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violin & viola | piano | guitar | voice & singer songwriter | ukulele | online lessons |enrollment | certification | rates and policies
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Beginning string students build a strong foundation of the essentials, such as; the correct posture for holding the violin (or viola) and bow, first position fingering, bowing and rhythm techniques, note reading from the treble clef and fiddle tab, as well as time signature, ear training, and proper care and tuning of the instrument.
Suzuki Violin School, Violin Part, Volume 1, with Audio CD, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (Aug 15, 2007), is an excellent methodology for beginners to work from. The Essential Elements 2000 for Strings: Book 1 with CD-ROM (Violin) by Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie, Pamela Tellejohn Hayes and arrangements by John Higgins (Jul 1, 2002) is a good alternate. Similarly, Suzuki Viola School, Vol. 1, Viola Part, and Audio CD, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, or Essential Elements 2000 for Strings: Book 1 with CD-ROM (Viola) by Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie, Pamela Tellejohn Hayes and arrangements by John Higgins , works well for beginning viola students. Once students build a strong foundation, they are ready to make a decision about the direction they wish to take in their continued development as a violinist/violist or fiddler, such as; exploring different music genres and stylings from contemporary artists and the greats. These genres include classical, blues, rock, jazz, funk, fusion, Latin, Brazilian, folk, fiddling, and more. Other goals may be to prepare repertoire to audition and perform in an orchestra or band, or compose songs. This also applies for new students who already have a strong foundation from previous instruction. Whatever the desired goal, the curriculum is adjusted accordingly. |
PIANO (Beginning to Advanced)
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For young, beginning children, 4 to 6 years of age, Music for Little Mozarts, is a fun, interactive introduction to music that covers the basics for piano while keeping their focus through storytelling, on hands piano exercises, workbook coloring exercises, singing and rhythm, flash cards, audio CD, Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear, and a special tote bag to carry everything.
A student who begins lessons with the Music for Little Mozarts Deluxe Starter Kit by Christine Barden, Gayle Kowalchyk and E. L. Lancaster (May 4, 2006) will have the best chance at success in music lessons because the student has all the key components that provide a comprehensive learning experience and make the course come alive. The vinyl tote bag includes: Music Activity Board with marker, Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse, Music Lesson Book 1, Music Discovery Book 1, Music Workbook 1, a CD 2-disc set (for the Lesson and Discovery Books) and Flash Cards for Book 1. Recommended core books for beginners are Music for Little Mozarts: Lesson Book 1 by Alfred and Music for Little Mozarts: Workbook 1 by Alfred and a box of crayons. The Music for Little Mozarts Recital Book and Music for Little Mozarts: Lesson Assignment Book by Christine Barden, Gayle Kowalchyk and E. L. Lancaster (May 4, 2006) are also valuable tools.
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Beginning guitar students, ages 6 yrs to 12 yrs, build a strong foundation of the essentials, such as; learning correct posture for holding the guitar and pick, open chords, strumming, guitar tab and note reading, meter, time and key signature, classic progressions, and tuning and proper care of the instrument. Recommended core lesson books for young children include: FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method, Lesson Book 1 (with CD) by authors Philip Groeber, David Hoge, Leo Welch, and Rey Sanchez, which includes a pre-reading section that allows the student to play songs by reading fret numbers only. Natural notes in first position on strings one, two, and three are presented, along with basic rhythms. Dynamics are also introduced to develop musicianship at an early level. The book is equally adaptable to pick style or classical technique. Includes optional teacher duets with chord names. Rhythmic accuracy is stressed throughout the method. FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method, Exploring Chords, Book 1, a supplemental to the FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method. Students may begin the Exploring Chords book at any time in their studies. Chords are presented by chord name and guitar fingerboard (frame) only. Duet arrangements allow the teacher to play the melody while being accompanied by the student. Mel Bay's Chords for Children is also excellent for young beginners. FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method, Theory Activity Book 1. GuitarWorks, NoteWriter, Composer Corner, and Music Fun sections provide activities to reinforce concepts presented in the Lesson Book. A sound basis for rhythm is established by fun-filled counting and writing activities. Beginning students 13 yrs to adults start with Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method: Grade 1. The world's premier method for learning modern plectrum style guitar, time-tested and proven successful in building the theoretic and technical foundation needed to play in any style. All seven grades of this method are written in standard notation only to encourage better sight reading. In Grade 1, the student guitarist will learn to play solos, duets, scales, and chords in the keys of C, A minor, G and E minor. Even in Grade 1, the student is already exposed to the chord/melody concept of guitar performance. A supplementary study book entitled Grade 1 Studies, two different play-along CD recordings (pop and traditional), and a VHS or DVD video are available. The companion recordings feature Tommy Flint and William Bay playing in split-track format, with the solo parts performed on the right channel, and the accompaniment or second duet parts played on the left. The student can play along with the full recording, or tune out either channel and play the missing part. In addition, every student’s study is enhanced with personalized song selections of their own choosing that theyfeel challenged and passionate about learning.
