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Tag Archives for " The Alpert Studio of Voice and Violin "

suzuki violin lessons for ages 4 1/2 to adult in San Luis Obispo, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Cayucos and across the central coast.
Jan 08

The Ideal Age to Begin Violin Lessons

By billalpert | Bill Alpert Journal , music education is essential , violin

Thousands of students over many decades remove any doubt. Even at a tender 4 years old (or even earlier), kids can almost miraculously play a string instrument with beautiful posture and a rich, vibrant tone. So just what is the ideal age to begin violin lessons?

Violin Lessons for Kids and Teens
Of course your own family’s progress may vary, but it’s rarely a lack of natural talent that limits stellar results. Are you able to provide the kind of parental support that is needed to take a 4 year old from raw beginner to “polished performer?” Here are some clues to help you decide:

Over many years of teaching today’s super-busy Suzuki families, I’ve found the common bond between the most successful is a long standing, deep and abiding love of music. This is the one ingredient that seems to motivate kids to stick with the program over the long haul.

Let’s face it; learning to master a musical instrument is a long term project. The rewards are great; if you are willing to make a family commitment to the see it through.

Other important factors to success:
• One or both parents with at least a modest background in music
• No more than one or two other regular after school activities
• A reasonably calm and stable home atmosphere
• Especially for younger students: a parent who will be physically and mentally present for all lessons and practice sessions, who will take careful notes, and who will be support the practice process, no matter what is required.

What’s a good starting age for kids?

Taking the above factors into account, I’ve found that it is rare to find a modern family that can find the time to fully support a 3-4 year old Suzuki violin student. Still, a few super patient parents will find themselves with an unusually well-focussed four year old and the results look almost magical to someone on the outside.

If you have a five or six year old child and as a parent you’re willing to learn more than your ever dreamed of about the violin, success will almost surely be yours! Even 7-12 is an ideal age to begin violin lessons.

Adult Students: Violin Lessons for the Young at Heart

I’ve successfully started beginners at every stage of life. And I’ve rekindled violin journeys for many an adult whose instrument has been gathering dust in a closet for decades. As an adult student, you have many unique advantages, and you have the ability to leapfrog your progress very quickly, if you so desire.

The short answer: there is no “ideal” age to being violin lessons when you bring your curiosity, your patience, your love of music and a youthful can-do spirit to your violin journey.

Aug 31

Turn Your Violin Passion Inside-Out

By billalpert | violin

(first appeared at http://InvincibleViolinist.com)
You have a violin passion, so it seems logical that practicing the violin music you most love is the thing to do. To “go with your passion” is indeed popular advice.

If instead, you can grow passionate about about other music, such as etudes, scales, or music chosen for you by others (orchestra, or teacher for example), it’s far more likely that your musical journey will move ahead further and faster.

Aug 27

Alpert Studio Students at Great American Songbook Competition Finals

By billalpert | Events , Student News , voice

Direct from the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana here’s live performance video from Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Competition’s National finals. We’re very proud to share these performances of two Alpert Studio Students, Kelly Muller and Genevieve Ellis. This live concert represents the culmination of week long coaching and master class sessions led my local and national celebrities.

Both students are in the vocal studio of Melanie Alpert and also participated in studio acting workshops led by Brandon Alpert and Danny Gurwin.

The Great American Songbook Vocal Academy & Competition began in 2009, and is the only competition in the United States based solely on music from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and the Tin Pan Alley era of the early to mid-twentieth century.

Students from across the country participate in a competitive audition process for the chance to attend 2-day regional academies and competitions. Winners from these regional events will travel to the Indianapolis area for a five-day comprehensive “boot-camp” on interpreting and performing the music of the Great American Songbook. Led by local and national celebrity performers and professionals, workshops will cover topics ranging from breathing and microphone techniques to one-on-one coaching and master-classes. The classes are intended to prepare finalists for the Final Competition performance at the Palladium in Carmel, IN when each student performs two songs and the top three winners will be announced.

Congratulations to Genevieve and Kelly for representing the Western US Region, as well as the Studio, in such great style!