Available on viola and violin.
I currently teach all of the above stages for viola, and the first two stages for violin.
Fresh Start
(Year 0-1 of playing)
- Student is new to the instrument
- In lessons, we will work on building good posture, clear tone, and ear training.
- Reading notation is not required.
I’m Getting There
(Year 4-7)
- Good musicianship will become another skill.
- New tones and colors on the instrument will be explored.
- A fluent understanding of music notation is required at this point.
On My Way (Beginner)
(Year 2-3)
- We will add accurate intonation skills.
- Reading music notation in the early stages will occur.
- We will also explore varied bow strokes, like détaché and staccato.
Go Where Your Heart Takes You
(7+ Years)
- We will practice ways to reduce tension and injury while performing.
- Student will be able to prepare for auditions and competitions OR continue music for fun as a well-rounded musician
You are never too old or flawed to learn something that will change your perspective on life. Music is no exception to that truth. The act of practicing music is a skill that has helped me manage stress, navigate time management, and problem-solve.
For my students, I build each curriculum around the individual. Our studio is a space where students can expand their musical palate through music study, but also learn music that is relatable to them. If classical music if your thing, then your curriculum will involve classical selections. But, if you want to explore jazz, musical theatre, or other traditional music with your instrument, we can focus on that too. While my hope is that my students continue with music for as long as they can, I also understand that this is not possible for everyone. Therefore, writing lesson plans that are fun as much as they are challenging is crucial.
Yes! In addition to classical music, students will also learn music from the following intersections. Sometimes theses pieces are presented as folk songs, other times, they are recital-level pieces.
- Women composers
- BIPOC composers
- LGBTQIA+ composers
- Disabled composers
Our studio has a community aid pool called the Musicians’ Potluck. A portion of your tuition and my personal funds go towards instrument supplies, music, and maintenance for all students. If you are in need of lesson supplies, please let me know and those items can be rented at no additional cost.
While I do not teach from one strict curriculum, my method involves at least one of each item per student:
- a theory or improvisation book
- a song book
- a scale “book” (free pdf documents)
- additional pieces, where they are needed
For those looking for a series-specific curriculum, I have experience teaching from Essential Elements, Suzuki, and Sound Innovations.
Regarding a timeline, I have been teaching since 2019.
Education
- Bachelor in Music (Winthrop University, Spring 2022)
- Masters in Music Performance (Illinois State University, Winter 2024)
- Suzuki Certification for Book 1 Violin (Jan 2024)
Freelance Violist
- Chamber Ensemble
- Charlotte Strings Collective (member)
- Emerald Empire Band (wedding musician)
- Orchestra
- Summerville Orchestra (section violist)
- Mt. Pleasant Symphony Orchestra (sub violist)
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra (sub violist)
- Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra (section violist)
- Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (section violist)
Lessons run on a tuition-based system and students are enrolled during August-May. During June, make up and extra lessons are offered. No tuition lessons are available for July.
Tuition includes the following items each year:
- 40 weekly lessons
- 2 recitals
- Quarterly group lessons (including Family Music Nights, instrument maintenance classes, etc.)
- Access to the Musicians’ Potluck (This is a community pool for music supplies.)
- Practice prizes
- Learning opportunities outside of lessons (free tickets to performances, etc.)
- Quarterly newsletters
Tuition includes the following. Payments are due on a monthly, semi-annual, or yearly plan.
| 30-min | 45-min | 60-min | |
| Price per lesson | $25.75 | $33.00 | $45.75 |
| Full Tuition (10 months, 40 weeks) | $1,030.00 | $1,320.00 | $1830.00 |
| Monthly Bill | $103.00 | $132.00 | $183.00 |
You will need the following materials in addition to your tuition. If you need assistance with these items, ask about our Musicians’ Potluck, a community pool for music supplies.
- A violin or viola (If you are a “Fresh Start” student, you are not required to have an instrument immediately.)
- Music books (On average, a student goes through a book every 1-2 years.)
- Rosin and shoulder rest
- Pencils and notebooks
- Instrument maintenance costs (Includes new strings, bow rehairs, repairs, etc.)
All prospective students are required to attend a free sample lesson. For additional information or to register for a sample lesson, please complete the form below.
Trin Howell 