General Information


































Required Materials For Lessons


Violin & Bow 

For ages approximately 3-5 years old, we will use a foam training violin until they are ready to "graduate" to the real violin. Please see the Getting Started page for more information. Other students require a real violin & bow for the first class.



Required textbooks for beginners of all ages:


Suzuki Violin School: Violin Part, Vol. 1 (Book & CD, Revised Version)

I Can Read Music, Volume 1 for Violin by Joanne Martin.

 Step by Step- Volume 1A: An Intorduction to Successful Practice for Violin (Book & CD)



Required Reading Material for Parents (before starting lessons):

Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education by Shinichi Suzuki
(Kindle e-Book version)

Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki
(Kindle e-Book version)



Rosin

Rosin is essentially hardened tree sap. You swipe it on the bow everytime before you play, and it leaves a white powder. It makes the bow hair stickier, thus being able to grab on to the strings more and allow for a bigger sound. It is not used to clean the hair!! (I don't know where students hear this...) Your case will usually come with rosin. If not, please purchase it. Parents: please hide the rosin from the little ones since it can shatter if dropped. Rosin will become hard or sticky on the violin surface without proper care and maintenance, so you must clean your violin after practicing See "cleaing cloth" info below.
My favorite rosin: The Original Bernadel Rosin For Violin - Viola - Cello

Cleaning Cloth

Please keep a cleaning cloth in your case to wipe off the rosin and dust off your violin and bow. Flannel material works best. You may also use a handkerchief but you must wash it frequently. Do not use a towel. You can store it on top of the violin like a violin (like a blanket) to protect the bridge. The cleaning cloth I use:  Planet Waves Untreated Polish Cloth - yellow


Notebook

Students are required to bring a notebook to lessons. Parents must take notes for their young child's lessons, jotting down explanations I provide, or how to play a certain song or how to practice a particular section. All students must write down their assignment for the week.


Shoulder Rest

Your violin may come with a shoulder rest. If not, I suggest the Kun brand since it comes in difference colors and sizes. We might use a contoured foam for younger students. Posture and comfort is essential, so be prepared to purchase what is recommended before the second lesson. It may require ordering online. I do not carry extra merchandise in my studio.

You can purchase these items online or at one of the local music stores (at CK Violin or the Music Center of Hawaii). 




Other Recommended Materials:


Music Stand

For you practicing at home. Please do no use your piano, bookshelf, chair or "mom" as a music stand.

Violin Pitchpipe

To help tune at home. Tuning the violin is difficult, so I will teach all parents how to tune with this device. You may get a digital tuner instead if it fits your budget.

Mini Laminated Violin Flash Cards- 1st position

To help teach note-reading. Very helpful and fun. Make sure you get the Violin 1st position set, not 3rd position.

Mini Nail-Clippers

Please keep them in your case. Fingernails must be kept short to play the violin. I will dismiss a student from the lesson if nails are too long at the lesson.