Author: Meah

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

For Parents

1. I would like my child to take violin lessons with you. What is the “right age” to start violin lessons for my child?

• I take in students from 4 years and above.
• Younger students with existing violin background would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

2. My child already has background in violin and would like to switch over to you. Would that be possible?

• Yes of course! In my years of teaching, I have noted the common phenomenon for parents to switch over their child when there is “stagnancy” in the child’s progress.
• What usually lies at the core of this problem: a weak foundation resulting in difficulty managing the more advanced pieces, or in some cases, communication problems with the teacher.
• All transfer students are required to come for a trial lesson before being accepted into my violin studio.

3. Where are lessons conducted? How long is the duration of each lesson? Do you conduct group classes?

• Lessons are conducted from my home, located in Choa Chu Kang (5-min walk from Choa Chu Kang MRT). I do not do housecalls.
• Each lesson is 45mins minimum. 60min lessons are applicable for advanced levels.
• Lessons are conducted once a week. Special arrangements can be made for students who wish to have lessons twice a week, subject to my availability.
• I only conduct individual lessons.

4. In what language do you conduct your lessons?

• I am proficient in both English and Mandarin.
• I am able to conduct lessons in either language which your child is more comfortable with.
• However, as ABRSM exams are conducted in English, your child would be expected to speak and understand basic English by the time of the first violin examination.

5. When can my child start to learn the first song? 

• The average time taken to learn the first song is by the 3rd lesson or when the child has demonstrated confidence in holding both the violin and bow correctly.
• It takes a while for the child, (or even an adult!) to get acquainted with having a foreign object on the shoulder and to balance that with wielding a bow!

6. I want my child to take violin lessons but I have zero knowledge of music. Would that hinder my child’s progress?

• Not at all! My parents did not have knowledge of music, but they sat in for my lessons and helped to take notes. They would also watch over me when I was practising to reinforce the teaching points.
• Parental supervision and active involvement in the child’s practice sessions, (especially for younger children), are key contributing factors to a child’s musical progress.

7. I just want my child to learn an instrument for fun. What is this thing about practising that you keep harping on?

• Practice is crucial in a child’s musical development. As I will be providing Exclusive Mentorship to your child during the individual lesson, I can tell immediately if your child has been practising regularly and correctly.
• While the beginning stages might prove trying for everyone involved in your child’s learning experience, the long term benefits include self-discipline and self-motivation from a young age! (And bonus violin entertainment during celebrations, woohoo!)
• Once your child gets used to the routine of practising, the progress curve immediately becomes steep, coupled with the joy of hearing beautiful music created!  That’s when the fun really begins!

8. Do you teach the Suzuki method?

• Every individual is unique in both mind and body, and I am a strong advocate of providing a well-rounded education for each and every one of my students.
• While the Suzuki method has its merits (such as ear training and observational learning), optimum results can only be achieved through the combination of different methodologies which best suits each individual.

9. Do you teach music theory?

• I teach the basics required for violin playing, at no extra cost. However, theory lessons are essential for intermediate through advanced levels. I will usually recommend students to start theory lessons when I find that they have grown more comfortable with the violin and are ready to move on to higher levels.

10. Any other pre-requisites?

• A serious and earnest learning attitude towards lessons, as well as good manners.

11. What if I need to cancel class?

• For changes to the class timing, notice would have to be given 48hrs in advance. For notice given less than 48hrs in advance of the scheduled class time, there will be no replacement class or fee refund.
• If your child is sick on the day of lesson and unable to attend class, a replacement class will only be given if a medical certificate is produced on the following lesson. Soft copies of the medical certificate would be accepted.
• Failure to produce a medical certificate would be treated as a case of last-minute cancellation 

12. What is the fee structure? 

• Fees are payable on the first lesson of each month, on a per-lesson basis. i.e.: If there are 5 weeks in that month, you would pay for 5 lessons. 

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For Adult Students

1. Am I too old to start violin lessons with you?

• Age is not a factor. While it is normal to experience a lack of dexterity in fingers and joints, this is something that can be easily rectified with due practice.
• Before you start violin lessons, however, it is important to think about whether you can dedicate time for regular practice. It gets easier as you become more proficient on the instrument. My oldest student is in her 50s.
• Do note that I’m currently only accepting students with existing music background.

2. I used to learn a musical instrument when I was young. Would that help?

• Yes it would, if you already have an existing knowledge of note-reading, pitch sensitivity and a good sense of rhythm.

3. I want to learn a song for my wedding/ my friend’s wedding. How long would that take?

• This is dependent on the difficulty of the piece and whether you have any existing violin background. Realistically, we should be looking at 3 months worth of lessons to perform a simple pop song/ ballad that your guests would remember forever, (for the right reasons), of course!

4. Where are lessons conducted? How long is the duration of each lesson? Do you conduct group classes?

• Lessons are conducted from my home, located in Choa Chu Kang (5-min walk from Choa Chu Kang MRT). I do not do housecalls.
• Each lesson is 45mins minimum. 60min lessons are applicable for advanced levels.
• Lessons are conducted once a week. Special arrangements can be made for students who wish to have lessons twice a week, subject to my availability.
• I only conduct individual lessons.

5. What if I need to cancel class?

• For changes to the class timing, notice would have to be given 48hrs in advance. For notice given less than 48hrs in advance of the scheduled class time, there will be no replacement class or fee refund.
• If you are sick on the day of lesson and unable to attend class, a replacement class will only be given if a medical certificate is produced on the following lesson. Soft copies of the medical certificate would be accepted.
• Failure to produce a medical certificate would be treated as a case of last-minute cancellation. 

6. What is the fee structure?

•  Fees are payable on the first lesson of each month, on a per-lesson basis. i.e.: If there are 5 weeks in that month, you would pay for 5 lessons.