FAQs
Who is Ally and what are her qualifications to teach music?
My name is Ally Oakes and I’m so excited to start private lessons with you! My primary instrument is the violin, but I am able to teach and play viola, cello, and bass as well. I am a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) with a degree in Music Education as well as a former classroom music teacher. I have been teaching private lessons since 2016.
While I was in college, I did an internship with the New Horizons Orchestra (NHO), an orchestra for adults over age 50. In NHO, I gained experience working with adults of all levels, ranging from those who have never touched an instrument before and couldn’t read music to those who have been playing since high school. I also had the opportunity to make adaptations for different health issues including neck/back pain, tremors, arthritis, and even dementia.
My experience teaching in a classroom gave me a wide variety of teaching methods and the problem solving skills to help students with a wide variety of learning styles and backgrounds. I honed my pacing and student engagement.
I am passionate about teaching private lessons and bringing the joy of string playing to people of all ages. I believe music is a fantastic way of building connections with others and building community.
Do I need an instrument for my lesson?
Yes! You will need to rent or own your instrument of choice for your lesson. You can rent your instrument at Antonio Violins & Ukuleles (there's two locations one in Montgomery and one in Mason) or Baroque Violin Shop, (513) 541-2000, 1038 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224. Renting your instrument is surprisingly affordable with rentals starting at $16 a month.
Your instrument should be in good working condition. In addition to your instrument, you'll need a folder for your music, a music stand for your home (I have one for you at your lesson), a cleaning cloth, shoulder rest for violin and viola or rock stop for cello and bass, method book (Most students will be asked to use New Directions for Strings), Metronome and tuner (I recommend Soundcorset Tuner for a free option available on both apple and android), sheet music or Etude Books as assigned.
I am an adult who would like to learn how to play. Can I take lessons from Ally Oakes Strings?
Yes! Ally Oakes Strings welcomes learning musicians from ages 5 through 100! Adult students hold a special place in my heart. I worked with the New Horizons Orchestra (NHO), an orchestra for adults over 50, for three years in college. It is my time with NHO that sparked my passion for teaching and especially for teaching adults how to love string instruments.
What is the policy for parents at lessons?
Parents are welcome in lessons as long as the student is comfortable. They are encouraged to attend lessons with students under age 8 to help guide practice at home.
When is payment due?
Students are required to pay for a month of lessons at the first lesson of each month. I accept cash and checks. I will send an invoice at the end of each month as a reminder. I am not able to give refunds, so please check your schedule at the beginning of the month and communicate any lessons you will need to reschedule at this time.
What if I need to cancel a lesson?
I require at least 48 hours notice if a lesson needs to be canceled or rescheduled. If 48 hours notice is not given, the lesson must still be paid for. Students are expected to be at lessons except in the event of illness, death in the family, hazardous driving conditions/extreme weather conditions, family emergencies, family vacations, or school (or work-for adult students) conflicts. Please be sure to schedule lessons around other activities to avoid unnecessary absences or rescheduling. If an absence or scheduling conflict arises, it is the responsibility of the student or parent to coordinate an alternative time for a makeup lesson with the teacher.
Do I need to practice?
Private lessons are all about teamwork. This includes the teacher, the student, and the parent(s) if the student is young. It is the teacher’s job to prepare content for the lesson and teach the student how to practice it, the student’s job to practice, and the parent’s job to make sure the student is practicing what they need to be practicing. Notes will be sent home from each lesson in order to help guide practice and ensure students do not forget.
Students are expected to practice a minimum of 5 days per week. Suggestions for practice times:
● Beginning students should practice 20 to 30 minutes daily. (The practice time may be split up into smaller increments. Short sessions of 10 or 15 minutes two or three times a day usually work better than longer practice sessions. Students of a very young age may be assigned shorter practice goals, depending on age level and attention span).
● Intermediate students should practice between 30 and 45 minutes daily.
● Advanced students should practice at least 60 minutes daily. (Higher levels of repertoire or other specific goals may require additional daily practice).
Practice happens at home, not during lessons.
What will we work on during my lesson?
We will work on songs and exercises designed to help improve and reinforce specific skills. In the beginning that includes holding the instrument, getting a good bow grip, playing with a good sound, and playing in tune when you put your fingers down. As students advance, this can include playing with different finger patterns, different bowing techniques, shifting, and vibrato.
While we may occasionally work on music for orchestra class, community ensembles, or contests as needed, we will work on lesson music first. An effort will be made to coordinate skills in lessons with school orchestra music when possible. If students have prepared their lesson music, we will have time to look at other music.
Is learning an instrument hard?
Any new skill is hard. Like learning to ride a bike or learning a new language, the key to success is repetition and persistence. You won't walk in the door and be able to play Mozart. However! Through practice, practice, and more practice, you'll continue to learn and be able to create beautiful music before you know it.
What if I want to stop taking lessons?
Almost all students stop taking lessons at some point. This decision should be made thoughtfully; ideally with plenty of discussion between student, parent, and teacher so that lessons can end positively at a good stopping point with closure. I request that you give at least one month’s notice so that I can plan out the final lessons. I respect your right to discontinue lessons at any point without notice, but cannot offer a refund for any lessons already paid for.