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Private Lessons |
Ms. McIntosh highly encourages all her students to take private lessons. There are many very accomplished musicians in the Baltimore area who are taking students. Please see or email Ms. McIntosh if you are interested in taking privately and we will make arrangements.
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Purchasing an instrument for your child |
One of the best investments you can make in your students education is an instrument. Studies have consistently shown that students who study instrumental music score higher on the SATs. Music is a great outlet for kids as well as a great way to build character and discipline in your child as well.
There are many different ways to procure an instrument for your child. Perry Hall Middle has a limited amount of instruments available to students for yearly rental. These instruments are given out on a needs/first-come-first-served basis.
Another option is to rent to own an instrument through a music company. There are many good companies that will work with you to provide an instrument that fits your child's needs. Rental instruments are a good deal because you are renting to own, so your money is not being "thrown away." Usually if you rent for about 2 years, you then own the instrument. These companies do repairs on the instrument free of charge during the rental period. IF your student has rented a 3/4 size instrument, make sure that you "size up" to a full size BEFORE the rental period is over. If you change before the rental period is over, part of the money you put into the 3/4 size instrument will go toward the new full-sized instrument. If you finish the rental period and own the 3/4 size instrument, they will not usually give you a break on a full-sized instrument. Please see me if you have any questions about rental companies, procedures, etc. Stu's Music and Menchey Music both visit Perry Hall once a week to pick up instruments for repair. They will call you with the repair price, fix it, and bring it back to PHMS ready to go!
If do DO decide to buy your child an instrument outright, PLEASE discuss this with either your child's private teacher or myself. I am always glad to do research on instruments and companies for my students. Be very careful when buying an instrument from companies other than music stores. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. There are some instruments that seem to need repair often. (One good hint to seek in buying a string instrument: Inside the F-hole on the body of the instrument usually is a tag. If that tag says that the instrument is a copy of an "Antonius Stradavarius" chances are, its' a good instrument.)
Be wary of buying an instrument on E-Bay. While some of my students have had good luck with this, more often than not, the instrument that they buy is not exactly what they were expecting. (The tuning pegs do not stay where they are put, the bridge seems to collapse often, the sound is not great, etc.)
If you have ANY questions about any of these options, please feel free to email me or call. I'm always happy to help! |
Practicing |
Ah practicing!
Who is it more a struggle for--the student or the parent?
As a child who loved music and knew I wanted to be a musician at a young age, I can honestly say that my parents at times, had to MAKE me practice too! Your child will NOT hate you! You ARE doing the right thing! Practice is vital to musical growth.
Things to listen for as your child practices:
1. scales--every day they should be practicing scales
2. music from "All for Strings" method book--unless it is close to the concert, they will ALWAYS have homework in the method book.
3. A recognizable tune! If they are playing something that doesn't sounds "right", it probably isn't. A gentle reminder to check fingerings and notes can go a long way.
4. Your child should be fixing problem measures--not just playing through songs over and over. Make sure they are practicing and not merely performing.
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Equipment for class |
Each violin and viola player must have a shoulder rest of some kind. Recommended shoulder rests are Kun and Resonens. See Ms. McIntosh for prices and information. If nothing else, a kitchen sponge that is at least an inch thick will do.
Every student needs to have rosin at home. Ms. McIntosh sells rosin at school for $5 (violins and violas). Basses and cellos see Ms. McIntosh if you need rosin and we can order it at school.
If you are interested in getting upgraded strings for your child, please email Ms. McIntosh. Dominant strings are recommended, can be bought in a set, and are quite reasonable. They really improve the sound of the instrument! |
