The Conservatory is proud to welcome Mr. Troy Bast as our violin instructor this Fall! He offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced violin lessons, and the starting age for these lessons is 6 years old. These lessons will be held on the 3rd floor of the Francis building, in Room 311. Lessons will be offered on TUESDAYS for the Conservatory.
Mr. Troy Bast is originally from Pennsylvania, and has an extensive background in violin performance and education. He earned his B.M. in Violin Performance from New York University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and his M.M. in Violin Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
His extensive performance experience includes but is not limited to the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Section 1st Violin for 2 consecutive 1 year positions), and the Substitute Alabama Symphony Orchestra, where he performs currently.
His teaching experience includes but is not limited to the Music and Arts Center in Baltimore, MD, West Virginia University, Battle Academy in Chattanooga, TN, Spalding Elementary School in Collegedale, TN, and the Mountain Arts Community Center in Signal Mountain, TN.
We are very excited to welcome Mr. Bast to the Conservatory family!
STUDIO EXPECTATIONS
Be On Time
- This time is reserved just for you, so make sure to be here on time. Lessons will not go past reserved time due to lateness of students. If a student cannot make it to a lesson, please call within 24 hours of the lesson and we will roll the lesson over to the next month.
Come Prepared
- This means having practiced ALL assignments! If you have not practiced, then we will not be able to make progress on the violin.
Bring Materials
- Violin, music, notebook, metronome, shoulder rest or sponge, and pencil.
- And book or music that is assigned to the student is the student’s responsibility to obtain.
Payment
- To make tuition payment, you have the option to either pay online, through the Online Contributions page or pay at a later date using cash or check. If paying online, simply enter the required tuition amount as your “donation” during the contribution payment process. Type the words “Conservatory Tuition for (Student’s Name)” in the Designated Contribution Name box. If paying by check, please make Checks Payable to: First Baptist Church Trussville or FBCT and include the student’s name on the check. Bring it to the Church office or mail it to: The Conservatory at FBC Trussville, P.O. Box 27, Trussville, AL 35173.
PRACTICE TIPS
Warm-up
- Take 5-7 minutes and do long tones on open strings.
- Make sure the bow is parallel to the bridge and that your bow hand is correct and your violin in proper position.
- Work on having a solid tone from bow to tip!
Scales and Arpeggios
- Scales should be a part of every practice session! It helps develop muscle memory and good intonation.
- Choose a scale that you know or one that you are working on, and practice in whole notes, half notes, or quarter notes. You can also make it more interesting by making up your own rhythm!
Practice in Small Sections
- Make a difficult piece easier by practicing in sections! One line at a time, 2-3 meausre at a time or even one note as a time!
Practice with a Metronome
- Metronomes are very helpful in practicing because it helps keep us steady!
- Use Metronome with warm-ups, scales, and pieces!
Practice Slowly
- To make something good, practice slowly and aim for correct notes and bowings! It something is wrong, slow down and try it again! Repeat when necessary!
Practice Daily
- Practice should be done daily for about 20-30 minutes. If you want to improve on anything, time must be invested!
- Marathon practicing (1 day for hours!) can be harmful by hurting your muscles and only has short-term benefits!
