 through DECEMBER 18, 2020 (8 lesson weeks, including 1 week Fall break)
POD Full-SESSION: AUGUST 24 through DECEMBER 18, 2020 (16 lesson weeks, including 1 week Fall break)
SPRING 2020
Dates for Session III & IV will be announced later in the year.
Limited to four students per "Pod", Small Group Lesson Pods are designed to accelerate each student's technical and musical violinistic abilities through individual attention and group work. They function just like regular lessons with the added bonus of integrated masterclass-style learning. Not only does each student receive personal instruction, they also learn from watching and hearing others on a weekly basis.
Students within each Pod are matched ability-wise so that their musical assignments are similarly paired.
Over the course of a Half-Session, Pods meet 7 times for 70-minute lessons. The 7 weeks are broken down into two 3-week foci on specific technical and musical violin topics. For example (and depending on the Pod), Session I & II includes multi-week sessions on:
All materials for Small Group Lesson Pods are provided each week. Every student will also receive weekly individualized written feedback in addition to live lessons.
Students registering for the Full-Session (I&II) benefit from 14 weekly 70-minute lessons and 2 35-minute individual private lessons.
WHO is this for?
Small Group Lesson Pods are for intermediate through advanced students who have been playing for at least three years. While students will be matched with others of similar abilities, there should be at least some exposure to shifting and higher positions, basic rhythmic complexity, scale study in up to a minimum of three sharps/three flats, and vibrato fundamentals. This does not mean these topics need to be mastered! The key words are "exposed to".
**Specific age is also not a requirement in this lesson program, but please note that these lessons are not intended for beginning-level violin students.**
WHERE and WHEN do Small Group Lessons happen?
Pods meet for lessons on Zoom. In early August, a recurring dedicated time will be set for lessons. They will meet on weekdays outside of regular school hours (whether online or in-person) in the afternoon or early evening. If enough students register who have availability during the normal school day, late morning or early afternoon times will be thoroughly considered.
HOW many Pods are there?
For the upcoming Session I & II, there will be only three Pods available to accommodate varying levels of students.
WHAT do I need?
You will need access to a laptop, computer, or electronic device with a camera/webcam that supports Zoom as well as a stable internet connection. While not required, it is highly suggested that you have an external mic. It does not need to be fancy or expensive; the majority of external mics allow for much more clarity of sound compared to onboard mics; this helps the teacher truly hear your tone and pitch and be able to offer accurate live feedback.
WHY is this for me?
Perhaps you have never taken private lessons before but truly want to get better, or maybe you have been unable to afford the cost of individual private lessons with a master teacher, or you have worried about taking lessons by yourself and don't know what it's like... This may provide you with the experience and encouragement or simply allow access to individualized violin teaching.
COST & DETAILS
Broken down, lesson fees are:
SESSION I: (7) 70min-Small-Group-Lessons/$40/student & (1) 35min-Individual-Private-Lesson/$40/student
SESSION II: (7) 70min-Small-Group-Lessons/$40/student & (1) 35min-Individual-Private-Lesson/$40/student
BOTH SESSIONS: (14) 70min-Small-Group-Lessons/$40/student & (2) 35min-Individual-Private-Lessons/$40/student
Three payment plans are available:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to live in a particular place to take lessons?
No! Since Small Group Lesson Pods meet online, there is no requirement on location. However, all lessons will be taught given consideration to afternoon/evening availability on Eastern Time.
I want to take Group POD lessons with a friend (or friends). Can I do this?
Absolutely. When registering, please indicate the specific names of your friends with which you'd like to be placed in a Pod. However, each Pod is limited to only four students. This is also a great way to meet and make new musically like-minded friends so consider signing up without specific requests as well!
How do I get into a Pod that is right for me?
Through the registration page on this website, you will also be asked to submit a short video of you playing a scale and any piece (or even etude) that you'd like. This is NOT an audition! This is simply so you can be matched with others who have similar abilities. Additionally, the questions on the registration page help to aid in placement.
Can I jump in during the middle of the Session (semester)?
No. Unfortunately, each week builds upon the learning that happened in the previous lesson. Students also support/learn from each other and that would potentially disrupt the flow of the Session. You can certainly sign up for the next Session beginning in January of 2021!
What if I have to miss a lesson for some reason?
It is always understandable that things come up in a given week, even when it's just a cold. It's highly suggested that you schedule any avoidable conflicts around your lessons. In the event something urgent comes up last minute, all Small Group Lessons are recorded and will be shared with you as needed. These will be password protected and not viewable by others.
Please feel free to email with any questions and I am happy to set up a Zoom video consultation. You can register HERE.
FALL 2020
POD Half-SESSION I: AUGUST 24 through OCTOBER 16, 2020 (8 lesson weeks)
POD Half-SESSION II: OCTOBER 19 through DECEMBER 18, 2020 (8 lesson weeks, including 1 week Fall break)
POD Full-SESSION: AUGUST 24 through DECEMBER 18, 2020 (16 lesson weeks, including 1 week Fall break)
SPRING 2020
Dates for Session III & IV will be announced later in the year.
