Studio Lessons with Ms. Apolonio
Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, and Music Theory/Composition
Foothill Christian School & FCLYO Lesson Academy
Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, and Music Theory/Composition
Foothill Christian School & FCLYO Lesson Academy
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ms. Dana Apolonio
Campus phones:
Foothill 1 (orchestra classes and viola/cello/bass/music theory lessons): (626) 914-1849 ext. 201
Piano studio (piano lessons): (626) 914-1849 ext. 1130
DEEP HOPE, STORYLINE & THROUGHLINES
Deep Hope
Through the study, performance and composition of music, students will learn to sing a new song to the Lord with musical instruments and contribute to the beauty of God’s creation.
"Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." Psalm 33:1-3 (ESV)
God is our Creator, and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). God is creative, therefore we are also creative. Whether we create new music to be played, or exercise the gifts God has given us in arts, athletics, academics, or other fields, let us worship, represent, and change this world for Jesus!
Storyline: “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." Psalm 33:1-3 (ESV)
Throughlines
Community Building: Orchestra students will build each other up and encourage each other throughout our music studies as we perform music together as an ensemble. Studio lesson students will contribute to the overall theme/genre of an annual studio recital as they each learn and perform a solo in front of an audience.
Beauty Creating - we will create new music that glorifies God as we study music theory and composition.
VIRTUAL LESSONS
Zoom
Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9705803647?pwd=PLW8LjxWP3DNrbd2q2qBbnYAu5aWab.1Â
Meeting ID: 970 580 3647
Passcode: 1234567
Instructions for joining: https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/9705803647/invitations?signature=eyaXKT0AP8RdcKcNH9C3ltAL9ABhWCFDQC0MjbPTgKQÂ
Google Meet
Link: https://meet.google.com/teo-hxiw-yua *Google Meet works best on a desktop computer, but if using a mobile device, please download and use the Google Meet app. Google Meet also does not work when signed into FCS student gmail accounts.
CALENDARS & STUDIO POLICIES
FCS Studio Lessons
Studio policies: refer to the "FCS 26-27 Lesson Confirmation" email you received during the first week of school for our studio policy.
FCLYO Academy Lessons
Academy Master Schedule & Agenda (see below)
Lesson Calendar 2026-27: full list of dates for each week of lessons
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Bring the following to each lesson:
All students:
Your music books/sheet music
Reusable tote bag for transporting your music books
Pencil with eraser
Viola, cello, bass students:
Your instrument
All applicable instrument accessories (shoulder rest, rock stop, rosin, etc.)
WHAT TO PRACTICE; STUDENT/PARENT EXPECTATIONS
What to practice
Suzuki, Etudes, and Alfred Lesson/Recital books: practice assigned pieces that have the date written (e.g. 8/27) near the top of the page and do not yet have a sticker or check mark.
FCLYO music binders: practice assigned pieces as stated on the "Agenda" tab of the FCLYO Academy Master Schedule.
Scales, I Can Read Music, All for Strings Theory, and Alfred Notespeller books will be covered in your lessons.
Student/parent expectations
Listen to the demo/backing tracks of each assigned piece (if assigned)
Practice each assigned piece with/without metronome and with demo/backing tracks (as applicable)
Establish a regular practice routine
Reach out to me ASAP with any questions or concerns so that I can help you as needed!
(Parents/family members) Encourage and support your students as they progress in their musical studies!
MUSIC TRACKS & VIDEOS
Suzuki Viola
Suzuki Cello
Book 5
Danse Rustique - backing tracks at various tempos
Book 6
The Swan *DEMO from 0:00-2:59; BACKING TRACK from 3:00-end
Cellopedia - Suzuki Cello Book Recordings and Practice Videos
Suzuki Bass
Worship
Top Christian Hits - Instrumental Solos (violin/viola)
FCLYO
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Tools
Tuner & metronome
Soundcorset (mobile app - available for Apple & Android)
Drones - intonation practice
Music Theory
musictheory.net - music theory practice
Music Tutor - note-reading app
Music History
Music Composition
Notation software
MuseScore 4 (available for Mac & PC)
Free Notation (free without account)
Noteflight (free with online account)
Digital audio workstations (DAWs)
GarageBand (available for Mac, iPad)
Soundtrap (free with online account but cannot use FCS Gmail account to sign up)
Chrome Music Lab - various online music comp games
Tracks/Videos