Kate currently offers 45- and 60-minute lessons. One of the most common questions parents have about lessons is which length is appropriate for their student.

For very young students, their 45-minute lessons are split into two sections: lesson time for the student and lesson time for the parent. Children can start studying the violin as young as 3 years old (depending on the individual), but even up through late elementary school, students need parental assistance at home to thrive. An essential part of every lesson is working with the parent to make sure they’re confident in how to guide and teach their child at home during the week.

As the student gains confidence and starts mastering the basics of their technique, the balance of the lesson shifts, with the proportion given to the student expanding to match their growing attention span and ability to focus. When the student is ready, they take over the entirety of their lesson, needing only occasional assistance from parents at home. 45 minute lessons are recommended for students in elementary school and early middle school.

As students progress, they learn more complex skills and techniques and need more lesson time each week to develop them. At the same time, their repertoire becomes more challenging and (typically) longer, and hour-long lessons become necessary to avoid stagnation and keep the student progressing as best they can. Hour-long lessons are recommended for serious middle schoolers and are required for high schoolers.