Emily Williams

My Goals

1. To provide solid instruction—students will learn correct technique, musicality, and how to read music.
2. To cater lessons to each student—I make it my goal to see students as individuals and to meet their unique needs.
3. To give my students the tools they need to be successful—enjoyment from music comes when students of all levels know they can do it!

My Teaching Method

I do not teach any pre-organized method. I use some of the method teaching books available (e.g., Suzuki) but my teaching style is catered toward each individual student. I believe each student comes to me with specific needs, talents and goals. I see my students as individuals and strive to create a logical progression of material as it pertains to these three factors. While doing this, I maintain the importance of teaching all my students correct technique, musicianship skills, and the ability to read music and understand music as a whole. Each student will study scales, etudes and repertoire in a way that contributes to both these end goals.

Please read my Philosophy of Teaching on the About Me page.

My Fees & Teaching Info

I teach out of my home studio and offer ½-hour, 45-minute and hour lesson durations. Lesson duration is primarily determined by student's age and ability level. In general, I recommend ½-hour lessons for beginners and children 10 and younger, 45-minute lessons for intermediate students, and hour lessons for advanced students. I charge $25 for ½-hour lessons, $35 for 45 min. lessons, and $42 for an hour lesson. If you are interested in more information about my teaching, feel free to contact me by email or phone. (You can find my information on my Contact page.)

Viola Lessons

Although I am primarily a violinst, I do give beginning and intermediate viola lessons. If you are interested in these, please feel free to contact me.

Fees are the same as above.

Note to School Teachers

If you are a school music teacher and are looking for someone to come in and run sectional rehearsals or something similar, please contact me and I would be happy to see about the possibility of coming to your school. Please also feel free to pass along my name and contact information to any of your students who are interested in lessons.

1. Music lessons are essential to playing an instrument well.

• The ability to play an instrument cannot be self-taught.
• Students gain direct access to their problems and solutions to those problems through one-on-one instruction.
• A private instructor will be able to teach students how to practice correctly and be most productive in their practicing.
• Lessons help stop and correct bad habits early on before they become big problems.
• A private instructor can give students the skills they need to enjoy music into adulthood.

2. School instruction is not enough.

• Due to time restraints students often receive little to no one-on-one time with music faculty.
• Students need one-on-one time to continue building on the good techniques that are initially taught in school.
• The amount of group time students receive through orchestra is not enough to learn an instrument.
• It is best to start lessons earlier (age 4+) than when schools make it available.
• Music faculty in schools often do not have the time to make sure students learn good practice habits and efficient use of practice time.
• Without one-on-one attention students are prone to bad habits which take twice as long to correct.
• Schools alone cannot prepare students to study music as a career.

3. Private lessons help foster success in other areas of life.

• Becoming skilled at an instrument gives students confidence and a sense of accomplishment in life not offered by other disciplines.
• Studies have shown a link between music and a student's performance in other areas of study:
  • Music students have higher test scores and IQs
  • Music promotes creativity
  • Music aids in student's success in other fields of study
  • Music promotes self-sufficiency as an adult
  • Music students have decreased disciplinary problems
  • Music aids in giving students problem solving techniques
  • Music provides a healthy and unique atmosphere for making and keeping friends
• Music gives students the ability to express their emotions in a healthy way.
• Studies show that the ability to perform complex rhythms allow students to make faster and more precise corrections in many academic and physical situations.
• Lesson and opportunities to perform teach students to conquer fear.

1. I teach students of all ages and ability levels.

Many teachers with post-graduate degrees only teach more advanced students. Because I teach students of all ages and ability levels younger students receive excellent instruction from the start and the opportunity to continue lessons all the way through advanced playing. More advanced students have access to a wealth of experience and knowledge about the field of music.

2. I can take the "less than perfect" player wherever they want to go in music.

As a "less than perfect" player who had to be disciplined and work hard to correct bad habits and learn new techniques I enjoy working with all my students to help them achieve goals they never thought possible.

3. Lessons are catered to each individual student's needs.

I believe each student comes to me with different experiences and goals and therefore requires a unique plan to foster their growth as a musician. While there are certain techniques and requirements to play the violin or viola well these skills can be learned a variety of ways using numerous musical styles. I like to learn what makes each student excited about music and use this to keep them engaged in learning.

4. I provide opportunities for my students to interact, perform and learn from their peers.

I periodically set up Master Classes and Recitals where students have the opportunity to play for one another. Each student receives praise and criticism on their performance. They also gain the skill of listening to a performance and critiquing it so that they are better able to positively and negatively critique their own playing and practice. Parents enjoy the recital opportunities as well. They get to enjoy all the hard work their children have put into their music!

Here are what some of my students have said:

"You get a chance to perform in front of people before the actually event [performance]. I also like the fact that you don't have to wait an hour for comments." - Chris

"I like getting together with the different students and learning about them. Advice from the different students was very helpful!" - Rachel

A word of thanks from a parent:

"I just wanted to say thank you again for all of your work in getting the recital together. Jackson really enjoyed it and was talking about it all weekend. He actually asked me to practice Saturday and Sunday (usually it's the other way around). We are both really enjoying learning the violin and glad to have you as 'our' teacher."

