Available for viola and violin students.
Fresh Start
(Year 0-1)
- A student is completely new to the instrument.
- In lessons, we will work on building good posture, clear tone, and intonation.
- Reading notation is not required.
- If it is needed, a student may start on a box viola.
I’m Getting There
(Year 4-7)
- We will continue good musicianship, potentially with a larger instrument.
- New tones and colors on the viola will be explored.
- A fluent understanding of music notation is required at this point.
A True Beginner
(Year 2-3)
- We will continue to work on great posture, a bright tone, and accurate intonation.
- Reading music notation in the early stages will be a focus.
- We will explore varied box strokes, like détaché and staccato.
Go Where Your Heart Takes You
(7+ Years)
- We will practice ways to reduce tension and injury while performing.
- A student will be able to play high level music at the collegiate level for auditions and competitions.
Viola and Violin Lessons
I currently teach all of the above stages for viola, and the first two stages for violin.
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 own students, I build each curriculum around the individual. Our studio is a safe space where students can expand their musical palate through classical study, but also learn music that is relatable to them. 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 as fun as much as they are challenging is crucial.
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 borrowed 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 book
- a song book
- a scale book (free pdf documents)
- additional pieces, usually by modern composers
For those looking for a series-specific curriculum, I have experience teaching from Essential Elements, Suzuki, and Sound Innovations.
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 music
- Charlotte Strings Collective (Current member)
- Wedding musician with Emerald Empire Band
- Orchestra
- Summerville Orchestra (Current member)
- Mt. Pleasant Symphony Orchestra
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- Illinois Valley Spring Orchestra
- Decatur-Millikin Symphony Orchestra
Lessons run on a tuition-based system, meaning students are enrolled into studio during August-May. No tuition lessons are available during June and July.
Tuition includes:
- 40 weekly lessons
- 2 recitals (solo and chamber)
- 4 quarterly group lessons (Family Music Nights, instrument maintenance classes, etc.)
- Free access to the Musicians’ Potluck (community pool for music supplies)
- Practice incentives
- Learning opportunities outside of lessons (free tickets to performances, etc.)
- Quarterly newsletter
Lesson tuition includes the following. Payments are due on a monthly basis.
| 30-min | 45-min | 60-min | |
| Price per lesson | $25.75 | $33.00 | $45.75 |
| Full Tuition (40 weekly lessons) | $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 music lessons. 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 new student, you are not required to have an instrument immediately.)
- Music books (2 to 3 every 2 years)
- Rosin and shoulder rest
- Pencils and notebooks
- Instrument maintenance costs (new strings, bow rehair)
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.
Thank you for your response. ✨
Trin Howell 