Welcome to the Violin & Viola Studio of Carrie Sasser Caruso!
The studio consists of violin and viola students of all levels. From young, beginning violin students, to the more competitive levels of advanced players. Students within the studio will receive private instruction weekly in addition to a studio group lesson every four to six weeks. Students will learn proper techniques in playing a stringed instrument, music theory, and performance etiquette. Student recitals are schedule two to four times per year.
Students who wish to learn traditional fiddle music may attend Mrs. Caruso's fiddle class. Students will have many opportunities to perform as a group within the community.
Philosophy to Teaching:
"I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys to learning."
-Plato
As an interested parent and teacher, I feel I must educate the value of music in our children's lives. I view music as a vital element to not only our student's education, but also their overall well-being. I embrace the fact that every child can learn music. I believe the key to learning music is with a positive attitude, a safe environment, and plenty of encouragement. To study music contributes to personal discipline, concentration, confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and self-esteem, as well as personal enjoyment. I strive to present these qualities to my students. My approach to teaching is to recognize each child has a unique learning style. I will treat every student as an individual, with dignity, and respect. I strongly encourage parental involvement. By bringing knowledge to the parent, brings the music studio to the student's home. Overall, my goal is to develop the knowledge, skill, technique, and character of my students. I am honored to be a part of your child's music education process. Our children's experience is a continuous metamorphosis from all the choices, decisions, and experiences in years of learning.
-Carrie Sasser Caruso
Teacher Biography:
Carrie Sasser Caruso has been teaching since 1988. Originally from suburban Detroit, Michigan, she began her studies through the local public school strings program. Carrie was awarded scholarships to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for three consecutive years. Before graduating high school, Carrie was awarded the National School Orchestra Award in 1989. After relocating to Arizona in 1994, Carrie began performing throughout the Phoenix area. She is an award recipient of the Outstanding Performers Competition in 1997. A former student of Dr. Frank Spinosa, Professor of Violin, Arizona State University, Carrie also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University. She is a current member of the MENC (National Organization for Music Education) and AMEA (Arizona Music Educators Association). Carrie performs regularly throughout the valley in recording sessions, freelance, and with the classical-crossover ensemble ,"Muse," in which she co-founded. Visit "Muse's" website at www.museviolinandcelloduo.com.
Lesson Rates:
One half-hour weekly lesson: $80.00 monthly. Recommended for young and/or beginning students. Lesson fee includes studio group lessons.
One hour weekly lesson: $140.00 monthly. Recommended for intermediate and advanced students. Lesson fee includes studio group lessons.
Studio Class: Fee included with monthly lesson payment. Each student enrolled in private lessons will also participate in the appropriate group class as assigned by the teacher. The class is designed to offer students opportunity to review repertory, to refine skills, music theory, and to work and play together and to develop leadership skills in a non-threatening environment. Studies show that students learn best from other students in part of a cooperative group. Class meets every four to six weeks.
Fiddle Class: $10.00 per class. Fiddle class meets every other week for one hour of group practice and instruction. Recommended for intermediate to advanced players who read music. Students will participate in live performances throughout the local area.
Parental Involvement:
It is recommended that parents attend each lesson. Parents understand their children best and know what kind of learner their child is. They may be most helpful to their child in the process of learning. Parent involvement helps to promote consistency and efficiency in practice and offers the sharing of quality time together with mutual tasks and goals.
Method of Payment:
Lesson payments are made at the first lesson of each month. Please make checks payable to Carrie Sasser Caruso. Cash is also gladly accepted.
Cancellations:
There may be times when a student needs to cancel a lesson. I ask that parents phone at least 24 hours in advance if they must cancel.
Vacation Days:
Students are permitted two (2) vacation days per year. These may be used on days that the student needs to make a cancellation.
Make Up Lessons:
Because of studio time availability, there are typically no make up lessons. If the teacher misses a lesson, an extra lesson or a credit may be given.
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