Notes from the Studio
Monaco Violin StudioAugust 29, 2026
Adding Music to Your Homeschool (Without Buying a Curriculum)
How to add real music study to your homeschool without a curriculum, without being musical yourself, and without a co-op nearby — from a teacher who works with homeschool families.
August 27, 2026
Am I Tone Deaf? Almost Certainly Not
Told you can't sing, or convinced you're tone deaf? True tone deafness is rare — here's how to tell the difference between a real hearing difference and an untrained voice.
August 27, 2026
Am I Too Old to Learn to Sing? An Honest Answer
Wondering if you've left it too late to learn to sing? An honest look at what changes with age, what doesn't, and what adult beginners can genuinely expect.
August 27, 2026
Do Online Singing Lessons Actually Work?
Can you really learn to sing over video? An honest look at what works well online, what genuinely doesn't, and what to look for in a teacher who understands the difference.
August 26, 2026
Renting vs. Buying Your First Violin
Should you rent or buy a first violin? What each option really costs, the cheap instruments to avoid, and how to get something playable without overspending.
August 21, 2026
How Much Do Violin Lessons Cost? A Straight Answer
What violin lessons actually cost, why the range is so wide, and what you're really paying for — an honest breakdown from a working teacher.
August 21, 2026
Will Private Lessons Help My Child in Orchestra?
Wondering if private violin lessons will help your child in school orchestra? Here's how one-on-one lessons boost tone, sight-reading, and confidence.
August 19, 2026
Do Online Violin Lessons Really Work? An Honest Look
Do online violin lessons actually work? An honest look at what online teaching does well, where it needs adjusting, and who it's a great fit for.
August 17, 2026
Online Violin Lessons: How They Actually Work
Curious how online violin lessons work? Here's what a lesson looks like, the simple setup you need, and why learning from home is easier than you think.
August 14, 2026
Coming Back to Violin After Years Away: Where to Start
Played violin as a kid and want to return? Here's what comes back fast, what to rebuild, and a gentle plan to start playing again as an adult.
August 13, 2026
How Long Does It Take to Learn Violin? A Real Timeline
How long does it really take to learn violin — the basics, a first tune, and actual mastery? An honest month-by-month timeline for beginners and adults, plus how much daily practice it actually takes.
August 12, 2026
Am I Too Old to Learn Violin? An Honest Answer
Worried you've missed your chance to play the violin? An honest teacher's take on learning as an adult — why it's not too late and what to expect.