Violin, Viola & Cello Lessons
In-person & Virtual Options
In-person lessons take place at my home studio in Columbia, MD.
Virtual lessons are available as a back-up option to in-person lessons.
Music & Resources
To start, we can work on whatever music your child has from school or previous lessons and playing experience. After I get to know them and their playing level, I will recommend some books that I would like them to have. I will also create a Google Drive folder where I will put other scanned music or recordings that we can use in lessons and they can refer to when practicing.
Lesson Notes
All students should have a notebook devoted to lesson notes.
For students taking 30 minute lessons, I will take notes about what we worked on during the lesson and what they should practice that week.
For students taking 45 or 60 minute lessons, they will write their own notes for practicing that week.
Practicing
Consistent practice is vital to students' success. Students are expected to practice regularly throughout the week before their next lesson. A good rule of thumb is that students should aim for practicing the length of their lesson every day of the week. However, I believe that quality practice is more important than meeting a time requirement. Students should focus on practicing using the techniques that are taught during their lessons rather than just "playing" until the practice time is up. Careful, focused repetition and consistency are key!
Billing
Lessons are billed by the month and invoices are emailed at the beginning of each month. Payment is expected within the first week of the month. Before you submit payment for lessons, please check your calendar for any conflicts so that lessons can be rescheduled to accommodate camps, vacations, appointments, etc. If you need to make changes to the lesson schedule on your invoice, please email me with changes before you pay. You will receive an updated invoice.
Venmo, PayPal & Zelle payments are preferred.
In-person lessons take place at my home studio in Columbia, MD.
Virtual lessons are available as a back-up option to in-person lessons.
Music & Resources
To start, we can work on whatever music your child has from school or previous lessons and playing experience. After I get to know them and their playing level, I will recommend some books that I would like them to have. I will also create a Google Drive folder where I will put other scanned music or recordings that we can use in lessons and they can refer to when practicing.
Lesson Notes
All students should have a notebook devoted to lesson notes.
For students taking 30 minute lessons, I will take notes about what we worked on during the lesson and what they should practice that week.
For students taking 45 or 60 minute lessons, they will write their own notes for practicing that week.
Practicing
Consistent practice is vital to students' success. Students are expected to practice regularly throughout the week before their next lesson. A good rule of thumb is that students should aim for practicing the length of their lesson every day of the week. However, I believe that quality practice is more important than meeting a time requirement. Students should focus on practicing using the techniques that are taught during their lessons rather than just "playing" until the practice time is up. Careful, focused repetition and consistency are key!
Billing
Lessons are billed by the month and invoices are emailed at the beginning of each month. Payment is expected within the first week of the month. Before you submit payment for lessons, please check your calendar for any conflicts so that lessons can be rescheduled to accommodate camps, vacations, appointments, etc. If you need to make changes to the lesson schedule on your invoice, please email me with changes before you pay. You will receive an updated invoice.
Venmo, PayPal & Zelle payments are preferred.
LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY
24-hour notice is required for canceling a scheduled lesson. You will receive a credit on your next invoice for the canceled lesson.
Before you submit payment for lessons, please check your calendar for any conflicts (school events, appointments, concerts, etc.) so that you can be billed correctly for the month. If you need to make changes to the lesson schedule on your invoice, please email me with changes before you pay. You will receive an updated invoice.
There are no refunds or credits for same-day cancellations or no-shows.
HEALTH POLICY
If your child or any member of your family is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please do not come to your lesson. Contact Mrs. McKay ASAP to discuss options.
If your child is not feeling well on the day of their lesson, please do not come to your lesson. Contact Mrs. McKay ASAP to discuss options.
For in-person lessons:
24-hour notice is required for canceling a scheduled lesson. You will receive a credit on your next invoice for the canceled lesson.
Before you submit payment for lessons, please check your calendar for any conflicts (school events, appointments, concerts, etc.) so that you can be billed correctly for the month. If you need to make changes to the lesson schedule on your invoice, please email me with changes before you pay. You will receive an updated invoice.
There are no refunds or credits for same-day cancellations or no-shows.
HEALTH POLICY
If your child or any member of your family is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please do not come to your lesson. Contact Mrs. McKay ASAP to discuss options.
If your child is not feeling well on the day of their lesson, please do not come to your lesson. Contact Mrs. McKay ASAP to discuss options.
For in-person lessons:
- Shoes are not to be worn inside the studio. You may remove your shoes once you come inside the front door.
- Parents & siblings are asked to wait outside or in your vehicle during your child’s lesson.