Miss Elisabeth's Violin Studio
General Info
Your Neighborhood Music Teacher in Logan Square
Call : 708 ~704 ~4407 for Scheduling & Class Offerings
E-mail: misselisabethviolinstudio@hotmail.com for more info about free initial intake interview and lesson or simply...
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Miss Elisabeth Johnson is a proud member of:
• The Suzuki Association of the Americas
• National Music Teachers Association
• Society of Ethnomusicology
•Logan Square Chamber of Commerce
Calendar
Fall Season 2010 September 1st -November 31st
Wed, August 23rd, Tuition Due for 13 week Fall Season*
- Simple Gifts/Fall Recital Sun, November 21st, 3pm to 6pm
- Thanksgiving Break, November 25th-November 27th
Winter Season 2010-2011 December 1st - February 28th
Wed, November 24th, Tuition Due for 13 week Winter Season*
- Winter Break, December 20th-January 3rd
- Valentines Recital, Sun, February 13th 3-6pm
Spring Season 2011, March 1st - May 31st
Wed, February 21st , Tuition Due for 13 week Spring Season*
- Spring Break, April 18th-April 22
- May Flowers Recital, Sun, May 1st 3-6pm
Summer Season 2011, June 1st-August 31st
Wed, May 25 Tuition Due for 13 week Summer Season*
- Family Intake Interviews, Mon thru Sat, August 8th- August 13th
- Open House/Ice Cream Social Salon, Sun, August 14th, 12-5pm
- Student Meet and Greet, Sat, August 21st, 2-5pm
- Registration Week, August 22nd - August 28th
- Summer Break, August 22nd-September 1st
Wed, August 24th, Tuition Due for 13 week Fall Season*
* Tuition reflects 10 lessons administered in a 13 Season, considers holiday breaks and 1 granted make-up lesson per season during your regularly scheduled lesson time.
Mission
My aim is to provide the performing opportunities and quality curriculum of a music school in a warm home environment.
Miss Elisabeth’s Violin Studio offers a viable alternative to music schools offering competitive tuition focused on curriculum and opportunities to make violin, viola and music education an accessible and enjoyable experience for the community.
Given my experience teaching for over 14 years, I believe that in addition to consistent practice, listening to music is the most important vehicle to learning an instrument, developing intuitive musicianship, and gaining overall knowledge and appreciation of music.
Students exposed to music in ensembles and music salons, see beyond current repertoire studied in private lessons and become inspired to practice, make future goals, become more intelligent and sensitive players and want to continue their music studies.
Miss Elisabeth's Violin Studio is a diverse music enrichment program for developing well-rounded, creative and musical students of all ages through violin and music immersion. Enjoy learning violin in a unique program that combines:
~ Private Violin or Viola Lessons
~ Group Classes and Ensembles
~ Salons, Recitals & Performances
~ Music Immersion & Appreciation Salons
~ Various Genres of World Music/Fiddle
~ Guest Artists and Workshops
~ Guidance to Home Practice
Why Study Music?
Welcome! Your family has made an invaluable decision to bring music and enrichment into your home. Learning to play the violin is such a rewarding experience. It teaches us many things:
Music is a Science
It is the most profound form of the nature of sound and acoustics.
Music is Mathematical
Rhythm is based on the idea of subdividing time into fractions.
Music is a Foreign Language
Music is the most complete and universal language on earth. Musical terms also teach us Italian, German and French. The symbols used in musical notation are also a language in and of itself.
Music is History
Music is a direct reflection of the environment and aesthetics of its time. It is an expression of a country or a people’s culture.
Music is Physical Education
It requires a great amount of physical and mental coordination of fingers, hands, arms, diaphragm, back, stomach and chest muscles to respond instantly to the sound the ears hear and mind interprets.
But most of all...Music is Art
When a child embarks on learning to play a musical instrument, our mission is not to expect them to major in music or expect them to play all their lives, but to experience what is human, to be able to recognize beauty, to become sensitive, to come closer to spirituality, to have another means of communicating emotion so that you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness-in short, more life and happiness.
MEVS Class Offerings/ Ensembles/Salons
Choose a tailor made combination of three main components integral to maintaining successful musicianship and happy violinists:
~*Private Violin or Viola Lessons: provide the student training necessary for developing technique and mechanics needed to master the instrument through use of various repertoire and pedagogy.
