Studio Services

Fall-Spring Semester

Private lessons that span the Fall and Spring semester. Each semester consists of 15 lessons.

Summer Lessons

Private lessons during the summer are available from May 25, 2026 to August 21, 2026. Summer lessons are required to save a space for the fall semester.

(Coming Soon) Pre-Twinkle Classes

Classes for students new to the violin ages 3-6

Studio Policies

Lesson Environment: Please set all electronic devices to silent and put them away during your lesson, with the exception of using phones to create practice videos at the appropriate time. Texting, using social media, or receiving phone calls during lessons distract you, your teacher and your child and minimize the lesson’s impact.

If you are bringing other siblings to your child’s lesson it is very important they are not a distraction to you, the child taking the lesson or your teacher.
Please arrive 5 minutes before the lesson so there is time to use the bathroom, wash hands, and get your instrument ready.

If you arrive more than 10 minutes late to your lesson, you will forfeit your lesson.

Daily Practicing: We learn what to practice in the lesson, but the actual learning takes place during practice time. This is why daily practicing is imperative to progress and motivation.

Studies prove that regardless of age and level, it is far better to practice every day rather than one or two long practices a week. Please commit to daily practice. The length of practice should gradually increase with advancement of skills and repertoire as well as lesson length.

Summer Lessons: Students are encouraged to take lessons during the summer to keep good practicing habits. While I am flexible during the summer with private lessons due to vacations or other summertime activities, a minimum of 4 summer lessons is mandatory to ensure a spot for fall semester. Summer Lessons will begin in late May. Summer lessons will be scheduled in late spring. Summer tuition is $82/hour.

Daily Listening and Review: is a cornerstone of the Suzuki Method. We learn music as we learn language. Can you imagine becoming fluent in a new language without hearing it or speaking it? Please listen to all styles of quality music but specifically to the pieces your child is currently studying. Creating this environment is the parent’s responsibility. Listening should take place within the practice as well as in the daily activities like during car rides, homework, meals and while going to sleep or upon waking. Listening a book or two ahead is highly recommended!

Missed Lessons: Students are allowed one make-up lesson during the designated make-up week in fall and spring terms.

Here is an article about make-up lessons from an economist’s point of view if you are interested: http://ottawasuzukistrings.ca/makeuplessons/

Instrument Quality and Maintenance: It is important to have instruments that are in good playing condition. Bows should be re-haired and strings changed at least once a year. Those students who practice every day may need to do this more often.

Conferences and Communication: Parent / Teacher conferences may be held in lieu of a lesson or part of a lesson at anytime during the semester. This time helps to give both the parent and teacher a chance to communicate each ones vision for the student and discuss how we are doing in terms of working towards this vision. Open communication is strongly encouraged and appreciated between the student, parent, and teacher.

Here are two options when lesson conflicts arise:

1. Parents always have the option of coming to a lesson in place of the child, so we can have a parent teacher conference. I welcome this anytime!

2. You may choose to have a FaceTime/Google Meets lesson in the event of weather, illness, or car trouble preventing travel.

If I cancel or miss a lesson, we will reschedule at a mutually agreeable time.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees
Tuition covers the private lessons. The fall and spring semester consist of 15 private lessons, 6 group classes and 2 recitals with accompaniment.

Tuition is due before the first lesson of the semester.

Late Fees
If payment is not received by the first lesson of the semester, a $50 late fee will be added to your invoice.
If a student’s payment is not successfully processed, I reserve the right to suspend or cancel lessons for the student, which may result in the student’s lesson time being assigned to another student.

Tuition per Semester

30 minute private lesson tuition: $650

45 minute private lesson tuition: $1,000

60 minute private lesson tuition: $1,300

Summer tuition is $82/hour

Discounts are not given for families with multiple students in the same family.

Prices are subject to change for subsequent terms, but will not change mid-term.

Registration Fee
A registration fee of $30 per family for administrative work.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Tuition and administrative fees are non-refundable.

    Registration for the semester indicates your commitment for the entirety of the semester. Thus, if you decide to withdraw from the Suzuki Program for any reason, your payment will not be refunded.

  • Second City Strings presents recitals at the conclusion of both the fall and spring semesters.


    Upon completion of a book level, students participate in a Book Level Graduation, performing the complete repertoire from that book to commemorate their accomplishment.

  • Yes! Second City Strings performs in various events in the community including the Farmers Market, National Anthem at professional sporting events, and more!

  • Payment can be sent via Venmo, Zelle, or cash.

  • The Suzuki Method can begin as early as age 3 or 4, though the ideal starting age depends on each child’s readiness and the instrument.

  • Summer lesson scheduling begins in May. Summer lessons are scheduled based on Ms. G’s institute traveling. A sign-up genius will be sent out with available dates and times.

    Summer lessons are charged on a per hour basis, while semesters are charged by the term.

  • Fall and spring semesters have designated weeks for make-up lessons.

    Summer lessons can be made up only if slots are available, cancellations are made within 48 hours of the lesson, and at the discretion of the instructor.