Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How often should my child practice?
- What should I do if my child's instrument needs a repair?
- What should my child do if the instrument is out of tune?
- When is my child's first performance?
- Are there other performance opportunities after school?
- What should I do if my child is struggling with such problems as...
- When will my child get his/her instrument?
- What does my child need besides the instrument?
- Should we rent or buy?
How often should my child practice?
I recommend an initial goal of 5 days a week/15 minutes minimum each
practice session. Some children may practice more, some less. What is
important to me is that your child makes steady progress, increasing his/her
practice time through the year. I offer incentives: 500 and 1000 minutes
earn a laminated membership card and your child's name published in the
school newsletter. Please make sure to sign your child's practice record
each week so s/he gets credit for those minutes.
What should I do if my child's instrument needs a repair?
Have your child bring your instrument to me on lesson day and I arrange for
The Music Shop, our rental company, to make the repair free of charge.
Supplies such as strings, rosin, shoulder rests, books may also be ordered
from The Music Shop (order form in child's music folder) or bought by you in
local shops. Call me if you have any questions.
What should my child do if the instrument is out of tune?
Beginner students should do nothing except bring the instrument to me!
Please do not allow them to turn the pegs or ask you to do that. Many
strings are broken that way. If a string does break, you may order one from
The Music Shop or buy one locally. You may also purchase a string from me
($7 cash only) and I'll install it.
When is my child's first performance?
Our beginners debut in the spring concert; our intermediates perform in the
winter and spring concerts. I will also look for other performance
opportunities, such as in students' classrooms. Actually, your child's
first performance will be for you and your family. Remember: You are your
child's best audience!
Are there other performance opportunities after school?
We offer a 10-week district-wide string orchestra that meets
after school for one hour starting in February. The beginner orchestra
rehearses on Tuesdays, the intermediate on Mondays. Everyone who studies a
string instrument is invited to join. It's a wonderful first-orchestra
experience! You will receive paperwork regarding this later in the year.
What should I do if my child is struggling with such problems as...
making up classwork, maintaining a regular practice schedule, frustration
during the first few weeks? Please email or call me at 732-613-6900x4055 so
that we can discuss ways to make it easier for your child to succeed in
strings class and all his/her academic endeavors.
When will my child get his/her instrument?
It takes two to three weeks for instruments to arrive after your paperwork
is complete. I like to hand out instruments when most of them have been
received. During the first beginner class we meet to discuss class rules
and lesson procedures, hand out music folders and begin note-reading.
What does my child need besides the instrument?
Our book, Strictly Strings Book One, which can ordered from The Music Shop
or purchased at a local store, plus a metal music stand for at-home
practice. It's a good idea to also have spare D and A strings, the two
strings we use the most during the first year and the ones that commonly
break.
Should we rent or buy?
I strongly encourage renting an instrument in the first year for two
reasons: your child will outgrow it in six months to a year and will need
the next larger size; the rental contract covers all repairs free of charge.
If, however, you prefer to buy, consider purchasing from a reputable store
such as Sam Ash, which allows exchanges; or from such companies as Shar
(sharmusic.com 800-248-SHAR), Southwest Strings (swstrings.com 800-528-3430)
or NEMC (sales@nemc.com 800-526-4593). A decent student outfit costs
around $225-250.