FAQ's

Getting An Instrument

Q: How do I know what instrument my child will be playing?

A: Instruments are assigned. For those who come to our Open House/Meet the Teacher, I ask for your top two choices. For students that are not able to attend, there is an instrument demonstration done at the beginning of the year before I ask students what their preferences are. I try my best to take them into account, and some may not receive their first or second preference, however I make all assignments based on the best interest of your student.

Q: My student was sized for a [½, ¾, ⅛, etc.] instrument. Is it possible to get them a bigger size to save money?

A: I strongly advise obtaining the instrument that correlates to what size your student was measured for. Playing instruments that are too small or too big can lead to physical injury down the line, some playing related injuries cannot be reversed.

Q: Where do I go to buy an instrument/what brands do you recommend?

A: Visit the dropdown page titled “Where to Buy” underneath the “Instruments/Materials” page on our class website. Please do not buy from Amazon, eBay, Temu, etc. and avoid Cecilio brands.

Q: What materials do I need to purchase for class other than my instrument?

A: Visit the “Instruments/Materials” page.

Here are definitions of opportunities for your student that will help you understand the "string community" better!

Private Lessons- These are paid for by the parent and a student goes either weekly or biweekly to an expert on their instrument. I have a list of private teachers available if any student would like that option.

Master Class- This is a class where very advanced students are taught by a very advanced teacher in front of an audience. Anytime your student can observe or be a part of this, it is helpful. This is an event where you arrange the transportation for your student.

Youth Orchestras- These Orchestras meet on a weekly basis and have performances throughout the year. Admission into these orchestras requires an audition. The Youth Orchestra program in Columbia is the SC Youth Philharmonic https://www.scphilharmonic.com/youth-orchestra/. This is an event where you arrange the transportation, registration, etc. for your student.

Region Orchestra- Information for this orchestra is https://scmeaorchestra.com/. This is an orchestra that students audition for in the fall and if accepted perform in a concert in November. This requires one Saturday for the audition and one weekend (Friday afternoon and evening and all day Saturday, performance is Saturday late afternoon).

All State Orchestra- If students make it into the Region Orchestra, they are then allowed to audition for the All State Orchestra. This audition is one they go to the Columbia area in January on a Saturday to audition. If the student makes it, he or she will go to the site that is designated for All State in February for an entire weekend with a performance on Sunday afternoon.

Festival- This is where we go and perform in front of judges who are experts in the field of music. We receive scores and get feedback. Parents can be there and be in the audience, but are not required. This is done through a field trip and students are transported by bus.

Solo and Ensemble- This is a festival where small groups or solos perform in front of a judge and awards and feedback are given. This is an event where you arrange the transportation for your student.

Cello Choir- This is held in September and students are responsible for transportation, etc. Site changes year to year. It is a group of fantastic cellists from around the state coached by experts on the cello. It is one weekend and the final performance includes all of the cellists ranging from 2nd year to advanced professional.

Violin/Viola Choir- This is held in January or February and students are responsible for transportation, etc. Site changes year to year. It is a group of fantastic violinists and violists from around the state coached by experts on the violin/viola. It is one weekend and the final performance includes all of the violinists and violists ranging from beginner to advanced professional.