Taught in grades 3-5

LESSONS

At the elementary level, string instrument lessons are offered to grades 3, 4, and 5 as 35 minute small group pull out lessons once a cycle. Students do receive a grade on their report cards for instrumental music. Elementary orchestra teachers create lesson groupings within the opening weeks of the school year. Students are scheduled for a small group lesson once per 4-day cycle rotation. Students come down to orchestra lessons during other classes. Orchestra lessons rotate throughout the day so that the student does not miss the same class week after week.

"I registered my child to start lessons. What happens next?"

OVER THE SUMMER... Once you sign your child up for lessons in the upcoming school year, it's very important that you begin looking for your child's music instrument, lesson book, and folding music stand. To help you compare prices, visit our STORES AND SUPPLIES page on this site and scroll to the bottom to find phone numbers of music stores you can contact for pricing information. 

AT THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR... Once the school year begins, the elementary orchestra (and band) teachers will make their rounds to each homeroom 

• to confirm any CONTINUING students who were playing the year before

• to confirm the NEW students who signed up using our registration form over the summer

• to ask if there are any last-minute sign-ups for students whose families have yet to sign them up with our form.

While students and families make final arrangements to get their music lesson materials, the music teachers collaborate with the homeroom teachers and building principals to create a music lesson schedule. Once the schedule is approved, the students and families are informed when their first lesson will be and how to keep track of when the next lesson is going to be, too.  This is typically done by sharing an online lesson calendar. 

ORCHESTRA REQUIRED SUPPLIES - All students will need an orchestra instrument, the Sound Innovations book 1 and necessary supplies to play (shoulder rest, endpin stop, practice mute). Please aim to have the supplies by the first week of school. *Please do not hesitate to ask your school's orchestra director if you need help getting any of these supplies! 

EVERY STUDENT: Sound Innovations, book 1

•   Specific to each instrument - double check that you’re purchasing the right book!

•   Can be bought from Amazon or our local Walden’s Music on Broad St in town, approx $10-15

EVERY STUDENT: Orchestra instrument

VIOLIN & VIOLA Students ONLY  

Must have your own shoulder rest, practice mute, and tuner/metronome.

·        Shoulder sponge or shoulder rest

·        Practice mute for violin or viola

CELLO & BASS Students ONLY    

Must have your own endpin anchor, practice mute, and tuner/metronome.

•   Endpin anchor

•   Practice mute for cello or bass

•   Tuner/metronome

•   Bass bow quiver (BASS ONLY) 

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS... Just visit our CONTACT page to email your child's music teacher with any questions that you have.