Please Note: I am no longer accepting regular private students with regular set lesson times. However, I do still teach private lessons and can schedule these on a one-at-a-time basis. If you would like to have lessons occasionally, or without a regularly set schedule, please be in touch!

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Thank you for your interest in private music lessons! There’s not a more satisfying and challenging way to learn an instrument that to study on a one-to-one level. Private lessons are a wonderful way to quickly progress on the instrument as every lesson is specifically tailored to your needs.

• Teacher with over 25 years of experience
• Accomplished recording artist and performer
• Student-centered approach to learning
• Fun, supportive environment
• Tailored or structured repertoire
• Many styles from fiddling to classical
• Theory, ear training and composition tutoring available
• Reasonable rates
• Adult students welcome!

The rest of this page (scroll down) is to acquaint you with my studio guidelines and to offer some general information. If you have any questions at all, or to schedule a lesson, feel free to write me at info@stringschool.com.

If you are an adult beginner, please consider taking the beginner class, there are new classes starting about every 3 months - please click here for more info.

To stay informed of classes and lessons, or to express interest in lessons, please fill in this form: click here!

Students will periodically need to buy books or sheet music that accompany their particular program. Books generally cost about $6-12 and can be located online, mail order or at local music stores (it is still a good idea to call ahead to confirm that they have what you need in stock.) Other materials will vary in price (from $5-20).

I recommend that students practice with a full-length mirror nearby so that they may at times see bow strokes and other arm and body positions. If you have a full-length mirror already, great! However, this mirror should be a part of the regular practice space so that one need not run to the nearest mirror to check on position.

Students who read notes, or are beginning to read notes, will need a music stand. A metal folding stand is sufficient but a heavier stand makes turning pages and keeping music at the right height easier. Tall students should consider investing in the heavier stand as it goes up higher. Playing problems can arise out of a simple strain to view music. Students should also bring a pencil to lessons for making notes in the music.

A three ring binder, preferably with pockets will aid in keeping all handouts and music well organized. Students wishing to bring a tape recorder to lessons are welcome. A shoulder pad is essential in maintaining the proper position of the instrument while minimizing stress. Shoulder pads can be of many different materials or professionally made. Sponges work well and don’t slip off the instrument. Fabric stores sell foam padding that is excellent. Usually the 1-1.5 inch thick type works well for most. If you wish to purchase a professionally made shoulder rest, I recommend the "Kun" rest, be careful not to buy an imitation or "Kun-style" rest, these are usually of low quality.

Recitals are held about once every 3-4 months and combine all private and group students. Everyone is invited to attend recitals and a reception follows each event.

Over the past years, I've been delighted to help people make violin and viola playing a part of their lives.

I’ve been teaching privately for 20 years in Seattle and Olympia Washington, and Eugene Oregon. While in Eugene I taught for the 4J School District as an orchestra director and conducted sectionals and auditions for the Eugene Youth Symphony. I’ve also been on the faculty of the Suzuki Institute of Seattle, Tacoma Youth Symphony Music Camp and director of the Thalia Olympic Music Camp.

Click here to read more about me.

Private lessons in Manhattan and are by appointment. Please contact me about available times.

My Studio
Private lessons in Manhattan are held at my home studio (near 47th St. & 10th Ave.)

Tuition at My Studio in Manhattan:

Tuition, Cancellation and Rescheduling
Tuition is due at the lesson scheduled and should be paid by cash. Please note that except in extreme circumstances, there is a 48 hour cancellation policy: if canceling within 48 hours prior to your lesson, your lesson will be billed in full (unless another student can take your time). If canceling and rescheduling your lesson, there is a $15 rescheduling fee.

Accompaniment
Private students who are further along in the literature may require time with a piano accompanist in preparation for recitals and auditions. Fees for accompaniment are not included in tuition but are paid directly to the accompanist. These fees generally range from $25-50/hour depending on the difficulty of the literature and experience of the accompanist.

A Note About Lessons
Study will require careful attention during lessons, practice outside of lessons and self discipline: I am the teacher but you will take all the credit (and responsibility) for your progress. By studying privately, you are making a commitment to learning as I am making a commitment to teaching you - students who are accepted into my studio should realize that they are benefiting from over 25 years of careful study and dedication to the art of music. Please do not arrive late, if you have to miss you must call, these are common courtesies - also practice is not optional, it is required!

To Parents
For beginners 15 years of age and younger, the parent or guardian will be required to attend lessons. Studies will require practice from the student and devotion from the parent. Parents of young beginners will need to observe and take notes at lessons as you will become the "teacher at home". Parents should work closely with the child - generally, making music important to you will carry over to the child. Listening together at home, in the car, etc. and offering positive encouragement will help motivate your child, also creating an environment at home that is free from distractions will aid while practicing. By spending time and creating a nurturing environment for your child, you'll be impressed at how much your child will be able to learn and this will spark curiosity and passion for learning on many levels.

If you have any questions, or to schedule a lesson, feel free to write me at the e-mail address below!

Ed Davis
info@stringschool.com