Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

  • DO I NEED A VIOLIN TO START??

    No. In fact the first few lessons are best had without the distraction of an instrument, while we establish skills that will allow our first tones to be skillful, often even beautiful, and manageable due to our “pre-violin-playing” games and exercises. Students then “earn” their instruments within a few lessons, and celebrate their progress!

  • EVERY PERSON RECEIVES TWO FREE LESSONS? WHY, AND WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE?

    I give all new students two free private lessons to see if we (parent, child and teacher) are a good match, to assess if your child is ready, and to give us all a chance to evaluate whether or not we would like to work together. The first lesson is usually around 45 minutes in length, the second 30 minutes regardless of age. For the first ten minutes we will discuss your musical experiences if any, what your goals in taking lessons are, and any other questions you may have. The rest of the time will be spent experiencing a lesson. You will learn a few basics of violin, some pitch recognition games to practice at home, rhythms we'll use on the violin if you should you continue, we'll sing, and walk away with our first easy home assignments.

  • WHERE DO I GET AN INSTRUMENT, AND DO I RENT OR BUY?

    For most people in the beginning, renting is the best idea. Luckily here in Freiburg, we have a number of skilled Luthiers who provide quality instruments - sometimes for as little as €12 per month. If a child is starting, it is even more important to rent, as they will grow and so will their instruments with them!
    I will always accompany you when it becomes time to rent or buy, as I know what to look for and would rather one successful trip to the shop over four or five because something was not accounted for. In the meantime if you would like to look into the luthiers I recommend, I have a Resource page here.

  • TUITION BASED LESSONS… HOW DOES THAT WORK? I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND.

    My lessons are on a tuition based system - meaning for a flat fee each month, you receive roughly 4 lessons per month (some months it will be three, others five), two group classes, and are guaranteed a certain number of lessons by the end of the semester (pro-rated for mid semester registrants). It means that all payments for recitals, group classes, private lessons etc., are harmonized, everything averaged out, and payments are reliably the same amount each month - taking out all the guess work of how much is owed at the end of each month. Catheryn keeps track of how many lessons are given, and will make sure you get the lessons you’ve paid for.

  • MY CHILD IS A BEGINNER. HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN WOULD PRIVATE LESSONS BE?

    For most, beginners or children between the ages of 2 ½ - 6 do well in receiving weekly 30 minute lessons.

  • MUST WE TAKE GROUP CLASSES AS WELL?
    To see the best progress, continuity, fun, motivation, and a well-rounded education, it is HIGHLY recommended and encouraged but not required. So recommended, that the monthly price includes group classes regardless of wether you attend or not. ;)

  • I ALREADY PLAY THE VIOLIN, BUT WILL BE COMING TO YOU FOR MY FIRST LESSON. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THIS LESSON?
    Click here for an explanation, or contact me directly at 0177 506 1850 if you have further questions.

  • ONCE I AM A REGISTERED STUDENT, WHAT AM I EXPECTED TO BRING TO EACH LESSON?

    • Your instrument, bow, shoulder rest or pad.

    • Your Suzuki book, and any other music you have, or have been given. If you have any loose sheet music, it should be organized in an appropriate binder that does not impede page turns.

    • A note pad and pencil, or any highlighters you need to stay organized.

    • Optional: A recording device for audio and/or visuals.

    • NOT TO BE BROUGHT: Your CD or recordings. That being said, listening to them regularly (daily) will help prepare you for lessons.

  • HOW DO I REGISTER?

    Go to my website and hit Register. There are two things I need there: an online registration that will automatically be sent to me when you hit send, and another which you'll need to print and bring to your first lesson. You’ll see them on the page labeled as “1.” and “2.”
    # 2 is the agreement form we will read together and sign. To officially hold your spot and to have assurance that you will be studying with me, we will first need to meet through the two free lessons to be sure we wish to work together, then a deposit of €100.

  • WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED PAYMENT METHOD?