~**Ensembles: accustom violinists with note reading and/or other skills needed for group ensemble playing in chamber, orchestral, pop, folk, and/or other various instrumental contexts.
~**Music Salon Classes: immerse students to the many genres, styles and possibilities of violin, familiarize students to major works, composers and repertoire, introduce music theory and musicianship, guide home listening, and most importantly, fuel interest and desire to play and encourage students to develop their own musical personality.
*Choose a 30 min, 45 min, or 1 hr weekly appointment.
**Ask about Ensemble and Music Salon offerings available this season and their respective meeting times.
Little Beginner Violinist Ensemble - This class is intended for the very little and brand new violinist. In this class, curriculum and activities revolve around re-affirming, practicing and polishing skills needed for a good violin position presented in private lessons. The class also presents and exposes children to for the first time, basic music fundamentals including rhythm, pitch, dynamics, coordination, memory, focus and musicianship in a social and enjoyable way that involves teacher, parent and peers.
Suzuki Pre-Twinkler Ensemble - This class is intended for young students who are just learning to play Pre- Twinkle songs and working towards graduation of the Twinkle variations. Children continue working on good posture and form, refining tone, becoming acquainted playing and cooperating in a group musical setting, and ultimately work towards polishing the Twinkle Variations for their graduation recital.
Suzuki Book 1a Ensemble - This class focuses on the first half of the repertoire presented in Suzuki Volume 1. We also continue to develop memorization of pieces and ease of their performance. Children are introduced to playing different roles in harmony as well as rhythm.
Suzuki Book 1b Ensemble - This class focuses on the second half of the repertoire presented in Suzuki Volume 1. We also continue to develop memorization of pieces and ease of their performance and as always, work to keep older pieces reviewed and fresh. In this class children are also presented for the first time with different roles in group playing such as with rhythm and harmony.
Suzuki Book 2 Ensemble - This class focuses on the repertoire presented in Suzuki Volume 2. Music reading and supplementary material becomes introduced in this class.
Suzuki Book 3 Ensemble – This class focuses on the repertoire presented in Suzuki Volume 3. Music reading and supplementary material becomes introduced in this class.
Suzuki Book 4 Ensemble - This class focuses on the repertoire presented in Suzuki Volume 4. A continuation of developing music reading skills is a large component to the class via use of supplementary material and pedagogy.
Beginner Chamber Music Ensemble – Intended for beginner violinists to introduce basic knowledge and development of note reading and sight- reading needed for chamber music and orchestral settings. Appropriate level supplementary duets, chamber pieces, and pedagogy aside from Suzuki are used for this class.
Intermediate Chamber Music Ensemble - Intended for intermediate violinists to introduce basic knowledge and development of note reading and sight- reading needed for chamber music and orchestral settings. Appropriate level supplementary duets, chamber pieces, and pedagogy aside from Suzuki are used for this class.
Advance Chamber Music Ensemble - Intended for advance violinists to introduce basic knowledge and development of note reading and sight- reading needed for chamber music and orchestral settings. Appropriate level supplementary duets, chamber pieces, and pedagogy aside from Suzuki are used for this class.
Orchestral Sight Reading Ensemble - Intended for intermediate to advanced violinists to introduce basic knowledge or orchestral repertoire and continue development of note reading and sight- reading needed for preparing for orchestra auditions and participation. Study materials include orchestral excerpts and listening excerpts.
Contemporary Violin Styles – This class is welcome to the intermediate to advance violinist interested in learning other styles aside from classical music and about violin in a more contemporary and pop idiom. In this class we focus on Jazz and blues as a basis for improvisation and improvisational styles.
Fiddle Kapele – Introduction to Klezmer music of various Eastern European Yiddish Traditions.
Irish Fiddle Troop – Intended for the violinist with a bent towards Irish tunes and learning some traditional folk ballads, hornpipes, reels and jigs.
Nordic Traditions- Traditional Fiddle, Clog Fiddle and Hardangar Fiddle Repertoire of Sweden, Norway
Starting Violin or Viola
Your Child's Violin or Viola
For the beginner, renting is the best route for your family for many reasons: a) your child will need a comfortably sized violin as he/she grows b) any issues of maintenance or repair are handled by knowledgeable music technicians at the shop c) opting for instrument insurance protects you and the violin at a very reasonable fee d) renting a fine quality instrument is more affordable than buying a lower quality instrument and children are more motivated playing a finer instrument.