5. My goal as a teacher is to give students the tools they need to teach themselves.

I had a teacher who said that his job was to make himself obsolete. This is my goal as well. If I am not giving my students the skills they need to eventually be independent, self-sufficient artists than I am not doing my job. Just as parents raise their children to become independent successful adults, so I want to "raise" my students to become independent successful musicians.

6. In addition to teaching I am also an active performer.

While some teachers never play beyond the four walls of their studio, I am an active performer outside my studio. This gives me first hand experience dealing with nerves, different performance venues, preparing a piece for performance, and gives me familiarity with the ever changing field of music in general. I enjoy playing both as a soloist and in ensembles. I play with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and am a member of the Williams Duo with my husband. In addition I perform with other smaller ensembles for weddings and events and am often asked to play as a soloist in various venues throughout the Clinton and Jackson areas. I also enjoy performing in my church and giving back to God the gifts he has given me. Please see my Performances page for a list of my upcoming performances and check back often as this page is updated frequently.

1. How old does a child have to be to start lessons?

There is no set age for when a child is ready to start lessons. While I advocate starting a child as young as possible I also like to make sure a child is mature enough to begin an instrument. Here are some things to consider when determining if your child is ready to start lessons:

• Does your child behave well in a classroom setting?
• Can your child follow directions and respect authority figures (parents, teachers, etc.)?
• Does your child have an interest in music and/or learning an instrument?
• Do you and your child have room in your schedules to set aside a practice time each day?

If you answered 'yes' to the questions above, your child is most likely ready to start lessons! If you have some reservations about answering 'yes' to any of the questions let me know your concerns and I will be happy to assist you in determining if your child is ready to learn an instrument. Remember, any young child is going to have a short attention span and need direction and help in the areas above. That is all part of the learning process!

2. Are children expected to learn on their own?

No! In fact, I require that a parent be present at lessons and available to help their child practice at home. Young children need guidance and instruction every step of the way.

3. Do I need a knowledge of music to practice with my child?

No, you will learn right along with your child! During lessons you will be actively involved in taking notes and understanding what I'm teaching your child to do. I make sure parents understand what their child needs to practice and how to do this effectively before they leave the lesson for that week. Parents are always free and encouraged to ask questions. I think you and your child will both enjoy this learning process, and it is a great way to create a closer bond with your son or daughter!

4. How soon will my child be able to start playing music?

This all depends on the child. I place a high importance on learning how to hold the instrument and bow correctly. This comes easier to some children than to others. I have them starting to pluck the strings of the instrument as soon as they can hold it correctly. In addition to learning how to play, we will also be learning the parts of the instrument, how to read music, to clap and say rhythms, how to tune our instrument and understand our musical alphabet. There is plenty to do and your child will be playing before they know it!

5. Can I try out lessons with my child and see how they do?

Sure! I usually recommend trying lessons for a month. At the end of the month you will be able to get a feel for how your child responds to lessons, practicing and the instrument in general. I am also more than happy to give you my impressions on how your child seems to be doing and can let you know if I think they are ready to go on in their study or if they should perhaps wait a year and try again.

Still have questions or concerns? I would be happy to talk with you about your child and about the possibility of starting lessons. Please contact me at your convenience!

It's never too late to start learning the violin or viola! Whether you gave it up after finishing school and want to get back into playing, or recently developed the desire to learn to play I would encourage you to take lessons. Here are some things for you to consider as an adult:

• Learning the violin or viola (at any age) is difficult. Don't be discouraged! If you have patience and the will to learn you will get there!
• Taking lessons along with your child can be a great motivator for them!
• Let me know why you want to play and what music you aspire to learn. Don't think you can't play the music you want to because you have to "learn how to play first." Here are some things I've had as requests in the past…
  • Gospel/religious music
  • Popular classical pieces (like you might hear at weddings)
  • Fiddle tunes
  • Christmas or other holiday music
  • …let me know of other requests!
• Don't be afraid to participate in the recitals I hold. Many adult students feel these are just for the kids, or that they "aren't ready" yet. Here is what one adult student wrote me after participating in his first recital after less than a year of lessons:

  "Thanks for performing the duet with me. Tremendous amount of positive feedback for me—much more than I deserved, but very nice. You have some amazing students."

A note about practicing:

Just as with anything, the more you practice the better you'll be. Set aside a duration of time and a quiet place, and look at practicing as time alone for yourself. You'll be more likely to feel relaxed and be productive if you aren't distracted by kids (or your spouse) or worried about "putting in your time." Don't look at practicing as a necessary evil to get to the point where you can play. Music is a continual learning process and a journey you will be on for as long as you decide to play. I've been playing for 20+ years and am still learning and practicing! See this as the beginning of a journey, every minute of which you are gaining skills and a greater love and appreciation for your instrument and music!

Blog advice:

I like to write and keep up a blog focused on helping students with the various aspects of the instrumental learning process. I think you may find my post on the "Advantages of Being an Adult Learner" helpful and inspiring. Check out the rest of my blog at: Emily's Musical Musings. If you would like to keep abreast of current posts as I write them please subscribe to my RSS feed, or become a fan of Emily Williams Violin Studio on Facebook where I let students know of my new posts!