As I prepare to have a first lesson with a prospective new student, I find myself going through my "first lesson check-list". While what is covered in a first lesson differs from teacher to teacher, the essence remains the same - get to know each other and establish some ground rules!

When having the first lesson with a new student, here are my four main goals:

• First lessons are when everyone is getting to know each other. There should be a give-and-take that happens during the lesson between teacher, parent and student. You need to demonstrate to the parent and student that you are trustworthy, fun and knowledgeable.
• Pick one thing that you can work on with the student and parent during the lesson so they know exactly what they will be practicing until the next lesson.
  • I try to include at least one “game” in each lesson (especially if the student is on the younger side). This helps to create a comfortable atmosphere & excites the student for another lesson.
  • It is a personal goal of mine to get each student playing with the bow by the end of their very first lesson - even if it is just a few notes! I believe that we can set students up for long-term bow success by immediately establishing ground rules with how the bow is used, and more importantly, how we treat the bow. I do this for two reasons: One is that I know they are going to go home and explore the bow even if they are told not to, and two is that they likely chose the violin because of how it sounds with the bow and I want to turn that curiosity into positive practice. I am able to comfortably teach students how to hold and play with the bow during their very first lesson because I use a Bow Hold Buddies™️ bow accessory with all of my students. Below is a photo of a student practicing their bow hold after their first lesson!

• First lessons are when everyone is getting to know each other. There should be a give-and-take that happens during the lesson between teacher, parent and student. You need to show the parent and student that you are trustworthy, fun and knowledgeable.
• Be sure to include a brief overview of what it looks like to be in your studio or program. For my studio, this includes:
  • Weekly lesson and practice breakdown: (Example) Students in my studio will have weekly lessons, with the practice expectations being they practice on the days they eat.
  • Group lesson (or ensemble) participation: (Example) Each student in my studio must participate in an ensemble of some form. I teach bi-weekly group lessons for my students who are not fortunate enough to have a program at school they can be part of.
  • Performance opportunities: (Example) Each student in my studio will have the opportunity to be part of two performance opportunities per year (one group and one solo).
  • Lesson rates & cancellation policy: (Example) Students in my studio are expected to have one lesson per week during the school year. Each lesson will be 30 minutes long and will cost $X. Payment will be required at the end of each lesson. I would appreciate at least 24 hours in advance, if possible, when a lesson or class must be missed, but this notice does not exempt the student from payment for the lesson slot. There are no make-ups for student absences. If I am absent, a make-up will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time, or your account will be credited.