FAQ

Start taking classes

Can I have a trial lesson?

Yes, trial lessons can be booked where we can make acquaintances. If you are a beginner, I will introduce you to the violin and if you already play, you can show me what is your current level. A trial lesson is 30 minutes and is half of the normal rate. If you decide to subscribe for lessons, the trial lesson’s fee will be deducted from your first invoice. If you decide not to subscribe, you will receive an invoice for the trial lesson. You do not need to have your own violin for the trial lesson. You can request a trial lesson by contacting me through my website, email address or WhatsApp.

Geef je ook les in het Nederlands?

Ik heb Hongaars als moedertaal en beheers Engels op C1-niveau. Ik heb hard Nederlands gestudeerd en zit nu op een sterk B2-niveau. Ik geef graag viool- en pianoles in het Nederlands. Kamermuzieklessen zijn ook mogelijk in het Nederlands, maar rekening houdend met het feit dat er misschien anderen zijn die (beter) Engels spreken, is dat meestal de voertaal van die lessen. Muziektheorie en gehoortraining (solfége) zijn alleen mogelijk in het Engels.

I don’t have a violin/piano. Can I still take lessons?

It is essential to have your own (rented) violin for the lessons and at-home practice.If you don’t own an instrument, you can rent one from various music shops. I am happy to advise you on renting or buying an instrument!

To follow piano lessons, it is essential that you have a(n electric) piano or a keyboard at home, because you will need to practice between lessons. I can advise you to buy an instrument if you wish!

Do you provide study material?

Everyone needs to purchase their assigned books to follow lessons. I frequently give additional material during lessons which are always free of charge. You can order the necessary books through me or individually if that is what you prefer.

Are you qualified to teach violin?

Yes, I am qualified to teach violin to any age group. I started playing the violin at the age of 9, and obtained the following degrees:

2018-2021 *Royal Conservatory, The Hague* – Bachelor of Baroque and Classical Violin, Early Music Department

2016-2018 *Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, Hungary* – Master of Music Education (Primary and Secondary Level) specialized in Violin **Diploma with Highest Honors**

2014-2016 *Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, Hungary* – Master of Classical Musical Instrumental Performance specialized in Violin 2011-2014 *Szécheny István University, Győr, Hungary* – Bachelor of Classical Musical Instrumental Performance specialized in Violin

Are you qualified to teach children?

Yes, I am qualified to teach any age group. I obtained my master’s degree in music education in Budapest at the Franz Liszt Academy in 2018 with Highest Honors.

Are you qualified to teach people with physical or mental disabilities?

Although I have no official qualification in education with special needs, I have been working with students for long years with a range of (learning) disabilities with success. It is crucial to let me know all the details about any disabilities so I can determine whether I am experienced enough to take on a student or not.

Do you teach other instruments than violin?

Although I am a violinst, I also teach piano up to level 5. I started learning piano at the age of 12 and continued until the age of 22. I also received 3 years of harpsicord lessons at the Early Music Department of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague.

Besides, I also teach solfége and chamber music to players of any instrument.

Prices and payment

How does payment work?

Invoices are sent bimonthly, prior to the lessons. After the invoice is sent out, it must be settled within 14 days. In the absence of advance payment, it is not possible to continue lessons.

I find the lessons too expensive. Can I have a discount on the set rates?

No, it is not possible to take lessons at a reduced rate. There is a 5% quantity discount to those who pay for weekly lessons of at least the amount of 114 eur.

I want to stop taking lessons. Can I have my money back?

You have the right to stop your lessons at any given time. However, there is no possibility of a refund of the paid fees. A month’s notice prior to termination of the lessons is mandatory.

I can’t come to my lesson. Can I have my money back?

If you cannot make it to a lesson, there are different procedures to follow. If you cancel your lesson more than 24 hours prior, you are entitled to a make-up lesson. I will offer you at least two options within the following 30 days. You can also decide not to take a make-up lesson of course. If you cancel within 24 hours prior to the lesson, there is no possibility of a make-up lesson. In either case, there is no possibility of a refund of the paid fees.

As an alternative, it is possible to carry out your lesson online at the regular time when you cannot be physically present.

Absence, cancellation and holidays

What if I cannot come to the lesson because I’m sick?

The same rules apply to any absence. If you cannot make it to a lesson, there are different procedures to follow. If you cancel your lesson more than 24 hours prior, you are entitled to a make-up lesson. I will offer you at least two options within the following 30 days. You can also decide not to take a make-up lesson of course. If you cancel within 24 hours prior to the lesson, there is no possibility of a make-up lesson. In either case, there is no possibility of a refund of the paid fees.

In case of a last-minute issue, illness, etc. it is possible to carry out your lesson online at the regular time.

My lesson was cancelled by the teacher. What now?

When I have to cancel a lesson, there are different options for you to choose from:

  • We can agree on a make-up lesson.
  • You can request a direct refund for the canceled lesson, which shall be done within 14 days.
  • You can use the fee of the lesson as credit for the next invoice period.
My lesson was rescheduled to an online lesson, but I don’t want to participate in an online lesson. What now?