There are many things to consider before buying a violin or viola. You may start thinking about buying a violin when your child needs a full size violin. Purchasing a violin also requires serious intent of the student. Another factor of course, relies on the family finances. You want to find the best quality violin and bow for your budget. It is strongly suggested that once you decide to shop around for a violin and bow that you ask for your teacher’s guidance and direction. Refer to following list of violin rental and sheet music shop locations.
Care of the Violin and or Viola
-Use a soft cloth to clean off rosin from the violin or viola's strings
-Always loosen bow after use
-Please don’t touch the horse hair on the bow
-Be aware that strings may need changing at least once a year
-Do not leave violin in extreme heat or cold or the varnish may blister or the wood may crack
-Be sure to store violin in a well- humidified climate
-Always hold violin in rest position when being handled during practice.
-Always store violin in case when not in use
Study Materials
Materials needed for student:
-violin, bow and case
-rosin
-Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1 (or Vol. level applicable)
-Suzuki Violin School Vol. 1 (or Vol. level applicable) supplementary recording
-Supplimentary teacher handouts and music
-shoulder rest or sponge with 2 rubber bands
-cotton cloth
-set of strings
-practice log
-folder
-pencil
*All these materials should be brought to every lesson with the exception of the supplementary recording.
Materials needed for parent:
-notebook
-pencil
-parent education packet
*Optional*
-music stand
-tape recorder/video recorder
-Suzuki Violin School Vol.2 (or 1 Vol. level in advance) supplementary recordings
-suggested reading: To Learn With Love A Companion for Suzuki Parents by William andConstance Starr or Teaching from the Balance Point by Edward Kreitman
Teaching Philosophy/ Suzuki Approach
The principle motive of the Suzuki method is to enrich the child’s life through music. Suzuki’s objective was to develop a happy, well-rounded student by using music as a vehicle for appreciating beauty, experiencing the sublime, and developing creativity and sensitivity. He wanted to develop children’s potential to have a beautiful heart.
Suzuki believed that all children are born with great potentialities and that talent can be learned if we provide a favorable environment. All children show a natural capacity for speaking and understanding their mother tongue. The Mother Tongue Method works on the precept that music can be learned as a language. A parallel exists between learning music and learning language in that the child accustoms himself or herself to sounds through constant repetition, receives positive reinforcement from parents, and natural progress is maintained through daily practice.
The Suzuki Triangle, the cooperation formed between parent, teacher and student, requires the parent to be present at both private and group lessons. When parents observe both teaching techniques from lessons and their child playing together with younger and more advanced players, the parent is learning along with the child and can be more helpful in their role as the home teacher. The parent should understand the importance of providing a musical environment in the home.
Listening to music is the most important part of learning music since it is an aural art form. A regular practice and listening schedule is crucial. If practice becomes a part of a routine, children grow to expect to practice every day at the same time. The parent and teacher’s expectations should be reasonable and should allow the child to develop at their own pace. There must be an appreciation of every step the child makes whether it be small or great. Making music involves cooperation, not competition and learning is a process, not a product.
We must consider both the quantity and the quality of practice. The child must practice according to the correct method as much as possible. If a high quality of practice is coupled with a consistent practice schedule, superior ability can be produced in anyone. To accomplish this, practice must be fueled by the student’s interest and attention. Each practice session should have a goal. The joy of doing simple things more accurately and with greater ease should be continually fostered. Practice time should be a pleasant way of bonding through music. If we look forward to daily practice sessions, this joy will be reflected in the student’s playing. This way, children learn discipline with love.
In regards to the child who does not practice, Suzuki says that, “To put your talent up on the shelf and then say you were born without any is utter nonsense.” Only when a child becomes aware of their progress and ability to do something well do they practice eagerly and willingly. If the parent feels that motivation always precedes action, and waits for the child to initiate practice, the child may loose an opportunity to develop a relationship with their instrument and reap the rewards that playing music offers.
Learning the violin should be viewed as a cumulative process. Working on older pieces alongside new material is very important and therefore require a significant amount of attention during home practice sessions. Skills learned in past repertoire are maintained and used in learning new repertoire. The student may know how the piece should be played, but as Suzuki remarked, “Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.” We should also keep in mind that a simple piece can be just as beautiful as a complex piece. We need to assess the student’s accomplishment as a violinist not by the difficulty of the piece they are working on, but rather the beauty of their performance.
