Frequently Asked Questions

I teach one-to-one violin and viola classes. You will learn the technical skills and techniques to play the violin and/or viola well. You will also learn to play musically and to make your own valid musical choices and interpretations. Basic improvisation and understanding of basic music theory is also covered in the lessons. My teaching incorporates ease and comfort in playing and performing. Body alignment and mechanics are also covered. I teach beginning through advanced students.

I use Suzuki Method and Mark O'Connor American Violin Method. I do not limit the materials used to these two methods. Students will also learn pieces not included in either of those methods. We use various materials to learn to read music notation and to improve our sight-reading abilities. Other scale, etude and method books are used as appropriate for each student.

Text from Finn and Charlie's Mom  Sept 2018 "Ok, you are always so flexible. Thank you."

From Patrice who saw me teaching while she was working on the floors in my home: "If my kids were still at home, I would so have you teach them. You were so patient and good with that 4 year-old."

Note from Piper and Claire's mom when they moved to another state June 2018: "Thank you so much for being such a wonderful violin teacher to Piper and Claire. All three of us have learned so much from you, and we've really enjoyed it. Thank you for being such a kind and patient teacher and for expecting the best out of these little girls. We will miss seeing you every week, and we will count ourselves lucky if our future teachers are as talented and caring as you are."

I am a professional violin and viola teacher. I graduated from the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music in 1989 with a degree in viola. I have taught violin and viola lessons in the Greater Denver Metro Area for over 20 years. I received my certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy from the University of Denver. I have completed the training for Books 1-4 in the American Violin Method. I am working towards becoming a certified Body Mapping Instructor. My students regularly audition into local youth orchestras, Western States Orchestra, All-State Orchestra. Students have also received college scholarships in music. It is important to me that students enjoy their lessons and enjoy playing their instrument while learning to play well. 

Contact me at 720 425 0881 or laura.r.mcdermott@gmail.com. We set a regular time to meet for our lesson. I accept students year-round. 

Where are you located?

I have two locations. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2400 S Colorado Blvd. Sunday, Wednesday, Friday at my home near Hampden and Chambers in SE Aurora.

How long are lessons?

Younger beginners have 30 minute lessons. As students progress 45 minute and hour lessons are encouraged.

What ages do you teach? Do you teach adults?

I teach ages 4 and up including adults. With younger children I require a parent to attend all lessons, take notes/video, and supervise the home practice. 

What about recitals and performances?

Students have several opportunities every year to perform in recitals, community events, concerts, competitions both through our studio and also through local teacher groups.  This allows students to become comfortable with performing and to show what they have been learning. There is an annual recital of $40 beginners through book 3 and $75 for book 4 and beyond. This covers accompaniment and room rental. It is strongly encouraged to play in as many of the recitals as you can but sometimes people have conflicts with the dates so I don't require it.

Students will also have some other performance opportunities and competition opportunities as well. Those may have their own fees and expenses. 

There may also be some workshops throughout the year. These may cover specific topics or may have a guest clinician present or work with students. There may or may not be additional costs for these. 

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the local Scottish Fiddle Club which meets late afternoon on the3rd Saturday of the month at Luther Strings. 

How much do violin lessons cost?

30 minute lessons are $140/month ($420/quarter). 45 minute lessons are $210/month, ($630/quarter.) Hour lessons are $280/month ($840/quarter.) I base my fees on a quarter's worth of lessons (11 lessons every 3 months.) You can pay by the quarter or the month. The payment stays the same for each payment period. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, Apple Pay, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal. Some people set me up as a vendor in their bank's bill pay and send an automatic payment each month. I don't take credit cards but take most other forms of payment.

Do you provide the violin or viola? Where do I get a violin or viola?

No. I do not provide instruments. Students can do the first lesson without an instrument. While people instruments many places I recommend Cannone Enterprises and Luther Strings. They are both specialize in string instruments. They can do any work needed on an instrument. They carry student violins and violas as well as professional quality instruments. They both have very favorable trade-in policies on their own instruments. That is useful when a student needs to move to a larger size violin or viola or when they need a better quality violin or viola. 

What forms of payment do you accept? Do you accept credit cards?

I do not accept credit cards. I do accept most other forms of payment. I accept Apple Pay, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, cash, check.