Teaching: Professor of Violin: Millikin University, Decatur, IL
Private instruction in my home, Sherman, IL
Performance: Concertmaster of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra
Associate Concertmaster of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Education: Bachelors and Masters degrees in violin performance from Indiana
University where I studied with Tadeusz Wronski and Franco Gulli.
Professional: Member American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
Member Pi Kappa Lambda Music honorary fraternity
Publication: Reviewer for American String Teacher magazine
Contributor to The String Teacher's Cookbook
Contributor to Teaching Music Through Performance in
Orchestra, Vol. 3
Hornbacker Violin Studio Policies
(H) 217-629-9868 (W) 217- 424-6302
ghornbacker@mail.millikin.edu
1. PRACTICE - Students are expected to practice regularly and come to lessons well prepared. At least ˝ hour of practice per day is required for adequate progress: more for intermediate and advanced students. Students who have not prepared their weekly assignment may be dismissed early from their lesson. Repeated lack of preparedness may result in the student being put on one-month probation and then, barring improvement, his/her removal from the studio roster may occur.
2. CURRICULUM – Scales and technical studies are a regular part of instruction at all levels. At the intermediate levels of instruction the Suzuki books are used (up to Book 7) along with the Doflein Violin Method (Books 1-5), Carl Flesch Scale System (after 1 and 2 octave scales have been mastered and basic shifting skills have been acquired), Trott Double Stops Bks. I and II, Dont Etudes Preparatory to Kreutzer, and Book I of the Mazas etudes. Solo literature in addition to the Suzuki repertoire is chosen for students who need additional challenges and learn literature quickly. Students then move into double stop scale study and advanced repertoire and etudes.
2. ENSEMBLE - Students at all levels are encouraged to audition for and participate in the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, the Concert orchestra, or Junior Orchestra. Students who bring their orchestra music to their lessons can receive help with the more difficult passages.
4. RECITALS – There are generally two student recitals per year: one in the winter and one in the spring. Students are encouraged to memorize regularly, especially their recital repertoire. The teacher will accompany students in the early stages of their performance. When they reach the intermediate to advanced level they will need to hire a professional accompanist. A list of recommended accompanists is available upon request. Each accompanist has his/her own fee schedule that usually includes 1 or 2 rehearsals and the recital.
5. COMPETITIONS - The instructor’s affiliation with the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), affords excellent students the opportunity to enter statewide competitions. Exceptional students may also enter other regional/national competitions.
6. INSTRUMENTS - The teacher provides expert advice and assistance in obtaining appropriate instruments for students at every instructional level. Students are encouraged to choose their instruments in consultation with the teacher for the best fit, tone quality, value and return on investment upon resale or trade-up.
7. PARKING - Please do not park so as to block entry to or exit from the garage or driveway. Please park on the left side of the driveway.
8. TUITION – Tuition is to be paid monthly at the first lesson of the month. A 10% late fee will be applied to any tuition amount not paid at this time.
9. ATTENDANCE – Regular attendance is required of all students. No make-up lessons will be given except in the case of an excused absence (requires at least 48 hours notice) or an emergency. Excused absences will be made up, not credited. Please do not schedule discretionary appointments against your lesson time. Such conflicts will not be considered emergencies or excused absences. Two excused absences per semester will be allowed for conflicting school activities.
Thank you for choosing to enroll your student in my studio. It is a privilege to help them grow and develop as individuals and musicians.
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