Introduction
Lessons are offered within the home studio of Fausta Poste in a private setting. Mrs. Poste uses the Suzuki method in teaching, concurrent with an early start in progressive music reading skill and integrated theory. For more information on the Suzuki method, please browse International Suzuki Association or Suzuki Association of the Americas. In addition to the private lesson setting, Mrs. Poste maintains an affiliation with the Trillium Music Center, located in Watertown, NY. Trillium and affiliated instructors offer private lessons both at the center and surrounding local regions. More information regarding the center is detailed below.
Content of Lessons
As a general guide to what individual lessons encompass, as beginners, students will learn proper positions for resting with and playing their instrument, using daily exercises to retain and improve posture. Additional exercises are also implemented to assist students in learning string and note names on the instrument. The musical alphabet is memorized and students will learn how this applies to their individual instrument and scales. At first, tunes will be taught by ear, with segments of each melodic phrase being introduced through tone and note names - phrase by phrase - during lessons. This approach will continue until the student is proficient with correct, consistent posture, at which point music reading begins. Music theory is integrated at all phases. As a companion to the instructed method, there is an accompanying Suzuki Book and CD used for lessons, which is crucial for instruction. A sight-reading book entitled, I Can Read Music, a Note Reading Book for VIOLIN or CELLO, will be introduced after a strong foundation for proper posture and playing has been formed. Timing in introducing this book depends on the individual student, including dedication to practice time and application of exercises/techniques following weekly lessons. Lessons will often include work on a fiddle tune or tune from an alternate genre. ReadyPlay Studio students are also eligible to be registered for NYSSMA solo festivals and other area festivals and opportunities throughout the year, at the discretion of the instructor.
Commitment and Parental Support
Parental involvement with children is crucial to assist in proper development with the instrument, especially during the first stages of learning, retention, and progress! Prior to making the decision to begin lessons, please consider the projected amount of time and effort on parental behalf, necessary to help your child each week. Commitment to the accomplishments of progressing as a string instrumentalist should be taken seriously. A one-year commitment is highly encouraged for students (young or old) in order for genuine progress and self-assessment, given the nature of the instrument.
Lesson/Rental Fees & Terms
Beginner: 1/2 hr. - $18
Intermediate: 45 min. - $27
Advanced: 1 hr. - $36
Individual lessons at the beginner level are 1/2 hr. in length each week at a rate of $18.00 per lesson. Intermediate and advanced students receive 45-minute lessons at a rate of $27.00 per lesson. Advanced students preparing for prestigious competitions or college auditions may be encouraged or required to receive one-hour lessons, $36, or extended lessons/ increased frequency of lessons. Extended lesson time beyond teacher recommendation may be requested. Lesson fees are required to be paid monthly, at the first lesson of each month. Rental instruments are available. The studio retains a limited number of rental instruments. The fee for available violin rentals is $30/3 month period. The fee for available cello rentals is $50/3 month period. Rental fees are due the first week of each new rental period. Rental periods are: September, December, March, and June. Hard copies of seasonal schedules, lesson payment policies and other studio policies or documents will be provided at the first lesson. Please refer to the Policies page for a full explanation of studio policies. Some materials for lessons will be available for purchase on site, with no tax or mark-up fees. Items not in stock at the studio may be purchased online or at recommended storefronts. For a list of merchants, refer to the Materials /Merchants page.
Contact Fausta Poste with inquiries or to set up a lesson schedule.
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The Trillium Music Center
315.785.5515
All private lesson students have the advantage of becoming members of the Trillium Music Center. The Trillium Music Center provides an environment for string ensemble work, which is not available to string students in local area public schools. The TMC hosts Saturday morning group classes that allow for students of each instructor to come together and play the pieces students have learned at their private lessons. Repertoire from the Suzuki method, as well as additional common tunes, are played within a group setting. Student groups and classes are broken into different playing ability levels. Also offered at the center are three levels of orchestra. Throughout the year, key workshops are offered which often encompass music theory, viola for violinists and dance, as well as other events or themes of special interest. In addition to the Suzuki focused group classes, there are alternating fiddle sessions. Students will rehearse together any fiddle tunes learned at their private lessons, as well as learn new tunes. Trillium hosts two concerts per year, which include a repertoire of Suzuki selections, orchestral arrangements, occasional solos from senior students and fiddle. Additionally, Trillium maintains the honor of hosting Dr. John Lindsey, a retired professor with the Crane School of Music, who provides the opportunity for advancing string students to receive supplemental lessons. Dr. Lindsey has performed internationally and holds an extensive portfolio. Lessons with Mr. Lindsey may also be set up directly, through the studio.
