The Yarbrough Studio
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method is based on the principle that every child has ability. Considering every child can learn their native tongue with relative ease, the same natural learning approach can be applied to music instruction through a nurturing and encouraging environment.
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What do I need to begin violin lessons?
Parents should read Nurtured by Love (revised edition recommended) by Shinichi Suzuki prior to the start of lessons. Beginners will need to purchase Suzuki Violin School Volume 1 and CD/audio file (also available from Shar, iTunes, and Amazon) and should begin listening as early and often as possible.
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE A VIOLIN YET! Beginners initially work on a box violin and bow with a foot chart, all of which I provide, to learn fundamental technique and care for the instrument.
Following mastery of the box violin curriculum, or if a transfer student, the student is responsible for purchasing or renting an instrument. I will help guide the sizing and selection process.
Parents must bring a recording device and blank notebook to all lessons for videos and detailed lesson notes to aid home practice.
Is the Suzuki Method only for beginners or young children?
Although the Suzuki Method is famous for training young students, the method is a learning approach for students of all ages and abilities.
Students can develop from beginning stages to highly advanced levels of playing, but most importantly, the method aims to cultivate character, excellence, and a value for lifelong learning.
As the Suzuki approach is not confined merely to the repertoire within the Suzuki books, advanced students continue with standard violin repertoire.
Is my child too young to start violin lessons?
The minimum requirements to begin formal violin lessons are that the child needs to be at least 3 years old, fully potty-trained, and able to follow basic instructions.
You may get a head start by reading Suzuki's Nurtured by Love (revised edition recommended) and Ability Development from Age Zero, listening to the Suzuki Violin School CDs, observing lessons with your child, and starting the parent orientation classes!
Is my child too old to start violin lessons?
It’s most ideal for beginning Suzuki students to start lessons between the ages of 3 and 7, in conjunction with language-learning years.
For students without any prior playing experience that are 8 years old and above, take heart: it's never too late to start! However, due to the style of my approach, I feel a different teacher might be a better fit.
Non-beginners, or those with any previous playing experience, are accepted up to age 18, in addition to parents who wish to learn prior to or alongside their children.
Do you teach adults?
Parents are welcome and encouraged to take lessons prior to or alongside their child, but otherwise, The Yarbrough Studio does not provide lessons for adults.
Do you teach other instruments besides violin?
As my expertise is in teaching and playing violin, I do not teach other instruments.
Can we meet you?
I would love to meet you!
Children over age three and parents are both invited to observe lessons free of charge. This is the easiest way for the child to meet me, see what Suzuki violin lessons are like, and for both of you to feel inspired about your future experience.
Can we schedule an interview lesson?
Only students with previous playing experience have the option of an interview lesson.
This is a time for all of us to get to know each other, assess where the student is, and plan on how best to move forward together. No commitment to further lessons is expected unless we (parent, teacher, and child) all mutually agree that we make a good fit and wish to continue with enrollment.
Normal lesson rates do apply.
If I have a musical or Suzuki background, do I still attend parent orientation classes for beginning violin students?
Yes, all parents of beginning students or those starting Suzuki lessons for the first time attend parent orientation classes. There are only three sessions, but the information is valuable for parents of all experience levels. Please note that sessions are not violin lessons.
At the orientation, you will receive exclusive studio information as well as my Parent Workbook, which is my own book that I distribute to parents at the class and which will continue to be an ongoing resource throughout your child's lesson experience. You will also receive a beginner's starter kit with other essential materials for your child at the end of the course.