Individual Lessons
Avon Mountain Suzuki
Violin School
Growing Beautiful Violinists in the Heart of Central Connecticut
Getting Started on the Violin
New Streetcar Suzuki Families: Please read the document linked below and webpage following your Sample Lesson.
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Click to Read:
Before We Begin: A Guide for New Families
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Materials for Beginning Students
The first three lessons are attended by only the parent (child will attend starting the fourth lesson). Beginning violin students will need the following materials for their first lesson:
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Required Parent Reading:
“Nurtured by Love” by Shinichi Suzuki
"Beyond the Music Lesson" by Christine Goodner (also available in audiobook)
A box violin for beginners under age 8 (please follow link for instructions)
A properly sized violin and bow
Children's chopsticks
Rosin
Kun or Everest Shoulder Rest in the appropriate size
Cleaning Cloth
Two baby wash cloths, two medium rubber bands
A thin yoga mat
Suzuki Book 1 for Violin, Revised Edition and corresponding CD
“I Can Read Music” Book 1 for Violin
Violin Tuner/Metronome (You can look for an app on your phone, as well)
AnyTune App or The Amazing Slower Downer App
A three ring binder for assignments and notes
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How to Select a Violin for your Child:
When choosing a violin, our highest priority is for the instrument to be capable of producing a beautiful, resonant tone. This will help create the most ease and joy for your child as he or she learns to play the violin. Please select a violin which is the highest quality that is financially feasible for your family. While it may seem initially more advantageous to buy one online, I highly suggest renting a violin at Seery Strings so that your child can be sized properly (similarly to shoes) and so that you can ensure the quality of the instrument.
Seery Strings
Address: 156 Summer St, Bristol, CT 06010
Instrument Care
Along with learning to play the instrument, students will also learn to care for their violins. As handmade, unique, and fragile instruments, they require special attention and handling. Violins should always be stored in the case in a temperature-controlled room away from pets and young siblings. Violins should never be exposed to extreme heat or cold, and leaving a violin in the car with both the cold and hot temperatures we experience in Connecticut would be very damaging to the instrument.
After practicing, violins and bows should be wiped clean with a plain, cotton cloth (a cut up t-shirt works very well) to avoid rosin building up on the strings or wood. Violins should be taken to the luthier (instrument shop) at least once a year for a check-up and a change of strings.