*Weather Cancellations*
VIOLIN, VIOLA & HARP LESSONS
About Private Violin and Harp Lessons
The Frederick String Initiative centers around a violin/viola studio and harp studio that offers lessons in the Frederick Maryland region. All students receive their violin and harp lessons from William Stapp and Astrid Walschot-Stapp - the founders of FSI. Students are encouraged to attend professional concerts in Frederick and the Maryland Metropolitan area. Performances, masterclasses, student competitions, summer festivals/camps and FSI news are listed HERE. FSI holds two solo student recitals each year at the Delaplaine Arts Center in downtown Frederick Maryland. Performance/Group Classes are held several times each semester. For Tuition information click HERE.
Approach and Study
The last several centuries have seen great violin teachers and great violinists. Genius has come unexpectedly and from diverse sources. We are led to believe that its fundamental source is not dogma, but authentic ability. Authentic ability is the inherent skill we are born with. It must be guided and shaped by the teacher through a thoughtful application of fundamentals.
As violin teachers, our understanding is inspired by the teachers and performers that precede us. This, combined with an awareness of authentic ability leads the teacher and student on a logical journey. Based upon individual differences, an authentic violin technique can have traits of more than one school of teaching. The biggest mistake would be to let rote dogma or the interpretation of a 'rule' impede natural function and clear thinking.
On average, the best age to begin violin lessons is around 6-8 years of age. Some individuals could be ready before this. For children who are 2-5 years old Kindermusic can be an appropriate background. Students between the ages of 10 and 13 can begin a successful study of the violin and even catch up with their peers with hard work and dedication. On average, however, the process becomes harder and harder as the student approaches 13. There are rare cases of students beginning string lessons later than 13 and having professional careers. Frederick String Initiative students have a range of abilities. Some are taking lessons to prepare for careers in music. Others take violin and viola lessons to benefit from the focus and commitment the study of a stringed instrument offers. With hard work and dedication it is possible to improve or repair a technique at any age. Each student will have a unique journey. The goal is simplicity.
-William Stapp
Violin & Harp Lesson Weather Cancellations
Violin and Harp Lesson cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on this website in the *Weather Cancellations* box on the left side of this page. In the case of inclement weather the Frederick String Initiative may follow the decisions of the Frederick County Maryland schools. However, if weather conditions improve during the day, violin and harp lessons may go on as scheduled. Snow days are made-up at the end of the spring semester. One snow day lesson will be made-up for each student.
