What to Expect
Every student comes to the violin (or viola!) with a different personality, learning style, set of goals, and relationship with music. My role as a teacher is to meet each student where they are while giving them the technical foundation, musical understanding, and independence they need to be a highly proficient player who loves playing their instrument.
I believe that students thrive when they are supported and challenged. Lessons are encouraging and positive, but they are also purposeful. Students learn from the beginning that progress comes through careful listening, thoughtful practice, curiosity, and consistency.
Ages
Accepting beginner-advanced students as young as 5+ years old
Year-Round Studio Calendar:
August 15 - June 15
Summer Studio Calendar: (varies per student)
General Availability
Mon-Thurs 5:00PM - 9:00pm MST
(Weekends used for makeups only)
Individual Goals
High Standards
Most students do not enroll in private lessons in order to become a professional musician — and by all means, I don't expect them to!
Some students study because they simply love music. Others want to excel in school orchestra, audition for All-State, join a youth orchestra, attend a summer music festival, participate in competitions, or eventually pursue conservatory study.
I believe students at every level deserve excellent training and you can never start too early.
The practicing expectations and repertoire are always tailored to each student, but the underlying goal remains the same: to help each student become the strongest, most confident, and most independent musician they can be, and most importantly, one who absolutely loves playing!
Testimonials from Parents
“We were extremely fortunate to have Katie as our daughter’s first violin teacher. Along with the technical aspects of violin, Katie addresses performance techniques as well as guides my daughter to explore the musical aspects of every piece.
Katie is passionate and gifted about the violin. Her love for the art is evident in her enthusiastic and energetic performances, and also translates into her teaching techniques. She is exceedingly patient with students of all ages and levels, encourages them and coaxes the very best effort from each and every one.
My daughter improved tremendously under Katie’s guidance. She started out with Katie showing her how to hold a violin two and half years ago, and now she is serving as the concertmaster of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York.
I am forever grateful to her for everything she had taught my daughter. South Dakota is very lucky to have such a wonderful violin teacher.”
— Ming, Parent
“Katie was one of the best teachers my daughter has ever had. She was direct in her teaching style, making sure what needed to be learned was understood, and she also encouraged creativity and growth of the student in their musical capabilities and beyond. We are so grateful to have had her as a teacher for so many years.
She has a great understanding of children’s psychology in terms of approaching the issue of regular practicing, and her patience is her biggest strength. Her technical expertise coupled with artistic musicality sparks in young learners passion for playing violin at their best, and most importantly to keep them engaged in music in general.
The most patient, knowledgeable, and engaging teacher that kids will fondly remember for life.”
— Ljubica, Parent
“Katie was the first violin teacher for our young daughter. The three years of her teaching were inspiring, progressive, and educational. Katie’s background in music is impressive, and the broad spectrum of knowledge of classical music - its history, composers, performers – makes learning and practicing violin an attractive journey.”
— Madhu, Parent
“Katie is truly an educator: she loves what she does and is a remarkable example as a violinist and as a person to the students. Her organizational skills were consistently excellent and to be admired. As a result, the students were very proud of playing violin, and this self-confidence extended to their approach in other parts of their life.”
— Academy of St. Therese
Gales Ferry, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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I mostly work with students ages 5 through 18 and advanced college-age students. I am occasionally able to accept adult students if there is space in the studio.
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If you are interested in renting locally, Haggerty's Musicworks offers a great selection of rental instruments in the Black Hills area. Other online rental/buying options are also available. I encourage parents not to rent/purchase instruments without first consulting the teacher.
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All lessons are held weekly and depend on the age and level of the student. Having regular weekly lessons sets the student up for success, simultaneously building responsibility, accountability, and discipline. Missing lessons leads to frustration and learning gaps on the student's part and is detrimental to their overall enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
For younger beginning students, 30 minutes is adequate for providing them with a solid foundation. For older beginners, 45 minutes is preferable. However, as they progress, parents should expect the lesson duration to increase to an hour per week. (For some students, two shorter lessons per week is the most beneficial.)
Suggested lesson length timetable:
In the first 6-12 Months: 30/45 min
1st-2nd Year: 60 min
3rd Year+: 60/90 min
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Absolutely! Performance opportunities are vital to the the students’ success and comfort with their instrument. All students with concert-ready repertoire will have opportunities to perform Studio Performance Classes, through the Black Hills Area MTNA chapter, as well as on occasional community outreach concerts. Studio Performance Classes are held throughout the year with opportunities to make music with their peers as well as perform with piano accompaniment. Attendance at studio-organized events is expected from all students. Please note that virtual students may require unique accommodations and additional organizational help from the parents.
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Lessons start at $40/week. Please submit an inquiry form for more information.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out anytime!