    Most people opt for automatic online payments or bring post dated cheques to their first official lesson. Cash is also acceptable by the 1st of every month. For easy online payments, my Deutche Bank account is: DE30 6807 0024 0053 8793 00

  • YOU HAVE SOME ANNUEL EXTRA FEES. WHAT ARE THEY FOR?

    The breakdown of the extra fees is: €50 for Registration (helps me pay for the concert halls, snacks, print material throughout the year, your welcome bag and books, etc..) and $50 to pay for piano accompaniment during the year (they will be performing 4-5x throughout the year, and pianists are very expensive!). This is a once a year extra fee.

  • MAY I BRING A FRIEND, SIBLINGS OR FAMILY MEMBER TO THE LESSON?
    Absolutely. Friends, family, siblings are all welcome, and may even take part in some of the activities in the lesson! But with one rule: as long as they are not distracting. In the case that they are, I will kindly ask them to come back when the lesson is finished.

  • CAN I TAKE GROUP CLASSES WITHOUT PRIVATE LESSONS?
    A few times a year I will hold “Boot Camps” or intensive group classes - often for the very beginner, but not limited to it. These will be the only times you can take a group class without private lessons, as private lessons are integral to your individualized progress. That being said, if you have one friend you would like to share the private lesson with, this is possible for a few months - or until individual learning styles or paces begin to differ from child to child - in which case they would need to then have their own individual private lessons.

  • DOES EVERYONE PERFORM?
    Yes and no. Everyone is encouraged to perform at every concert, but are of course supported when they are not feeling confident or able. Part of Kennedy Music’s program is to support every young individual through all aspects of life, not just musically - and if shyness is an issue, panic attacks, fear or otherwise, it will be recognized, honoured and worked with - working through challenges in weekly lessons, showing them they are more capable than they may think, and over time gently pushing them when they’re ready to eventually get on stage. The reason being? We will all have times in our lives when we will have to be in front of people - wether that’s in university, at work, or with music - and a good time to work with fear is when they’re young and participating in something “simple” and as none-impactful as a music recital.

  • MUST A PARENT BE PRESENT IN ALL LESSONS?
    When children are young, yes. This method is a collaborative experience and supports children, parents, and teachers working together as a team. When children are young, they need you to know how (and often be the motivator) to work with them at home. Therefore you being present at each lesson is imperative. Often parents and children alike years later reflect that this practicing time together was some of the most valuable, vulnerable, learning-full, beautiful and connective times they had together!
    As children get older however, and start “owning” their own home practice sessions, motivating themselves, taking their own notes and being self reliant, children will “earn” coming to lessons without a parent. This often happens around the age of 8 or 9.

  • DO PARENTS ACTUALLY LEARN THE INSTRUMENT ALONG WITH THEIR CHILD?
    In the beginning especially yes. You will learn bow holds, and how to make a nice tone, often most of the things your child will learn for the first couple of years. By doing this, not only will you have a skill you (hopefully) enjoy, but your child will look to you for help, perhaps be compelled to surpass you, motivated by “teaching” you, excited to practice with you when you pick up your violin - sometimes even when they don’t feel like it - turning an every-day practice into a fun jam session or duet practice, or (hopefully not too often) a who-can-do-it-better play time.

  • DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE OR GROUP CLASSES JUST FOR ADULTS?
    Yes! Let me know if which one you’re more interested in - group or private. If you’re searching for a private class, we can set it up for any time we both have available. If you’re interested in a group class, let me know, and when I have enough interested participants, I will form a group and find a time that works for everyone.

  • I HAVE MISSED A COUPLE OF LESSONS… NOW WHAT?

    The answer is, it depends on a few factors:

    • If you cancel last minute - or under 24 hours (with the exception of illness), you will not receive a “make-up lesson” and the lesson is lost to you.

    • If I cancelled, I will honour the missed lesson and you will receive a “make-up lesson credit.”

    • If you cancel with more than 24 hours notice you will receive a “make-up lesson credit.”

      • If you are owed a make-up lesson, you have three options: 

        • Have a double lesson in a week of your choosing or during holiday weeks (only if both are available!)

        • Financial reimbursement

        • Add the lesson(s) to the end of the year and receive summer lessons “for free.”