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UKULELE (Beginning to Intermediate)
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Because the Ukulele has, in comparison to a guitar, a much more narrow neck, nylon, strings, and easier to hold, makes learning to play the Ukulele is an excellent stepping stone to playing guitar for students of all ages, including students as young as 5 years of age. The Hal Leonard Ukulele Method is designed for anyone just learning to play ukulele. This comprehensive and easy-to-use beginner's guide by acclaimed performer and uke master Lil' Rev includes many fun songs of different styles to learn and play. The accompanying CD contains 46 tracks of songs for demonstration and play along. Includes: types of ukuleles, tuning, music reading, melody playing, chords, strumming, scales, tremolo, music notation and tablature, a variety of music styles, ukulele history and much more. |
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An amazing collection of 50 accessible, must-know favorites for the beginner who's learned enough to feel ready to step into songbooks! This book features melody, lyrics, and chord diagrams. Includes: Amazing Grace * Both Sides Now * Edelweiss * The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) * Hallelujah * Hey, Soul Sister * I Walk the Line * I'd like to Teach the World to Sing * I'm Yours * Mack the Knife * Over the Rainbow * Peaceful Easy Feeling * Puff the Magic Dragon * The Rainbow Connection * Riptide * Singin' in the Rain * Take Me Home, Country Roads * This Land Is Your Land * We Are the World * You Are My Sunshine * and many more. |
VOICE & SONGWRITER (Beginning)
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Singing Lessons for Little Singers: Level A – Very Young Beginner SeriesLevel A is the most basic level of Singing Lessons for Little SingersTM and is designed to give young singers of preschool and early elementary age (or older, as needed) a solid foundation in the fundamentals of singing and musicianship. Sing-along tracks and lesson plans can be downloaded for free here. |
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Singing Lessons for Little Singers: Level B – Very Young Beginner SeriesLevel B of Singing Lessons for Little SingersTM picks up where Level A left off, with 11 new songs and 29 new lesson plans. Throughout Level B there is a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody reading. The rest of the “Body Scale” steps are introduced along with rhythm reading cards (included) and percussion and piano playing. Sing-along tracks and lesson plans can be downloaded for free here.
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A 3-in-1 Voice, Ear-Training and Sight-Singing Method for Children |
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Beginning adult voice students receive an assessment of their vocal abilities at their first lesson, and a course of study is determined based on their current level as well as desired goals. Depending upon the individual, skills and techniques, such as; ear training, sight singing, vocalizations that train the larynx and vocal chords to be relaxed in high, mid, and low range, correct pronunciation of vowels and consonants, breathing and proper use of the diaphragm, and mastery of hand picked songs selected by the student, are some of the areas included. Consider purchasing Singing for the Stars: A Complete Program for Training Your Voice (Book & 2 CD's) by Seth Riggs, John Carratello and R. J. Miyake, is an excellent reference source to have in conjunction with song repertoire taylored to fit the goals and passion of the student. |
PRIVATE ONLINE LESSONS
Victoria is now actively teaching online lessons via Skype and Zoom.
For more information, contact Victoria Hammill.
IN PERSON PRIVATE LESSONS
Victoria is now actively teaching private "in person" lessons at her personal home studio on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at the student's residence on Thursdays.
For more information, contact Victoria Hammill.
