Resources for Families

Below is a list of resources for families with basic information about string instruments, places to shop for your young musician, and how the whole family can be involved in music!

Orchestra Syllabus

What does my student need for orchestra?

A Brief History of the Violin

How Much Should My Student Be Practicing?

How Can The Whole Family Get Involved?

Instrument Care and Repair

Rent or Buy?

What is Concert Attire?

Local Retailers

Online Retailers

Orchestra Syllabus

Visit the Orchestra Syllabus page to view the syllabus for Chamber or Sinfonia. This contains all of the important information you need for our classes.

What does my student need for orchestra?

Please visit the Supply List page to find out more!

A Brief History of the Violin

How Much Should My Student Be Practicing?

Practicing our instrument can be seen as equivalent to doing our homework for math, science, or history! This means our practice time should be as long as necessary to improve the skills we are working on. For some students, this may mean practicing for 10 minutes a day, while for others it may mean practicing for 30 minutes a day (or more). Setting aside time daily and having a goal for every practice session is the key to successful practicing.

How Can The Whole Family Get Involved?

Here are some ways to be involved in your student's musical growth:

Keep your student accountable for practicing regularly
Ask your student to perform for you (living room recitals are lots of fun!)
Attend live music events (ask Mr. Mayer if you need a recommendation)
Get together with friends and family to make music
Share your favorite music with your student

Instrument Care and Repair

Here are a few tips to keep your instrument in tip-top shape:

Store the instrument and bow in the case.
Loosen the bow hair when not in use.
Wipe off the instrument and stick of the bow with a rag every time you finish playing.
Keep the instrument away from extreme heat or cold. Do not leave the instrument in your car for long periods of time!
Put cello and bass endpins in when not in use.
Store cellos and basses in a safe place on their side.
Avoid touching the tuning pegs until you have practiced tuning with a teacher.
If anything is broken, do not try fixing it at home. Take it to your teacher and have them assess the problem first.

Rent or Buy?

Renting an instrument is a more affordable way to ensure our students have a quality instrument when they begin playing. By renting, our local music stores also provide the student with the ability to size-up their instrument when they are ready, complete repairs on the instrument (usually at no cost), and it is possible for instruments to be returned if the student is no longer playing. It is recommended to rent instruments for all students when they start out, and to only consider purchasing an instrument when they have reached a "full-size" instrument and are committed to playing their instrument long-term.

Purchasing an instrument is a greater investment than renting, but can be economical in the long run as there are not monthly payments. Purchasing an instrument also enables the student to find an instrument that they like. The insturment buying process can be a lot of fun--it is like Harry Potter acquiring his wand! It is highly recommended students do not purchase an instrument until they are ready to play a "full-size" instrument. Please be in contact with Mr. Mayer or another trusted string musician before purchasing an instrument so we can ensure it will be a good fit for your student.

What is Concert Attire?

Our dress code is designed to be affordable and inclusive with gender-neutral options. Inappropriate attire may lead to dismissal from a concert. Because students grow out of concert clothes quickly, families are encouraged to consider second-hand options.

Students wear ALL BLACK.
Top:
- Long-sleeved (at least ¾ length), black dress shirt OR floor- or ankle-length long-sleeved black dress
Bottom:
- Long black dress pants OR floor- or ankle-length black skirt (not form-fitting)
- Black socks or tights (at least mid-calf height, no bare legs or feet)
- Black dress shoes (no open toes, sandals, or sneakers)

Please reach out to Mr. Mayer if you need help finding a concert black outfit.

If you have outgrown your concert black outfit or have other black formal wear, please consider donating it to the orchestra program to be given to students looking to complete their concert outfit.

Local Retailers

Please consider shopping at our local music stores when looking for a new instrument, music stand, lesson book, or other accessory! All three stores have knowledgable and friendly staff who will be able to help you find what you are looking for. Additionally, if you rent from these retailers, they can deliver products you order over the phone or through email directly to school!