Philosophy

​My philosophy is highly influenced by the work of Shinichi Suzuki. Every child has the ability to enrich their lives by learning to play an instrument. Learning the violin is a rewarding musical journey that can last a lifetime. My great hope is that through music, every student can find joy and motivation inside themselves, and that they can carry this with them through their entire lives.
" If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart."
​-Shinichi Suzuki

Schedule and Availability

I teach and bill on a semester system. Tuition includes lessons and a $25 recital and material fee, which will cover costs of hall rentals, professional accompanists for the semester recitals, copies and other teaching materials. Please do not assume lessons will be cancelled on inservice days or other school holidays! If school is cancelled for ​snow or other emergencies, I will send out an e-mail letting you know if I am available.

Tuition and Payment

Please pay your tuition on the first or second lesson of the semester. Payment is by check, cash, or credit card, and checks are made out to Dawn Lindsay. To pay for lessons online login to My Music Staff.
If you would like to pay by cash or check, please bring your payment to the lesson and drop it in the payment box.
Payment in one or two installments per semester is standard, but special arrangements can be made for families wanting to make more frequent payments. Please ask me about this if more frequent payments would be a better option for you.
Lesson Rates:
30 minutes: $35
45 minutes: $50
60 minutes: $65

Attendance

  • ​Your lesson is an appointment; tuition saves your slot in my schedule and I must be paid whether you attend a lesson or not. I will make up ONE of your missed lessons per semester.
  • If I miss a lesson for any reason, I will either make it up or give you a lesson credit for the next semester.
  • If you need to miss a lesson, you have the following options: Switch lessons with another student, (phone and e-mail directory will be available), call me or login to My Music Staff to find out if I have any cancellations, or make up the lesson at my convenience. I will have opportunities for make-ups at the end of the semester. I am also happy to use cancellation slots for students needing to make up a lesson.
  • You will not get unlimited lesson credits if you go on vacation and miss lessons, but if you are gone for an extended period of time, let me know so we can work something out and save your place in the studio.
  • Make-up lessons and extra lessons may be available on inservice days as well as over a designated day of Spring break. Don’t hesitate to ask. I try to be as flexible as possible.

Recitals

We will have at least one studio recital each semester for students to develop performance skills and showcase the hard work they have done all semester. It is expected that students will perform in these studio recitals unless there are mitigating circumstances that can be discussed on a case by case basis. Recitals are a valuable opportunity to perform in a supportive and constructive environment and it is important for students to show their support of one another. I will provide advance notice of recital dates, times, and locations, once each semester is underway.

Studio Etiquette

  • Bring all of your current music books to every lesson. Students should also remember to bring a spiral or composition notebook containing the weekly lesson plan and practice guide. Please hand this to me at the beginning of each lesson. I will clearly detail the weekly assignment. Parents who are accustomed to taking notes during lessons should continue to do so in a notebook of their choice.
  • Siblings and friends are welcome in the lesson as long as they stay in the studio or waiting area and are quiet. Small children are not to be left unattended during lesson times. Please be respectful of our studio space and lesson time.
  • Make every effort to be on time. Please come into the studio at your lesson time so I know you are present, and unpack your instrument so you are ready to play. Be prompt in picking up your child, especially if you have the last lesson of the day. If you need to leave a child at the studio a little longer to facilitate transportation, that is fine if you check with me first. Please make sure they stay in the waiting area and work on homework or read quietly.
  • Please do not come to your lesson chewing gum.

Teacher Commitments

  • Communicate lesson expectations clearly.
  • Provide strategies and motivational ideas for practice.
  • Provide ample performance opportunities.
  • Prepare materials for lessons and continue developing my own learning and performance.
  • Watch for proper physical posture and set up so students are moving in an ergonomically correct manner.
  • Keep lines of communication open with parents and students and take parental suggestions seriously.
  • Foster a supportive atmosphere, a friendly feeling among students, and encourage musical community in the studio.
  • Let the fun and joyful side of learning music shine through!

Parent Commitments

  • Daily practice will ensure progress (6-7 days a week!), Organize and monitor your child’s practice, even if they are practicing on their own. Students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day at the elementary school level, 45-60 minutes at the secondary level, and an hour or more at the high school level.
  • Listening! Listening to recordings of working pieces and giving your child the opportunity to attend live performances will encourage and motivate students.
  • Attend group lessons, master classes, and workshops if at all possible.
  • Arrive prepared. Bring all required books and your notebook to every lesson, even if you don’t have a current assignment in a certain book. I encourage students to keep all music together in a bag,
  • Foster a nurturing environment in the lesson. This includes:
    • Arriving a few minutes early to make sure your child is not rushed, has time to use the restroom, and wash hands
    • Bringing all music, handouts, and notebooks needed for each lesson
    • Remaining positive and attentive in the lesson and following the lead of the teacher. As tempting as it may be, I ask that you do not interrupt the lesson with reminders for your child. This can be humiliating for the student and disrupts the flow of the lesson. I encourage discussions at the end of the lesson, but if you must ask a question during the lesson to clarify, please do so respectfully.
  • Purchase music, strings, and other accessories promptly.
  • Pay tuition on time.
  • Encourage younger or less experienced students to create a supportive studio environment. Negative comments about other students will not be tolerated.
  • Take the long view of your child’s progress. Once the fundamentals are in place, the pace of progress will accelerate.
  • Have your child read the student commitments (below).

Student Commitments

  • Bring all materials, including a composition or spiral notebook, to every lesson, even if you think you may not be working in a certain book that particular week. Take the initiative to get your music ready to go to the lesson. This is not your parent’s responsibility if you are a teenager. It seems to work best to keep all music together in a special bag for easy transport to and from your lessons.
  • Do your daily practice, even if you don’t feel like it. A little practice is better than nothing. If you have had a bad practice week, let me know at the start of the lesson. I am understanding if this happens once in a while, but don’t make a habit of it.
  • Bring focus, a positive attitude, and enthusiasm to the studio. Feel free to ask important musical questions. Check sarcasm and ego at the door.
  • Older students serve as an example to younger students. Be as mature and encouraging as you know how to be in studio and recital settings.
  • This is a supportive studio. Remember that being competitive is natural, but it works best when you compete with yourself. Watch your friends perform, compliment them on their progress, go to concerts together, and above all, don’t make hurtful comments about other students. We all started with Twinkle and have each had performances we would rather forget.
  • Remember that your teacher (me!) thinks the world of each of you, and has total faith in your ability to do what I have asked of you!

Additional Policies

  • Please don’t purchase a new violin or bow or upsize without my guidance. I will be happy to help you through the process in any way I can and don’t mind meeting you at a local shop to try violins and bows with you.
  • Auditions, master classes, summer camp selection, and competitions should be undertaken with the consent or guidance of your teacher. Keep the lines of communication open.
  • Consistent lack of commitment to practice, lessons, and performances will result in a serious discussion as to whether my studio is a good fit for your family.
Thank you for your efforts. I feel tremendously honored to work with so many wonderful families!
Contact me any time by e-mail, or leave me a message or text on my cell phone.
Thank you for allowing me to teach your children the art of violin.
​
Sincerely,
Dawn