Suzuki believes that the younger a child is when he or she starts listening to good music, the better they will be able to acquire a good musical sense. The child should listen to the pieces that he or she is studying, and also to recordings of pieces that will be studied in the future. The advanced student will also benefit from listening to earlier pieces as a way to review and keep previous repertoire fresh in their memory. The child’s ear will be well trained by listening, and he or she will develop an enjoyment and sensitivity for music. Once the child is able to sing a piece and apply that to the logic of their instrument, finding the right notes comes naturally. Listening is also invaluable for internalizing details such as rhythm, articulation, bowings, phrasing, dynamics, ornamentation, style and form. This ultimately aids the student’s ability to memorize pieces and perform them musically. Students who have music memorized will also be able to focus all his/her attention on producing a beautiful and natural tone. This is possible when we establish all the proper physical skills required to play the violin such as good posture, good left hand position, intonation, and a nice bow arm. Once this foundation has been established, then do we present note reading as Suzuki’s premise is to, “play first and read later.”
The success of Suzuki’s talent education is that the student is compelled to continuing their music education when they play well. This is because talent education considers creating a happy and enthusiastic student, the growth of the child and parent’s character through music and a family and community togetherness that can be built on a mutual love for music.
Tuition and Policy
Private Lesson, Ensemble & Music Salon Tuition & Registration
~I would like to register on a monthly tuition basis or...
~I would like to register for the following season (please choose one):
- Fall Season September 1st to November 31st
- Winter Season December 1st to February 28th
- Spring Season March 1st to May 31st
- Summer Season June 1st to August 31st
~I would like to register for the following class/es (please choose one):
Tuition Type and Class Packages
* Monthly Tuition **13 Wk Season
30 min. private lesson $120.00/$150.00 $300.00
45 min. private lesson $160.00/$200.00 $400.00
60 min. private lesson $200.00/$250.00 $500.00
30 min. ensemble*** N/A $110.00
30 min. music salon**** $40.00/$50.00 $110.00
30 min. private w/ 30 min. ensemble N/A $410.00
45 min. private w/ 30 min. ensemble N/A $510.00
60 min. private w/ 30 min. ensemble N/A $610.00
30 min. private w/ 30 min. music salon $160.00/$200.00 $410.00
45 min. private w/ 30 min. music salon $200.00/$250.00 $510.00
60 min. private w/ 30 min. music salon $240.00/$300.00 $610.00
30 min. private w / 30 min. ensemble & N/A $520.00
30 min. music salon
45 min. private w / 30 min. ensemble & N/A $620.00
30 min. music salon
60 min. private w / 30 min. ensemble & N/A $720.00
30 min. music salon
*The former tuition cost reflects a 4-week month and the latter tuition cost reflects a 5-week month respectively.
**Enroll in a 13 Week Season and get one private lesson free of charge.
***Group Ensembles are open to all violinists of all levels. Students of other violin teachers are also welcome to join us to supplement weekly studies and practice!
****Music Salon is TBA
Lesson Policy
Tuition is due at your lesson a week before the first of the month or season with no exception to absences. Payments made on or after the first will incur a late fee of $20.00 with no exception.
You may opt to pay by cash, money order or check made payable to Elisabeth Johnson. Bounced checks result in a fine of $25.oo in addition to any other charges that may be incurred.
Late cancellations or no shows are unexcused and will not be made-up or reimbursed. Please understand your regular weekly lesson time takes first priority in scheduling other teaching, performing and rehearsal schedules and obligations.
All missed lessons are non-refundable. For private lessons, you are granted 1 make-up lesson every 6 months IF it is excused. An absence is excused if I am notified personally with more than 24 hours advance notification. (Call 708 704 4407 between 9:00am.-9:00pm. please). Your makeup lesson takes place at your regularly scheduled lesson time during Spring and Fall Season make-up weeks.
There are no make-ups for group classes or ensemble classes you miss given that class will take place even without your presence.
In the event that I must miss a lesson, you will be notified in advance and granted a make-up lesson.
Regular attendance and promptness is imperative to meet our musical goals. If you are late to your lesson, your lesson will still end at the time of your regularly scheduled session.