ENROLLMENT
Currently, Victoria offers private music instruction for violin, viola, piano, guitar, voice, singer/songwriting and ukulele, at the student's home or workplace, and at her studio, in Austin, Texas and the surrounding area, as well as Online LIVE.
Each year, students have the option to participate in a summer and winter recital. A special discount for music appreciation workshops is also offered to students receiving private instruction on a regular basis.
To enroll, fill out and submit enrollment application, find an open time slot on the schedule, and contact Victoria to reserve your slot.
Payment can be made online in advance monthly or weekly, or on the day of the lesson with cash, check, or money order payable to Victoria Hammill.
CERTIFICATION
Students can now obtain ABRSM certification for piano and strings.
RATES & POLICIES
New rates effective March 1, 2022, for lessons online or at Victoria's personal studio:
- $140 per month per student for weekly 30-minute lessons.
- $260 per month per student for weekly 60-minute lessons.
New rates effective March 1, 2022 for lessons at the student's residence or workplace:
- $180 per month per student for weekly 30-minute lessons.
- $340 per month per student for weekly 60-minute lessons.
Tuition must be paid by the first lesson. Tuition that is paid after the 7th of the month will be charged a late fee of $20. It is the responsibility of the customer to pay tuition on time.
For those customers who cannot be present on the day of the first lesson on or before the 7th of the month due to work or other prior commitments, payment can be made through the website at:
www.VictoriaHammill.com/onlinepayment.htm
Tuition for online lessons or at Victoria's personal studio is $140 per month regardless if there are 4 or 5 lessons each month. Because there is no charge for the 5th lesson, this is considered a bonus and cannot be made up.
Likewise, tuition for lessons at the student's residence or workplace is $180 per month regardless if there are 4 or 5 lessons each month. Because there is no charge for the 5th lesson, this is considered a bonus and cannot be made up.
For households with more than one student:
For weekly online 30-minute lessons, the rate is $140 for the first student, $130 for the second student, and $125 for the third student. The same holds true for lessons at Victoria's personal studio.
For weekly, 30-minute lessons at the student's residence or workplace, the rate is $180 for the first student, $160 for the second student, and $140 for the third student.
THE DEFINITION OF A LESSON IS AS FOLLOWS:
Upon my arrival at the student’s residence, a 30-minute lesson includes the time it takes for them to take out their methodology book(s), tune the instruments (when applicable), receive instruction, and receive the assignment and follow-up with the parent/guardian for the following week.
* if instrument(s) are tuned and methodology books are in place and the student is ready to begin prior to my arrival, 5-10 more minutes are gained for hands on instruction.
A student will be considered absent if he/she does not show up at their home within the first five minutes of a lesson.
THE POLICY FOR MAKEUP LESSONS IS AS FOLLOWS:
For cancellations made within less than 24 hours of the regularly scheduled lesson, payment is still required for the missed lesson.
Lesson fees are waived for cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance of the regularly scheduled lesson(s), and you are given the option to have a makeup lesson. This makeup is subject to alternate time slots available and must be made up during the month missed. No credits will be issued for unused makeup lessons.
- Only one (1) individual make-up is allowed per month and does not carry over into the following month.
- If, due to a vacation or holiday, you can choose to prorate your lessons with advance notice on or before the 7th of the month. For example, if you choose to schedule 3 lessons or less, you will be billed at the $35/lesson rate for a 30-minute lesson, or the $65/lesson rate for a 60-minute lesson that month for online lessons or at Victoria's personal studio.
For lessons at the student's residence, you will be billed at the $45/lesson rate for a 30-minute lesson, or the $85/lesson rate for a 60-minute lesson that month.
- Tuition does NOT cover any added costs of accessories i.e.: books, rental instrument, strings, rosin, flashcards, digital download backing tracks, etc.
By enrolling for lessons, you accept the terms and policies set forth by VICTORIA HAMMILL: MUSIC INSTRUCTION FOR ALL AGES.
In order to make your child's lesson more enjoyable, I recommend practicing at least 10-30 minutes a day (depending upon the age of the student and their level of mastery), at least five days a week.
Also, please feel free to come to me with any concerns, questions or suggestions you have.
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