Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to commonly asked questions

Question  

How do I complete my practice assignments?

Answer

Practice assignments are posted on Canvas.   Make sure you read each assignment thoroughly and complete the Google form in each assignment to verify your work.


Question

How do I know if there is a concert coming up?

Answer

The dates are listed on the each school's page under "School Information."   You can also click on the Calendar in the above menu and explore dates throughout the school year to find when upcoming concerts and events are scheduled.  


Question

Where can I get the method book that I need?

Answer

Method books for students in grades 6, 7 & 8 ("Essential Elements for Strings" Books 1, 2 & 3, respectively) are available for purchase online, at local school instrument dealers, and print music dealers in Grand Rapids.


Question:

I'm interested in taking private lessons, how do I find a good teacher?

Answer

Mr. Kotchenruther has a list of area quality private teachers that can be given upon request.


Question:

I'm interested in playing in a youth orchestra?

Answer

You can find information regarding youth programs from the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony at www.grsymphony.org/grs/affiliates/youth-symphony-classical-orchestra & the St. Cecilia Music Center at www.scmc-online.org/school-of-music.


Question

I'm interested in acquiring a metronome and/or tuner to help me practice, what should I do?

Answer

There are a lot of inexpensive metronomes on the market, just make sure you get one that is loud enough to hear while you are practicing.  Getting the right tuner is more tricky.  DO NOT get a tuner that attaches to your instrument and tells you whether you're in tune by means of a visual indicator (e.g., a meter). The best type of tuners to purchase give you the sound of the note(s) that you want to tune.  While a good chromatic tuner that generates sound in multiple octaves is not going to be cheap, it will be the best for teaching you how to hear, which is what music is all about.  NOTE: There are links to good metronomes and tuners on the internet on the "Practice Tools" page under Practice Information.