When I can’t give physical lessons due to illness, lessons are carried out online and the normal cancelation policies apply to students. Online lessons have the same value and require the same amount -if not more – preparation from me, therefore are treated as regular lessons.

Do you send a substitute when you cannot teach?

I very rarely cancel lessons. In the unlikely event of a cancelation, I try to reschedule your lessons to a later date or find a colleague who can substitute for me. When I can’t give physical lessons due to illness, lessons are carried out online and the normal cancelation policies apply to students.

Are there lessons during school breaks?

No, there are no lessons during school breaks. Adagio Violin Studio follows the Dutch national school agenda. However, many students follow their education at international schools with different schedules. To those, the yearly lesson plan is created following their own school’s agenda. The common rule is when there is school, there are lessons at Adagio. Sometimes it is possible to come to lessons during vacations, about which you will be always informed in good time. These lessons are always billed separately.

Can I come to lessons during vacation time?

Generally, Adagio Violin Studio follows the Dutch national school agenda. However, many students follow their education at international schools with different schedules. To those, the yearly lesson plan is created following their own school’s agenda. The common rule is when there is school, there are lessons at Adagio. Sometimes it is possible to come to lessons during vacations, about which you will be always informed in good time. These lessons are always billed separately.

I can’t come to my lesson. Can I have my money back?

If you cannot make it to a lesson, there are different procedures to follow. If you cancel your lesson more than 24 hours prior, you are entitled to a make-up lesson. I will offer you at least two options within the following 30 days. You can also decide not to take a make-up lesson of course. If you cancel within 24 hours prior to the lesson, there is no possibility of a make-up lesson. In either case, there is no possibility of a refund of the paid fees.

As an alternative, it is possible to carry out your lesson online at the regular time when you cannot be physically present.

I want to take a break from my lessons. Can I resume lessons later?

It is not possible to pause lessons. You can stop taking lessons according to the Terms&Conditions, and you can only resume lessons later if there is available space. Unfortunately, I cannot hold on to lesson times otherwise. In any case, there is no possibility of a refund from the study fees.

Location

Can I take online lessons exclusively?

Violin lessons are available online but only on occasion. Chamber music lessons are not available online. Music theory and ear training classes are possible to follow online exclusively, but physical presence is highly encouraged.

Can I have lessons at my home?

No, lessons are exclusively available in Het Couveehuis.

Accompanying your children to classes

As a parent, can I sit in during my child’s lessons?

No, from experience it is the best course not to sit in during your child’s lessons. It’s important that they have undivided attention and that as a teacher, I gain their trust and understand my authority as the adult in the room. When a parent is present during a lesson, children take them as the only authority and behave differently, many times less freely as if they were with the teacher exclusively. They often direct their questions to the parents or answer to them instead of me when I ask a question. In the case of very young children (4-5 yo), it is possible for the parents to sit in for a couple of weeks since at that age it is more difficult for the children to let go of their parents. Most importantly, when the children see that the parents are comfortable leaving them with me alone, it assures them that it’s safe and they will feel safe and free much easier.

Is there a waiting room where you teach?

Yes, in Het Couveéhuis you can wait in the common area or in the garden where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and make use of the free WiFi connection. Moreover, the location is just a street away from the Frederik Hendriklaan, a lovely shopping street with all kinds of cafés and shops.

Can my child come alone to the lessons?

It is entirely up to you, but in that case, I would like to know the phone number of the student to avoid any issues.

Can someone else other than me take my child to the lessons?

It is entirely up to you, but in that case, I would like to know the phone number of the person responsible to avoid any issues.

Who takes the lessons

Can my children go to violin lessons at the same time?

No, it is not possible to take group lessons, even for siblings. I put great emphasis on personalized study progress, and I always want to give my undivided attention to every student. Everyone is different and has different abilities and needs, therefore I find it crucial to take lessons individually.

Can my child go to violin lessons with a friend?

No, it is not possible to take group lessons, even for siblings. I put great emphasis on personalized study progress, and I always want to give my undivided attention to every student. Everyone is different and has different abilities and needs, therefore I find it crucial to take lessons individually.

The journey of the apprentice violinist

I would like to know about the progress of my child. Are you available to give feedback?

Yes, you can ask for a feedback meeting anytime. I also offer individual feedback sessions at mid-term and at end term to everyone. It is highly encouraged to join these meetings so we can discuss the progress of your child and any other issues or questions as well. It is also important for me to hear your opinion!

Are there any exams at Adagio Violin Studio?

No, there are no exams and grades given at Adagio. However, there are two recitals per year in which participation is mandatory for all who take violin or chamber music lessons.

Are there student recitals to play at?

Yes, I organize yearly two recitals: one at mid-term and one at end term. Participation is mandatory for all who take violin or chamber music lessons.

Can you prepare a student for music exams, such as ABRSM, Trinity, etc?

I have experience in preparing students for both violin and music theory and ear training exams.