Welcome to Saratoga Strings!  My name is Joy Peterson, and I have played and loved the violin for 27 years.  I have a Bachelor's degree in violin performance from the University of Utah, and have studied with famous Suzuki String teachers for several years to receive my Advanced Suzuki Teacher certification.  I love teaching the violin, and have taught children and adults to play the violin for over 10 years.  I recently took some time off to take care of my little baby, but I am going to begin teaching again at the end of August 2012.  Please look over my studio policies and call or email me if you're interested in starting lessons.  The violin is such a rewarding instrument and provides a lifetime of opportunities and enjoyment!

Teacher's Notes for March

Federation is almost here!  Everyone's pieces are coming along nicely, but this is the month to perfect them, so this month, make sure your pieces are perfectly memorized, focus on dynamics (overemphasize!!), and work on perfect bowing: bows are straight, nice strong tone, and finger flexing.  Try to schedule some practice performances for family and friends.  I would also like everyone to "be your own judge" and video record yourself playing your pieces.  Then sit back with a paper and "judge" your performance!

Federation will be held at the same place as last year--Gardner Hall on the University of Utah campus.  Make sure to allow PLENTY of time for parking and finding your room.  Here are your room numbers and times:

From this point on, practice announcing your pieces with your number.  Remember that judges need ORIGINAL copies of the music, so make sure to purchase the books that you will need soon if you don't already have them.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

If Aimee Ward is going to be your accompanist for Federation, please note that she will be having a Federation Rehearsal at my house this Thursday, March 10th at 5:15 pm.  If you can't make it to this rehearsal, please let me know...we will be having another rehearsal the following week, time still TBD.  Just a reminder that Aimee is charging $20 for the performance and one practice session, and $25 if you would like two practice sessions with her, which you can bring to the rehearsal.

Group Lessons will be held on March 15 and 16 this month.  Please make an effort to be there, as we will be working on our group pieces for our final studio recital.  Speaking of our final recital, it will be held on April 1st, from 6:30-7:30 at the Piano Gallery in Orem.  Plan on playing your favorite federation piece for the recital, or if you have another piece ready that you would rather play, let me know this week at lessons.

Thanks for all of your hard work and effort.  I have the very BEST students in the whole world!!