🍂FALL SEMESTER 2020 

Welcome back to live and in-person private lessons beginning August 31, 2020.  This summer I have read countless articles, listened to hours of podcasts, and visited with our scientific family members concerning Corona Virus 19 and how to best keep you, and me, safe while continuing your music education.  

As of August 8 studies agree that outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor, indoor with masks and distancing, and proper ventilation after temperature checks is best. Our local Public Health Authority is deferring to the school districts for authority in closing schools due to changes in the virus count in our country.  Since I am in the high-risk category I will not be waiting for a higher authority to tell me I need more protection and if necessary I will move to online private lessons. 

New technology is developing rapidly that may enhance the audio quality for instrumentalists.  I'm reading reviews and waiting for reports from my colleagues.  The preliminary review is that there is a program much more successful than Zoom.   

Below is the plan for reopening my studio for Fall 2020. Please take a look at all pages on this web site (Tuition, Attendance Policy, Schedule, Suzuki Style)  for any changes to policies and view the updated photos as well.  

1.Private Lessons begin Aug. 31.  

2.Lessons will be outdoors, under the big oak tree in the front yard, weather permitting. If we need an alternative plan that will likely be in the backyard on the covered patio.  I will send instructions or post them on the front door.

3.Everyone should wear a mask! Please use the restroom before you come so entering the house will not be an issue. 

4.Lessons will continue outdoors as weather permits. If we move indoors, all persons in the studio will wear a mask! 

5. If the public health situation changes I will switch to FaceTime lessons.  We have made this work before and can do it again for our health or for bad weather. 

6.Group Lessons will be scheduled with the weather forecast in mind to be held in a well ventilated or outdoor area.  Please watch your email for announcements about these.  I realize many of you will not be able to attend these.  As there will be fewer AISD holidays this semester the Groups will meet after school hours. 

Strings Unlimited Studio

• Parents of new students must observe at least two lessons before beginning lessons. This aids in understanding involvement and commitment.  An observation schedule will be emailed on request. For more information about the Suzuki Method, please visit the Suzuki Style page.
• Communication is through email and this web site. Text messages are reserved for last minute communication, please. 
• Be respectful.  This includes behavior and speech toward teacher, student, and parent.
• Be prepared.  Listen. Practice. Follow assignment sheet. Bring all supplies to lesson.  Read your emails and check web site.
• Encourage one another. Praise efforts, not results.
• Parent involvement is always critical--no matter what age of child. Please attend all lessons and take notes, record, or video what you need for home teaching.
• Semester Commitment.  Enrollment is by the semester. Tuition is paid at the beginning of the semester. Commitment is expected for at least one semester, and until the end of the semester enrolled. 

WHERE/HOW DO I GET SUPPLIES?

• Please do NOT purchase an instrument before I measure your student for the correct size.
• There are NO reliable local sources for violins and supplies. Our most reliable sources for supplies are 1) George Robinson Violin Shop in Lubbock, TX and 2) Young Musicians, Inc. in Ft. Worth, TX.  There are other shops in Texas that are also reliable.  I will assist you in sizing and ordering, which you may do by mail, toll-free phone line 800.851.5778 toll free, or on-line.  Basic materials to be purchased by the parent are:
•       *Violin—rent, or buy new or used at www.robinsonviolins.com .  Web site has rental policy information.
         
• *Bow Buddy www.things4strings.com 
    
• *Suzuki Revised Ed. CD,Vol 1,-6 Now available at iTunes and Amazon downloads. Type in William Preucil on music search, find your desired Suzuki volume for violin, download the album! 
        
• Rosin, Shoulder Rest, Revised Suzuki Books and CD’s  and other supplies at https://www.young-musicians.com/
• 
     Binder for handouts and lesson notes
•      Digital device for recording lesson
•      Required Reading for Parents:  Nurtured by Love, Shinichi Suzuki  (At local libraries or on Amazon.com)