When do you teach lessons?

During the school year, I teach Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, Monday 10 am to 9 pm and Tuesday 8 am to 9 am. Additionally I am in Orange County Tuesday-Friday and accept a few students there.  

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How can I pay for tuition? 

Ms. Emily accepts cash, check, paypal and venmo. Lessons must be pre-paid before the lesson is given. Students are expected to pay the tuition at the first lesson of each month. Weekly payments will only be accepted in cash. 

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Do you put on recitals?

Yes! Ms. Emily organizes 1-2 recitals annually. These are a great opportunity for students to showcase their hard work! Recitals are held at Ms. Emily's home studio, Villa Musica, or local churches. 

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Am I too young/old to take lessons? 

I have taught students from 4 years old to older than 60 years old. I have experience teaching students from all walks of life and can attest there is no so called "right time" to start learning cello. 

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When is the best time to begin music lessons?

This varies from child to child, I can start children as young as 3-5 years old. However, parents must also be at a point in their life where they can commit to and follow through with daily practice with the child. 

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What do we need for the first lesson?

Students will need a cello, Suzuki Book 1 + CD, and small cello chair (for students playing on 1/2 or smaller cello). I provide each student with a binder where we will keep assignments and music. 

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How do you determine tuition rates?

Rates are based on my experience as a teacher, my college education, and my Suzuki certification. 

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Should I buy or rent a cello? 

Buy! You will get a better quality instrument, and you can trade in the value of your current instrument when it’s time to upgrade to the next size or quality. 

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Where can I purchase a small cello chair? 

Check out the resources page, I have lots of links to where you can purchase chairs. If you also handy with building things, I even can offer plans to build a custom cello stool! 

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How long should my child practice?

This varies from child to child, but a good rule of thumb is that daily practice should be at least as long as a student’s lesson length. When in doubt discuss your practice plan with Ms. Emily!

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Are there extra costs associated with lessons?

Yes, there can be. These may include, but are not limited to, other competitions or festivals, accompanist for solo events, youth orchestra, summer camps, workshops, etc. Materials throughout the year such as books, strings, instrument maintenance, etc. should also be accounted for. 

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May I video record my child's lessons? 

Yes, provided it is used only for personal reference and not published on any social sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram etc. without my permission first. This can be a great tool for home practice, especially for visual learners!

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Are there discounts for multiple children?

No. However, I do provide scheduling priority to families with multiple students to ensure their lessons are back to back. 

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What are some maintenance procedures for cello? 

-Replace strings annually

-Rehair the bow annually

-Clean and polish the instrument regularly

-Wipe off rosin from strings daily

      -Occasionally use rubbing alcohol on a rag to clean off the strings (do not let alcohol get on varnish!)

-Rosin the bow every other day

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