Classes

Classes Offered

Tiny House of Strings currently offers private lessons on Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Ukulele and Piano.

Tuition

Tiny House of Strings is proud to offer lessons from a number of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are united in their commitment to their student's progress in -and enjoyment of - music making. In order to ensure the highest quality of education and musical experience, we ask you to observe the following policies and fee structure.

Tuition is billed monthly at the first lesson of each month. This includes one lesson per week, at a time you will decide with your teacher. Generally, this means 4 lessons per month, but sometimes will include 5 or 3 (during holidays). This will not affect the rate.
The monthly rate will not be adjusted for missed or canceled lessons. Arrangements for makeup lessons can be made directly with your teacher.
In the event of a teacher absence, a substitute, make-up lesson or refund will be made available at the discretion of your teacher.
Lessons may not be discontinued in a billing cycle and will require 30 days notice.

30 minutes per week = $160 / month - Best for very young beginners under the age of 10.

45 minutes per week = $200 / month - Best for casual adult students and children over 10.

60 minutes per week = $260 / month - Best for serious teenage and adult students.

Drop-In Rates

30 minutes = $50

45 minutes = $60

60 minutes = $75

Drop-In lessons are only available during weekday school hours. These sessions are geared toward adult students who need a little musical guidance from time to time. Cancellations must be made 48hrs in advance.

Studio Policy

Tiny House of Strings teachers will each have a slightly different approach to studio policy, but the following list are some items we have all agreed upon.

Students should always bring to their lesson:
- Instrument (and relevant accessories, such as bow, shoulder rests, picks etc.,)
- Sheet music and notebook
- Pencil
Some recommended items for home:
- Music stand
- Metronome (there are hundreds of free metronome apps for mobile devices. While not free, but inexpensive, we strongly recommend Tonal Energy Tuner)
- Tuner (many free metronome apps are also tuners)
- Nail clippers

Be on time! It is very important to be ready for your lesson at your scheduled lesson time. This usually means being on site and ready 5 minutes beforehand. Your lesson end time usually can't be extended due to our very busy schedules. The discipline it takes to progress on a musical instrument is a very important part of the learning process- and one of the best qualities young students will cultivate during their time studying music.

Helpful study habits:
- Students are expected to practice at least 15 to 30 min per day in order to build the muscle, habits and retention of the repertoire. This is only a starting point and will increase with age, skill level, repertoire and individual goals.
- Scheduling your practice time is one of the best ways to develop good habits and help remember to practice. Even many professional musicians will put their practice times in their calendars!
- Keep a practice journal. Your individual teacher may have fun ways of tracking practice. There are apps and notebooks and all kinds of fun ways to track your or your student's progress.
- Dedicate a space for practice, if possible. Have a room or corner of your home where you can keep a music stand, accessories and instrument if possible. It is also best if the practicing in this space can be quiet and free from regular disturbances.

Participate in music! I cannot overemphasize how helpful and inspiring it can be for a student to simply consume music. This means listening at home, in the car and in any of the many live venues all over Whidbey Island and Puget Sound region. Seek out concerts that feature your instrument, when possible. Tiny House teachers are all actively involved in the music community at large and will always have recommendations. Here are some links to keep up to date on live music on Whidbey Island: