Your First Lesson

Your first private music lesson will introduce the lesson organization, cover questions relating to practice, instrument care, posture, lesson notebook, and teacher expectations, and lesson policies (My Lesson Policies). What you need to start your first lesson: instrument, rosin, cleaning cloth, shoulder rest, music and a pencil. If you are a beginning student, you may not have music or a shoulder rest and should follow your instructor's recommendation for each.

Lesson Organization

For 30 minute lessons, I structure the lesson as follows:

• scales - 5 minutes
• etudes - 10 minutes
• concert music - 15 minutes

Scales are a rudimentary technique applicable to all styles and skill levels. Etudes and concert music are broad categories. Etudes are musical pieces and exercises used to perfect technique and may be performed for concerts. Concert music can include concertos, chamber music, etudes, caprices, orchestral music, and any piece that may be performed.

Questions to Ask

• How long should I practice?
• What ways should I practice?
• What are your lesson policies?
• What are your lesson expectations?
• How should I care for my instrument?

Information to Share

• What are you hoping to get out of music lessons?
• What are your other time commitments?
• Are there any special needs that I need to be aware of?