:
: As an adult beginner violin student with about 2 1/2 years of lessons and virtually no prior musical experience, I can't tell you much more than some of the problems I have had with prior instructors. First off, if using the Suzuki method, stick with the actual sheet music - writing out a combination of notes and fingering on a sheet a paper does not help at all in the long run. Stick to actually teaching during the lesson time - do not go off on a long speil about favorite composers, etc., which only consumes time and teaches the student nothing. Orgainized training (sticking with whatever books you decide is best for that particular student) is far better than handing out xerox copies of sheet music from various sources each week. Spend a lot of time emphasizing proper bowing and fingering techniques. I, myself, would feel a lot better if I could produce a better tone - even if this meant sticking to short, uncomplicated pieces. If your time schedule continuosly means having someone else fill in for you - then don't teach. It's hard on the student when a different instructor shows up - one who doesn't really know or care to know what the student is working on or what problems the student is trying to overcome. This probably isn't the type of information you were hoping to receive, but perhaps it may help to learn a little from a student's standpoint. Good Luck!