Ms. Samara's
Studio for Strings
"Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll understand."
Chinese Proverb
Why Study an Instrument/Learn Music?
The Traditional Approach vs.The Suzuki Method
The Traditional Approach to teaching an instrument is recommended for older students (7+) and/or students who might have had some lessons already. The Traditional Approach introduces music reading at an earlier stage than the Suzuki Method and uses a variety of etudes and repertoire to teach the necessary skills needed to play the violin/viola well. Is recommended that traditional private lessons occur weekly, home practice occurs daily and regular listening is happening in order for progress to be made.
The Suzuki Method is a specialized method using the "mother-tongue" approach. For this method to be the most effective, it is recommended that the student begin instrument studies between the ages of 3-7 years old when the language learning centers of the brain are most open. The student and parent work together with the teacher to form the Suzuki Triangle and create an optimal learning environment for the student to include DAILY listening to the Suzuki Recordings, daily home practice with the practice parent, private AND group class lessons. Repertoire is taught by ear at first (music reading is taught later) and flows through a specific set of pieces in the Suzuki Method Repertoire Series. Please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas for more information.
I am happy to discuss either approach with you more in detail to help you decide which may be more suitable.
Commitment
Learning to play a string instrument takes time, dedication, patience, planning and persistence. When you sign up for lessons, I advise that you commit to lessons for at least 9 months so that we can determine long term goals, get to know one another, and develop consistency in your home practice and technique. In addition, due to the regular commitment to home practice, it is highly recommended that the student taking lessons be involved in no more than one other sport or activity.
Instruments
It is important that we find the right instrument and/or rental situation for you.
If your child is a young beginner ages 3-7, we will begin our lessons on a "foam-a-lin" or "foam-a-la" which will allow your child to develop the coordination and appreciation needed before acquiring a real instrument. You'll find more about this under the Current Students Tab.
If you/your child are an older beginner, we can discuss possible instrument options. Please speak with me before you acquire an instrument as not only is size a necessary factor but also quality.
Lesson Location
Lessons are available in person on the SW corner or Dobson & Ray in Chandler. Virtual lessons can be given on request or in special circumstances.
Lesson Times/Days
As of now, lessons are being scheduled Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 7:15pm . Group classes are held once a month on Saturday mornings.
Tuition Rates Etc.
*please note that Lesson Rates will be increasing slightly in August of 2023
Lessons are set up on a 9 week Quarter system (dates listed below) from August through May.
Each Quarter includes a minimum of 7 lessons (2 can be missed for conflicts). Any additional lessons beyond 7 in the quarter can be schedule "a la carte."
All summer lessons (June & July) are "a la carte"
Monthly payments are due by your first lesson of the month (August through May) or by the 10th of the month (whichever comes first).
A FULL 24 hour notice is required for any missed lessons to be considered for a reschedule
*Lesson rates subject to change each school year
*Late fees may be added at a later date
* There are NO refunds or lesson credits or pro-rating
Quarter 1 (2022): August 1 through October 1
Quarter 2 (2022): October 17 through December 22
Quarter 3 (2023): January 9 through March 11
Quarter 4 (2023): March 27 through June 2
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Requires 5 month commitment (September through December and/or January through May/early June)
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Includes Recital Fees
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Includes 7 private lessons/quarter
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Does not include Group Class Fees (please add these each month or bundle as below)
Monthly Tuition
30 min lessons/week = $95/month
45 min lesson/week = $145/month
60 min lessons/week = $180/month
$15/group class or
$48/ 4 group classes
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Requires a Quarterly commitment
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Includes Recital Fees
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Includes 7 private lessons/quarter
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Includes discounted Group Class Fees ($10/group class)
30 min lessons/week = $258/quarter
45 min lesson/week = $383/quarter
60 min lessons/week = $450/quarter
Quarterly Tuition
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Any lessons beyond 7 in the quarter
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All lessons in June & July
30 min lesson = $32
45 min lesson = $50
60 min lesson = $62
A La Carte
Ways to Pay:
Starting January 2023, please choose to pay either Monthly or Quarterly (see above)
Payments are accepted in check, cash, ZELLE, or PayPal.
Tuition amounts are per student/per lesson length.