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    Engaging Violin Lessons for Suzuki Students, Levels 1 — 8

    Every child is unique and their desire to play a musical instrument should be treated with love and kindness.

  • Every child is unique and their desire to play a musical instrument should be treated with love and kindness.

    You want a teacher who will perfectly blend technique with a love of music.

    You want a teacher who is patient with students and parents at every phase of the learning process.

    You want a teacher that will teach you (the parent) how to support effective practice at home, so that practice time is a valuable time of connection.

    You want Harper Music Studio.

     

  • Hi! I'm Ms. Rachelle Harper

    I'm so glad you've stopped by my website. Take your time to find out what makes learning violin lessons at my studio the start of a long and meaningful musical journey. Be sure to complete the contact form to receive a first free lesson and get started.

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    Suzuki Trained Teacher

    "Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart."

    -Shinichi Suzuki

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    A Common Question: Can Suzuki Students Read Music?

     

    Yes. Yes. And Yes.

    Different Timeline

    Yes! Suzuki Violin Students are taught to read music. It’s the approach that has a different timeline. When beginning, there are so many aspects to learn, and it can be overwhelming. The left arm and hand is doing an entirely different thing than the right arm and hand. In addition, these are completely new movements – and it can be an overload for the brain and body to be in sync…let alone learn to read music!

    When to Add Music Reading

    At this beginning stage, students focus on playing the violin without reading music. They learn by listening to the music and repetition. Once the basic technique of playing is established, reading notes is introduced, based on the teacher and the student's age and ability. For most students, that happens during Book 2, but it could be earlier or later pending on the student.

  • How I help students learn to love and play violin 

    As a parent, it’s hard to know where to start with violin lessons. Or maybe you’ve started with another teacher, but it wasn’t the right fit. Here are some things to consider with how I approach teaching violin:  

    • I will teach every student incrementally – each lesson overlapping what was learned previously, and adding on a bit more so that it is doable and enjoyable.
    • You don’t have to know how to practice before beginning – I will help you know what to practice at home by modeling it at lessons.
    • I encourage all students to have a practice notebook that they bring to all lessons, and then use at home. Parents of young children write down what to practice at home.
    • I encourage both students and parents to be involved – if you have a question about what to do, the lesson environment is a safe place to ask and find answers.

     

    • I pay attention and respond to student’s individual capabilities: giving enough practice material for one week, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming.
    • I watch for verbal and non-verbal cues from the student in lessons about when they have “maxed out” on learning a new technique, and will help and support them to learn over time.
    • I am committed to every student’s journey as a musician, and see each lesson as a part of a multi-year process of learning and growing.

  • "When love is deep, much can be accomplished."

    -Shinichi Suzuki

  • Calendar, Lessons, and Scheduling

    Harper Music Studios operates on two calendar terms: the school term and the summer term.

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    Yearly Calendar

    The school term runs from August 16th — May 27 

      • Monthly tuition includes 36 lessons and 3 recitals during the school year (tuition is the same monthly, regardless of fewer lessons in the month).There are 9 months of tuition
      • No lessons October 16-20, November 20-24, December 18-January 1, and April 1-5.
      • If your lesson falls on a holiday, it will be rescheduled for a different day in that week.

    The summer term runs from June 1 - August 15

      • Students can decide how often these lessons are, with a minimum of 6 lessons for the summer term (June 1 - August 15).
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    Private and Group Lessons

    Harper Music Studio places importance on both 1-on-1 teaching as well as group lessons. Each emphasizes different aspects of playing the violin that are critical to enjoying the musical experience.

     

    • Private Lessons allow each student to receive individualized instruction, such as bowing, music technique, and tonality.
    • Group Class allows students to enjoy music with others, boosting their confidence and enjoyment of playing. Group Class is a fun way to experience different types of music and playing, and becoming comfortable with playing in front of others.
    • Group Class will be held once a month, with the exception of December, May, and summer term.
    • Group Class takes the place of individual lessons the week they are held.
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    Tuition

    Most beginning students start with 30-minute lessons, once a week. As students progress, more time is needed to cover the advanced curriculum. The following is a good guideline, though parents can discuss the exact time to “level up”.

    • Suzuki Book 1 - 2: 30-minute lessons, weekly
    • Suzuki Book 3 - 4: 45-minute lessons, weekly
    • Suzuki Book 5+: 60-minute lessons, weekly

    Monthly tuition is based on one “block” of four 30-minute lessons. See below for how each tier is priced:

    • $90: four 30-minute lessons, weekly
    • $135: four 45-minute lessons, weekly
    • $180: four 60-minute lessons, weekly

    Rescheduling

    • Flexibility to make up 3 lessons per calendar year due to last-minute needs
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    Testimonial

    What I love about Ms. Rachelle is how she has supported my two daughters during 8 years of lessons. We have had times for our family where we were only practicing a couple times of week and not making much, if any, progress. She supported us to continue, and applauded our small gains. This helped us to continue and to see the big picture rather than focusing solely on the present. I’m so grateful we had her–we probably would have given up in those tough years.

     

    My daughters are now in 7th and 8th grade, and enjoy practicing daily. The first few years of following her guidance has paid off and we plan on continuing for many more years. Although neither of my daughters is planning to play professionally, I know Ms. Rachelle has been a key factor in having both of them develop this talent and love of music.

    Brooke K, Parent

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