• St. PHILIP STRINGS is open to students age 6 and up; we welcome beginners, continuing or transfer students (from other teachers/programs)
• Grades 1 through 4th are ideal for starting the VIOLIN, VIOLA or CELLO
• private lessons may be started at any time during the year
• St. PHILIP STRINGS director and teacher is Mr. Pricope (bio)

• videos of all the songs and warm-ups serve as a reference companion to student’s home practice. Students must listen to the reference recordings of their songs regularly

• please ensure student’s nails are kept short and clean

• the bow must be rosined a couple of times weekly, between lessons

LESSON TIMES & LOCATION

• weekly one-on-one lessons are 30 minutes (on the hour and half hour)
• pull-out lessons are scheduled on a weekly rotation basis in order to avoid missing the same subject repeatedly

• younger students will be accompanied to and from their private lesson
• students must bring their instrument and music binder to all lessons and classes
• lessons continue during the summer with time/location by arrangement
• the lesson schedule is posted in the school office, provided to room teachers, and emailed to parents and teachers in advance.

METHOD & CURRICULUM
St PHILIP STRINGS offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum based on the successful TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN METHOD; it includes instrumental technique, graded repertoire, music theory and history, ear and rhythm training, sight-reading, ensemble playing and various performance and enrichment opportunities.

• Instrument and bow parts; their basic care and maintenance
• Correct posture and bow hold; relaxed and efficient use of the biomechanics
• Hand and bow exercises (for control, flexibility and stamina)
• Rhythmic patterns through games and rhymes, rhythm sheets
• Note-reading, musical terms and symbols
• Routines of ensemble playing and rehearsing
• Performance etiquette (stance, bowing)
• Fun songs to play for family and friends, or with friends, such as popular classics, folk tunes and nursery rhymes, children’s songs, movie themes, etc.
• Liturgical songs for school and parish events and functions
• Videos to help the students learn better and faster, even between lessons

MAIN BENEFITS OF MUSIC STUDY

• Self-discipline, self-expression, self-confidence
  
• Psycho-physical coordination, interdependence, independence and fine motor control
• Complex, multi-sensory integration (visual, verbal, aural, tactile)
• Attention to detail, improved focus
• Analytical and associative skills
• Abstract reasoning
• Forward planning, follow-through and perseverance
• Physical and aural feedback evaluation
• Creative solution-finding on the spot
• Team-work and social skills
• Non-verbal communication
• Public performance skills

• SIGN UP using the form above
  
• Rent an instrument ("Michael Becker Violins" of Park Ridge    is highly recommended); the rental instrument comes with bow, case and rosin; inexpensive insurance covering damage and theft is recommended, particularly for younger students; each student is sized for the right fit at the time of rental
• Music stand for practice at home
• Metronome/tuner (apps recommended)

TUITION

• is payable directly to Mr. Pricope at the beginning of each month ($25/lesson, including materials)
  
• make-up lessons will be attempted for missed lessons due to illness, tests, or field trips, but NOT FOR NO-SHOWS
  
• should a missed weekly lesson prove impossible to make up, it will be credited toward the following month's tuition

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
While we attempt to enhance every student’s life experience through music making, we are neither trained, licensed nor certified in special education or music therapy, and as such teaching students with special needs (developmental, cognitive, motor or behavioral) would be unethical and potentially detrimental.

PERFORMANCES
St. PHILIP STRINGS students perform in various school and parish events and functions throughout the year (Christmas, Easter, Graduation, etc.), as well as in studio recitals and other performance opportunities.