How old does my child have to be? 
 

Students as young as 3 can begin learning a string instrument using The Suzuki Method. Students of middle and late elementary age can also learn Suzuki as well as middle school students. Traditional lessons are best suited for students of a beginning, intermediate, or advanced level from middle school to high school age. 
 

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How much do lessons cost?

$25 / 30 minute lesson
$35 / 45 minute lesson
$45 / 60 minute lesson

 

How do I pay for lessons?
 

Lesson payment and invoicing goes through the Charlevoix Circle of Arts.

Our Administrative Assistant handles all billing.  Lessons are billed by invoice via email the first week of the next month.  We accept cash, checks and all credit/debit cards.

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How do I schedule individual lessons?
 

Contact Chas Helge (chas@charlevoixcircle.org) to determine the appropriate location and lesson length and time for you. Depending on the age of the student, parents may be required to be present for lessons.
 

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What if I have a schedule conflict?
 

CANCELLATION POLICY  Parents/students are requested to give at least 24 hours notice. In cases of illness, weather, family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, day of notice is satisfactory. Missed lessons not falling into one of these categories will be charged. With only four lessons in a month, missed lessons should be made up if at all possible.

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How do I acquire an instrument?

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String instruments come in a wide variety of fractional sizes from 1/32 up to a full size 4/4 instrument. Cost for instruments can vary from less than $50 for a toy-quality instrument to hundreds of dollars, even tens of thousands of dollars for a good quality amateur, pre-professional, or professional level instrument. 

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The best value for beginning students is always to rent. Firstly, if you want to discontinue lessons, you simply have to return the violin, viola, or cello to the shop. Secondly, if you rent, you can bring the instrument to the store for repairs, strings, and equipment such as replacement strings, rosin, bows, shoulder rests, cello belts, etc. Purchasing an instrument means that you’ll have to find a respectable luthier, the nearest being Grand Rapids. 

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SHAR: https://www.sharmusic.com (ships across the state, country, and world)

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Guarneri House: https://www.guarnerihouse.com (located in Grand Rapids)

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Marshall Music: https://www.marshallmusic.com