Which Series should I purchase? The Beginner Series is designed to teach the true beginner through the Suzuki® Method how to read music, how to hold the instrument in proper playing and rest positions, develop proper bowing technique, and playing in tune while using the easy to follow fingering tapes provided when you purchase the Beginner Series. The Intermediate Series is a continuation of the Beginner Series and is designed to enhance techniques while learning popular violin solo repertoire. The Intermediate Series is ideal for students who have completed the Beginner Series or who have completed one year in orchestra. The Holiday Series is a collection of classical Holiday carols intended for those who have completed the Beginner Series or who have studied violin for one year. This series focuses on the use of vibrato and offers the student a unique experience of performing with a full orchestral accompaniment with a custom arranged karaoke style CD. **************************************************************************************************
What is the Suzuki® Method? The Suzuki® Method is a world wide violin teaching technique used for over thirty years. This step-by-step method builds upon learned techniques by using small step instruction of each skill, and reinforces the mastery of learned skills. The method is then coupled with a basic philosophy of 'every child can learn' through a positive and supportive learning environment. As a music teacher, I combine Suzuki® Methods with music theory, to get the best of both worlds. By using the AMP music books, the student can play fun songs that are easily recognized, and at the same time, learn standard beginner techniques. With music theory instruction, students concurrently learn how to read notes, count rhythms, and interpret musical notation. At the end of each AMP video lesson, the student will be able to perform and understand the music so that gained knowledge can easily be transferred to the next lesson's song. **************************************************************************************************
AMP DVD Lessons vs Private Lessons? When you compare the lessons on DVD to a private teacher, you need to know what each gives you in return. I am a private studio teacher, and I charge $76 per month for one 30 minute lesson each week. It equals to $912 per year. Typically, a beginner age 4-9 could take up to a year to complete Suzuki book one, with multiple lessons focused on just one song. It is up to the student on how fast they want to progress. If they practice hard, and learn their assignment, then they get to go on to the next lesson song. If they did not master that lesson, then we try new approaches until they complete that one lesson. The studio lessons on DVD Beginner Series, covers Suzuki Book One, each lesson is a new song in the book. Every lesson has multiple steps like: learning the music theory (note names and counting), how to finger each note in the song, how to bow each note in the song, and how to play the song at performance speed. As a teacher I know the "hard parts" of each song, and I know how to instruct through them. So on the DVD I say " you might have a hard time with this sequence, but here is how to make it easy and playable", I also took it a step further by rewriting the entire music book (provided with purchase of the DVD series) and added a fingering system above all notes, (including how to place each finger on the violin) and a bowing system to make reading much easier. Now we can compare the two ways of learning. My DVD Series has the same quality of instruction that my Studio kids pay for month by month. You can re-play the DVD lesson's over and over again until you can master the song (with no extra cost), my Studio kids have to pay over and over again to get extra lessons for just one song. The Beginner DVD Series has 4 DVD's packed full with 9 lessons. Over 4 hours of instruction. Includes the music book, fingering charts, and tapes to place on the violin for finger positioning. Also, the whole family can learn violin for $135, very cost effective when private lessons cost $912 per year for one person. Finally, I know learning violin on your own is difficult, that is why when you purchase the Series, you not only get studio quality instruction, but you also get to E-mail a Professional Teacher with all of your questions. **************************************************************************************************
What makes AMP video lessons unique? The entire series utilizes many close-ups and a variety of viewing angles to demonstrate proper hand position, finger patterns, and finger setting techniques. Our unique way of presenting material in the videos will enable the viewer to see both the fingering hand in detail and the on-screen musical notation for an easy to follow instruction. In addition to the learning sections, which teach how to count, read note names, and use specific finger patterns, students are also provided with bonus material of both a slow performance and one at 'performance tempo' for the song or technique learned. Interactive DVD menus allow students to quickly access any part of the lesson at the touch of a button. **************************************************************************************************
Can I E-mail Mrs. Seidel if I need help? The violin is challenging to learn. That is why Mrs. Seidel offers a direct e-mail link to DVD students, so that they can learn from the step-by-step studio style instruction on the DVD series as well as have the ability to contact a professional violin teacher with any questions they may have with the violin. **************************************************************************************************
What is the 'Money Back Guarantee'? The 'Money Back Guarantee' means that if you are unsatisfied with the lessons covered on the DVD series, you may return the lesson package in its entirety within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. **************************************************************************************************
