Musical Instruction Available for:
Violin, Guitar, Ukulele, Fiddle

A Few Notes from Miss Katie:

Technology seems to be changing everything these days, and music lessons are no different! I utilize google drive to take weekly notes for each student so they know exactly what to practice at home. This also allows me to take quick, personalized photos and videos occasionally during lessons when a student needs a visual reminder to assist with home practice.

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I do not specifically teach the Suzuki method; however, I use many of their techniques combined with a multitude of techniques (Paul Rolland Method, Mimi Zweig String Pedagogy, etc) I have learned from other successful music schools around the world. One especially important concept in my studio is the Suzuki triangle: Parent, Teacher, Student. Successful lessons require commitment and open communication between all three. To make this work, I require parental involvement in lessons for students under 10 years old, and suggest it for all parents!

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I bring my basis in healthy violin pedagogy not only to my violin students, but my guitar and ukulele students as well! The most important part of string instrument instruction is developing a healthy technique that will allow the student to enjoy playing their instrument as often and for as long as they desire. These instruments can be physically challenging for the body, so I focus on building relaxation into playing technique from the very beginning for all my students, no matter the instrument. I have also successfully rehabbed many students with tension in their playing and past injuries. 

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I also wholeheartedly believe that there is ALWAYS more to learn! Even for the teacher! For this reason, I am dedicated to forever continuing my own pedagogical studies. I’m always consulting colleagues, researching new techniques, attending pedagogy camps, and so much more to provide the highest quality education to all my students!

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Frequently asked questions:

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What size instrument does my child need?

• Guitar: I recommend either ½ size or ¾ child size guitars to begin unless the child is at least 5’ tall already. Contact me personally for more information.

• Violin/Fiddle: These instruments run from 1/64 size all the way to full size, so your child will need to be sized by a professional at a violin shop, or via a sizing chart I can provide.

• Ukulele: soprano is recommending for children under 6, otherwise I teach both soprano and concert.

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Where do I get an instrument?

• PLEASE do not buy or rent an instrument before speaking with me. All instruments and music stores are not created equal! After years of trying to teach students on lower quality instruments and watching them eventually quit out of frustration, I do not allow my students to play on those instruments anymore.

• Guitar (make sure you get a case!):​​

  • ½ size (ages 4-6): Oscar Schmidt 1/2 Size Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

  • ¾ size (ages 5+): Baby Taylor, or Little Martin

  • Full size: Ask the teacher

• Violin/Fiddle: I HIGHLY recommend the Wyatt Violin Shop for their superior rentals at an affordable cost. 816.252.5656

• Ukulele: I currently teach on a soprano ukulele, but I can accommodate soprano or concert. Cordoba, Luna, and Lohanu are great brand options among others for introductory level instruments. Please avoid the plastic instruments that look more like toys. They tend to have intonation issues that will be frustrating for beginners. You can get a very solid beginner ukulele in the $60-80 range. If you're looking for a more advanced instrument, please reach out with questions!

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My child already plays, but I want them to learn more. Can they study here?

• Absolutely! I have a master’s in violin performance and work with students of all ages and abilities. Feel free to email me at kcviolinist@gmail.com to inquire about you or your child’s specific situation.

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What kind of music will my child learn?

• I have a unique background in not only classical music, but alternative styles as well. For young children, the beginning stages are mostly set with a mixture of classical and children’s tunes. As the child grows, there is room to explore different styles like bluegrass, pop music, jazz, and more!

• Violin/Fiddle students begin with either the Suzuki Books, the Blue Book of Violin, Essential Elements for Strings, or The American Fiddle Method depending on the age and interests of the student

• Guitar students generally begin with Mel Bay Children’s Guitar Method or Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method ***Please note: I do NOT teach classical guitar, only acoustic

• Ukulele students generally begin with either Progressive Ukulele Method for Young Beginners Book 1 or Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book 1 depending on the student's age and interests

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How much should my child practice and what does it entail?​

• The most important thing is DAILY practice. Set a specific time each day that your child practices. The routine makes it easier to remember and generally leads to fewer fits when it comes to practice time.

• LISTENING is an important part of learning any instrument! If your child’s method book has a cd along with it, listen to it every single day! If your child is more advanced, make sure they’re listening and watching professionals play their instrument. Youtube is fabulous for this. Ask me if you’re unsure what your student should be listening to, but they should be listening every single day! (Turn on the CD during breakfast, or when your child gets ready for school, or any other time it fits into your schedule.)

• Children under 10 need a reminder from Mom/Dad! Sometimes children 10+ need a reminder too! It’s a team effort! Everyone has a busy schedule, but it’s much more fun to learn when we practice regularly!

• The specific amount of time varies depending on the student’s age and ability level. Ask me about your child!

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Tuition and Studio Specifics:

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Students will be committed to lessons on a quarterly basis. 

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Quarterly Studio Membership Includes: 

• 11 private lessons with Miss Katie at your scheduled time

• A minimum of 2 group classes for students advanced enough to attend (inquire about you or your child if you’re unsure)

• A minimum of 1 online recital opportunity (either live online or pre-recorded) 

• All administrative fees

 

Quarterly Studio Membership Tuition:

 

30 minute lessons: $360 paid in monthly installments of $120 every month

 

45 minute lessons: $540 paid in monthly installments of $180 every month

 

60 minute lessons: $720 paid in monthly installments of $240 every month

 

A few notes about group classes and recitals:

• Group classes and the recital are pre-scheduled at the beginning of each quarter.

• Each group class day will have a class for kids and a class for adults. As the levels vary between students in the studio, we focus mostly on music theory and games for the kids, and each adult group class will have a music theory topic rather than playing our instruments for the majority of the classes.

• The recital each quarter will be either live online, or it will be pre-recorded.

• Group classes and recitals are included in your quarterly tuition, but RSVP is required so I know in advance who will be attending. This really helps me plan and personalize group classes and even recital formats/themes to fit the students that will be attending.

• Group classes and recitals are not mandatory. Tuition is the same whether you attend or not. 

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More questions? Ready to sign up?

Let's chat! (kcviolinist@gmail.com)