An administrative fee of $25.00 in addition to tuition is due at the beginning of each 3-month season. This fee includes all supplementary violin materials provided such as practice charts, handouts, practice guides, etc. It also goes toward all custodial fees for performance spaces, accompanist/artist fees and other additional costs for seasonal recitals and functions.
Tuition costs reflect 10 lessons administered in a 13-week/3 month season. The Winter and Summer Season consider 2 weeks of holiday break in which no classes are held. Spring and Fall Season each consider 1 week of holiday break in which no classes are held and 1 week used bi-annually as a make-up week.
Referrals are a main source of obtaining new students. I will be glad to credit $25.oo on your next tuition payment for every student that registers with the studio.
Photos
Music Fun/Resources
Fun Questions
1) What Violin Piece presented in Suzuki Violin book 4 is played briefly in the beginning opening credits?
2) The cartoonist is drawing animals with musical instruments. What musical instrument does the dog play?
3) What musical instrument does the pig play?
4) What musical instrument does the peacock play?
5) What musical instrument does the hippo play?
6) The lion is the ____________of the orchestra.
7) What must the orchestra do or is doing before it starts to play?
8) What is the name of the piece the orchestra plays (to a fashion)?
9) The orchestra has 4 families or sections of instrument types. Can you name the 4 "families" of the orchestra? Can you recognize and name any other instruments in the cartoon orchestra?
10) As the orchestra gets out of hand and starts to clown around towards the end, the orchestra starts to play the piece in a musical style called______. Also, what instrument does the seal play that doesn't traditionally play or belong in the orchestra?
Answers: 1) Humoresque by Anton Dvorak 2) Clarinet 3) Tuba 4) Violin 5) Flute 6) Conductor 7) orchestra members must tune their instruments 8) Franz Liszt, Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C# Minor 9) String family (Violin, Viola, cello, Bass, and Harp) Woodwind family ( Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, English Horn, Flute, Piccolo, Bassoon) Brass family (Tuba, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn) Percussion family (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Kettle Drums, Cymbals, Triangle, and Tamborine)10) Jazz, Banjo.
Profile
Experience
- 2012 - PresentViolinist / Renovo String Orchestra, NFP
- 2009 - PresentViolin & Viola Instructor / Merit School of Music
- 2009 - PresentViolin Viola & Piano Instructor/Founder / Miss Elisabeth's Violin Studio
- 2009 - PresentFreelance Performer/ Event Coordinator / Continental Music
- 2008 - PresentViolinist / SoLaranja QuartetBrazilian Choro and Tango Ensemble. Traditional and Fusion.
- 2003 - PresentViolin Instructor / Suzuki Orff School for Young Musicians
- 2000 - PresentViolinist / Chicago Klezmer Ensemble
- 2011 - PresentViolinist / Chicago Folks OperettaPerformed in orchestra pit for the productions of Rose of Istanbul and Babes in Toyland
- 2008 - PresentFreelance Violinist / Old Town School of Folk Music
- 2003 - PresentViolin Instructor / Music Arts School
- 2003 - PresentViolin Instructor / Gasse School of Music
- 2003 - PresentPerformer with Arabic Ensemble Mosiac in CPS / Urban Gateways
- 1999 - PresentViolin Instructor / Kagan and Gaines
- 1998 - PresentMusic Theory, Aural Skills and Writing Arts Tutor / Roosevelt University
- Mar 1997 - PresentSummer Internship / Chicago Federation of Musicians
Education
- Bloom School of JazzStudied jazz piano and improvisation with Laura Hoffmann
- KlezKanadaYiddish/Klezmer MusicActivities: 2 years/scholarship 1 year fellowship, 1 year hired instructor for 2 workshops-beginner klezmer ensemble and beginning violin/fiddl
- Music Institute of ChicagoEvery Child Can!
- Northern Illinois University
- Roosevelt UniversityBA in Musicology; an emphasis in Violin Performance
- Western Springs Suzuki Talent Education ProgramPre-Twinkle, Suzuki Bk1a&b, Suzuki bk2, Suzuki bk3, Suzuki bk 4
Additional Information
Websites:
Interests:
Teaching Violin, Viola, and Piano, Wine, Writing, Musicology and Ethnomusicology, Performing both Classical and World Music, Collaborating on Various Projects and Jamming or Recording with other Musicians.
A warm welcome to all students, friends and community to the new Miss Elisabeth's Violin Studio website previously located misselisabethviolinstudio.musicteachershelper.com. Thank you for your visit!