Limited to four students per "Pod", Small Group Lesson Pods are designed to accelerate each student's technical and musical violinistic abilities through individual attention and group work. They function just like regular lessons with the added bonus of integrated masterclass-style learning. Not only does each student receive personal instruction, they also learn from watching and hearing others on a weekly basis.
Students within each Pod are matched ability-wise so that their musical assignments are similarly paired.
Over the course of a Half-Session, Pods meet 7 times for 70-minute lessons. The 7 weeks are broken down into two 3-week foci on specific technical and musical violin topics. For example (and depending on the Pod), Session I & II includes multi-week sessions on:
- Super Power Shifting
- Soar Your Sound
- Intonation Made Easy(ier)
- Make-Your-Mama-Proud with that Straight Bow
- Take the Fear Out of Double Sops
- Sight Reading for Auditions
- Fast and Furious Left Hand Fingers
- Getting Comfortable with Performing
All materials for Small Group Lesson Pods are provided each week. Every student will also receive weekly individualized written feedback in addition to live lessons.
Students registering for the Full-Session (I&II) benefit from 14 weekly 70-minute lessons and 2 35-minute individual private lessons.
WHO is this for?
Small Group Lesson Pods are for intermediate through advanced students who have been playing for at least three years. While students will be matched with others of similar abilities, there should be at least some exposure to shifting and higher positions, basic rhythmic complexity, scale study in up to a minimum of three sharps/three flats, and vibrato fundamentals. This does not mean these topics need to be mastered! The key words are "exposed to".
**Specific age is also not a requirement in this lesson program, but please note that these lessons are not intended for beginning-level violin students.**
WHERE and WHEN do Small Group Lessons happen?
Pods meet for lessons on Zoom. In early August, a recurring dedicated time will be set for lessons. They will meet on weekdays outside of regular school hours (whether online or in-person) in the afternoon or early evening. If enough students register who have availability during the normal school day, late morning or early afternoon times will be thoroughly considered.
HOW many Pods are there?
For the upcoming Session I & II, there will be only three Pods available to accommodate varying levels of students.
WHAT do I need?
You will need access to a laptop, computer, or electronic device with a camera/webcam that supports Zoom as well as a stable internet connection. While not required, it is highly suggested that you have an external mic. It does not need to be fancy or expensive; the majority of external mics allow for much more clarity of sound compared to onboard mics; this helps the teacher truly hear your tone and pitch and be able to offer accurate live feedback.
WHY is this for me?
Perhaps you have never taken private lessons before but truly want to get better, or maybe you have been unable to afford the cost of individual private lessons with a master teacher, or you have worried about taking lessons by yourself and don't know what it's like... This may provide you with the experience and encouragement or simply allow access to individualized violin teaching.
COST & DETAILS
Broken down, lesson fees are:
SESSION I: (7) 70min-Small-Group-Lessons/$40/student & (1) 35min-Individual-Private-Lesson/$40/student
SESSION II: (7) 70min-Small-Group-Lessons/$40/student & (1) 35min-Individual-Private-Lesson/$40/student
BOTH SESSIONS: (14) 70min-Small-Group-Lessons/$40/student & (2) 35min-Individual-Private-Lessons/$40/student
Three payment plans are available:
- One-time Half Session fee due in late August (Session I) and/or mid October (Session II): $320
- One-time Full Session fee due in late August: $640
- Monthly budget plan for Full Session: 5 installments of $128 for both Sessions (Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to live in a particular place to take lessons?
No! Since Small Group Lesson Pods meet online, there is no requirement on location. However, all lessons will be taught given consideration to afternoon/evening availability on Eastern Time.
I want to take Group POD lessons with a friend (or friends). Can I do this?
Absolutely. When registering, please indicate the specific names of your friends with which you'd like to be placed in a Pod. However, each Pod is limited to only four students. This is also a great way to meet and make new musically like-minded friends so consider signing up without specific requests as well!
How do I get into a Pod that is right for me?
Through the registration page on this website, you will also be asked to submit a short video of you playing a scale and any piece (or even etude) that you'd like. This is NOT an audition! This is simply so you can be matched with others who have similar abilities. Additionally, the questions on the registration page help to aid in placement.
Can I jump in during the middle of the Session (semester)?
No. Unfortunately, each week builds upon the learning that happened in the previous lesson. Students also support/learn from each other and that would potentially disrupt the flow of the Session. You can certainly sign up for the next Session beginning in January of 2021!
What if I have to miss a lesson for some reason?
It is always understandable that things come up in a given week, even when it's just a cold. It's highly suggested that you schedule any avoidable conflicts around your lessons. In the event something urgent comes up last minute, all Small Group Lessons are recorded and will be shared with you as needed. These will be password protected and not viewable by others.
Please feel free to email with any questions and I am happy to set up a Zoom video consultation. You can register HERE.