Practice only on the days you eat!
Where are the classes held? Classes are at my studio. Orchid Isle Orchestra meets at East Hawaii Cultural Center and University of Hawaii at Hilo Music Rehearsal Room. When requested, I can e-mail a map to all locations. During the Pandemic, I am available for either Zoom lessons or lessons in person, with masks on in a well-ventilated room.
How do you schedule the year? I divide up my year into three teaching periods: fall semester, spring semester, and summer session. The tuition and registration form on this site is for the current semester or session. Tuition includes a GE tax, private lessons, groups, dress rehearsals and concerts for the given time period.
How big is a group lesson? This varies depending on the configuration of the group (and the semester, as well). Some Fridays I break up the students into two or three groups. On "Tutti class" Fridays, all students are invited in one big group.
May I observe a lesson? Absolutely -- as long as you're quiet! I highly recommend it, even to current students. It's a great way to learn. It's free and you're welcome to observe for as many (or as few) weeks as you like. I just need to know in advance that you're coming to observe. If you send me an e-mail request, I'll send back an observation schedule.
What are my options in terms of times for classes? In my studio, parents of children younger than 13 learn first, before the students come for private and group classes. "Beginning" parents meet once weekly. When their children start a new semester, parents have the option of registering their choice of a private lesson time-slot on Monday through Thursday afternoons. I do my best to accommodate all schedule requests, giving preference to current students who want to continue coming at the same time. Friday group class times are assigned, and are held approximately every other Friday. Sometimes I see students twice in the week, then (for private and group class).
Do we need to buy or rent an instrument before we register? You don't need an instrument to start (for parents of children under age 13). For the first eight weeks of the parent class, we read and discuss two short books about the Suzuki philosophy, and we set up a listening program. On the first day of the parent class, you receive materials to get you started: music books and a CD for listening, a parent reference notebook that contains information about where to rent or buy instruments. We'll discuss renting/purchasing options in the parent class as well.
Does the parent class need to start at the beginning of a semester or summer session? No. A parent class can start at any time during the year, as long as I have room in my schedule and at least two or three parents can agree on a weekly time. The parent class usually ends mid-semester since the two schedules don't necessarily coincide. Then, I pro-rate tuition for the starting child, who comes for a private lesson during the previous "parent class" time. I will assign group class times when the child starts, so I will see you twice a week sometimes.
How do I register? If your child is younger than age 13, register for a parent class first. To register for a parent class:
Contact me; tell me when you're available to participate in a weekly class (Monday through Thursday), and about your musical background. If you have some musical experience, I recommend the 10-week course. If you are a beginner, the 20-week class is preferable. No musical experience (prior to the parent class) is necessary to become a great home teacher for your child.
With your schedule information, I can suggest a time to meet. If at least two parents agree on a time, we'll set it up to meet for 45 minutes. If three parents agree on a time, we'll set it up to meet for an hour.
Send me a check for the materials. I'll order them so they can be ready for our first class. Be prepared to pay tuition for the parent class at the first meeting.
What if my child already plays? I do accept transfer students without the parent class prerequisite, schedule permitting.
Do you teach adults? Yes.
Do you teach only private lessons?
No. I find that the groups truly support everyone involved -- the student, parent and teacher. It's always a part of my program. Students benefit by:
seeing that they're not the only ones practicing; they see others progress.
listening; they feel inspired when they hear another student or their teacher play.
practicing music-reading skills
improvising
training their ears, singing
playing together; they become good ensemble players by following and working together as part of a team.
performing; students feel completely comfortable playing before others at my recitals/concerts because they've had so much practice at it during group classes.
enjoying themselves; group class is fun -- so it's motivating.