Studio Policies & General Information
Onlline teaching with Coco
Beginner & better-quality violins of all sizes can be purchased or rented
ALLYSON'S VIOLIN STUDIO on YouTube - I have a YouTube channel with about 100 videos to help you practice at home. They're helpful when you arrive home and can't remember exactly how we did it in the lesson. And also to practice playing through your pieces by memory! http://www.youtube.com/AllysonsViolinStudio
CONCERTS - RECITALS we will hold one party/concert each year during the winter, and another in the spring. These are a little less formal than the traditional (and oft-dreaded!) recitals of memory - and no one is obliged to play although everyone is strongly urged to attend, even if you don't play.
**ALLERGIES - Please note that there are animals in the house (1 cat and 1 generally well-behaved small dog). A half-hour lesson doesn't last very long, but this is occasionally an issue for persons with severe allergies.
- I recommend Myhre's Music on 118 avenue - http://www.myhresmusic.com -
- or Bella Music out in the west end on 150th street - http://www.bellamusic.ca/ -
- There is also Eric Tan, which is a violin shop on the south side (34th ave just east of Gateway.)
- Long & McQuade do carry violins but are not a specialist violin shop. As the violin shops can help when you have problems and are an important resource to the string community in Edmonton, I encourage you to get to know and support them.
- Internet shopping might seem tempting, but don't do it without talking to me first - you won't have the benefit of experienced staff making sure that you get a good, appropriate instrument for your money. Additionally a local violin shop will help their clients with string and bridge issues, but may have to charge more for fixes to instruments that come from elsewhere.
- Fine VIOLINS & Beginner rentals - Michael Gilmore at Collector's Corner Violins has a lovely collection of hand-made violins and bows if you're looking for something special, and he also now rents out violin kits for beginners (size 1/8 to 4/4) and carries accessories. Michael has a lifetime 100% trade-in policy on his violins and bows. You can reach him at ccviolins@shaw.ca or 780.266.9103 - he is open on request. I have gone with students to shop for upgrade violins and I know that he will do his best to look after you.
- A music stand that goes high enough that you are looking directly at the music, not bending over.
- Please do not try to use music on a desk, or use one of the little music stands intended for guitarists who play sitting down. You can't play the violin while leaning over. If you want to use a tablet and keep your music on your device, you should have a score-reading program so that you can put fingerings, bowings and helpful reminders in your music. And you should have a telescoping tablet stand like a music stand to hold it up in front of your eyes for good playing posture.
ALLYSON'S VIOLIN STUDIO on YouTube - I have a YouTube channel with about 100 videos to help you practice at home. They're helpful when you arrive home and can't remember exactly how we did it in the lesson. And also to practice playing through your pieces by memory! http://www.youtube.com/AllysonsViolinStudio
CONCERTS - RECITALS we will hold one party/concert each year during the winter, and another in the spring. These are a little less formal than the traditional (and oft-dreaded!) recitals of memory - and no one is obliged to play although everyone is strongly urged to attend, even if you don't play.
- Most students play solos, and we may also play some things as a group. Some years I give out specific fiddle tunes or Christmas tunes to learn for the event.
- The recital is usually held in St. Luke's Anglican Church, depending on availability.
- There will be a minimal charge to cover the cost of our pianist & the hall.
**ALLERGIES - Please note that there are animals in the house (1 cat and 1 generally well-behaved small dog). A half-hour lesson doesn't last very long, but this is occasionally an issue for persons with severe allergies.