Private Violin Instruction

Violin&Viola School of Kirkland was founded in 2001 by Dr. Cynthia Morrow as a place for talented young violinists and violists living on the East Side of Seattle. Since then, her students have performed as members of Seattle Youth Symphony, Cascade Youth Symphony, Bellevue Youth Symphony, All State Orchestra, All Northwest Orchestra, Pontiac Bay Symphony, as soloists with Eastside Symphony, as well as in their various school orchestras. Many have gone on to earn substantial scholarships to conservatories and university music programs. The Studio has become the place to be if you are truly interested in playing the violin or viola.

Lessons are 60 minutes minimum. When the student has progressed to the point where we find ourselves needing more time to get through material and work on repetoire we offer a 90 minute lesson with a price break. When students are working extra hard we sometimes give an extra FREE lesson during that week to add a little incentive. We also accompany students on the piano at lessons so they can learn their repertoire in the context in which it will be ultimately performed.

Only students who really love to learn and want to play should apply for lessons. This isn't about forcing anyone to play because someone thinks he or she "should". Our first session together is a FREE "Meet and Greet" so that the prospective student can play the music on which they're currently working, ask questions, and get a feel for what we do here. Together we can determine if you're at the right stage for some serious but fun study. If you need a little basic technique or are still a beginner, come play for us anyway, and we'll get you to a fine local teacher who specializes in starting string players out in the right way. Then, when you're ready, we'll meet again. No matter your current level of playing, We'd love to meet you and help you find the perfect teacher!

We emphasize proper technique, pitch, rhythm, musicality, sight-reading skills, and repertoire-building. Encouraging a positive teacher/student relationship with a view to nurturing the whole child is the basis for our entire teaching method. Music study teaches self-discipline and learning skills which carry over into many other fields of interest and general education. Most of all, we love making music ourselves, and that's always contagious.

Lessons at Violin & Viola Studio of Kirkland are all private 60 or 90 minute lessons, beginning at $60 an hour. During the school year we teach Monday through Saturday, with priority scheduling for those students who have been members of the Studio for the longest time. We will do all that we can to accommodate everyone's busy schedules. During the summer the Studio is open Tuesday through Thursday of each week, but sometimes we spill over onto Monday nights or Fridays. Flexibility is important, especially because we often do film recording work and must be able to reschedule lessons.

The Studio gives three recitals a year, a Chamber Music Recital in mid-January, and two Solo Recitals, Junior and Senior, in June. They're always fun, and feature lots of cake!

The Studio has a 24 hour cancellation policy, which means that you must let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you plan to cancel a lesson, or you must pat for that lesson. Of course, in cases of emergencies or sudden illness this doesn't apply. We will afford you the same courtesy if we have to cancel and reschedule. If we know in advance that you won't be coming it will allow another student who might need to reschedule a chance to fit in a much-needed lesson.

Payments are due at each lesson, either by check or cash. No credit cards. No monthly billing. Simple.

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