My Site
MARIE SMITH,
string teacher
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here and considering lessons on a string instrument.
My main focus is violin and viola, but during my years as an orchestra director in Texas, I also enjoyed helping beginners get started on cello and bass.
Learning an instrument isn’t just about mastering notes and technique - it’s about opening a door to creativity, self-expression, and joy that can last a lifetime.
For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding students of all ages on their musical journeys, and it’s still one of my greatest passions. No matter where you’re starting from, I’ll meet you there, help you set meaningful goals, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Feel free to look around, and if this seems like the right fit, I’d love to help you discover the music that’s uniquely yours. I look forward to hearing from you!
Education Background
Bachelors, Violin Performance,
summa cum laude
Southwestern University, Georgetown-TX
Music Study Abroad Vienna, Austria
IES Vienna
Masters, Conducting
University of Notre Dame, South Bend-IN
String Pedagogy Training: Suzuki Book 1-3, String Institute (Indiana University),
String Institute (University of Milwaukee)
Graduate Performance Recordings
Education Experience
Academie Musique, Temple College Student teacher 2006-2011; String Faculty: 2013-2017
Temple TX
Dolce Music Studio Violin/Viola Faculty: 2011-2015
Georgetown, TX
Monarch Suzuki Academy Violin/Viola Faculty: 2013
Austin, TX
Notre Dame Sacred Music Academy Music Director: 2015-2017
South Bend, IN
St. Paul/St. Cecilia Catholic Schools Music/Orchestra Teacher: 2017-2020
Dallas, TX
Apollo Junior High School Orchestra Director 2021-2025
Richardson, TX
Richardson, TX
Past Performance Orchestras/Groups
Southwestern University Orchestra
Southwestern University String Quartet
Austin Civic Orchestra
Austin Baroque Orchestra
Notre Dame Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra for Notre Dame Chorale
Pricing/Lesson Rates Overview
Pricing
*Rates are based on my personal teaching experience, education, and the average cost calculated in the Dallas area.
In-Person Lessons at a School, unless set differently by school/school district: (includes low-cost materials such as sheet music copies, folders, pencils, practice aids, and online resources)
30 minutes — $38 or $140 for 4 lessons (monthly)
45 minutes — $53 or $200 for 4 lessons (monthly)
60 minutes — $68 or $240 for 4 lessons (monthly)
Travel to Student’s Home: $0.50 per mile added (calculated at the start of each semester and fixed for consistency).
Online Lessons (Zoom)
30 minutes — $30 or $100 for 4 lessons (monthly)
45 minutes — $45 or $160 for 4 lessons (monthly)
60 minutes — $60 or $220 for 4 lessons (monthly)
(Students taking lessons provide or purchase all their own materials; digital copies may be shared when available.)
Lesson Policies
Lessons Cancelled/Missed by Teacher
All Lessons missed by teacher due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, no wifi etc) will receive a full refund unless it can be rescheduled or otherwise made up - the student/parent may choose which option they prefer.
I will do my best to give a 24 hour courtesy notice or sooner - unless unable to do so due withstanding any urgent emergency.
Lessons Cancelled/Missed by Student
All students must give 24 hours notice before canceling a lesson in order to be eligible for a makeup - please communicate if there are emergencies.
Discontinuing Lessons (30 day notice)
Students/parents must notify me at the beginning of the month if they do not wish to continue lessons (30 days notice). The lessons will then be discontinued for that student the following month.
Lesson Contract
Each Student/Parent will receive a lesson contract to sign stating all policies for the protection of both the client and the teacher. Please contact me for questions or details.
*Please Note: In keeping with school policies I do not text or use phone communication with young students - only with parents and adult students (unless there is an approved platform with school/parent oversight without direct use of a phone number). Other means of communicating will be established and I will carbon copy and ensure parents/guardian on ALL communications involving a student. Prior to setting up regular communication I will make sure all phone numbers are those of a legal guardian.
Teaching Resources For Lessons
In my lessons, I use Soundslice, an interactive music notation platform that supports practice between lessons. Students can click on notes to jump to specific spots, loop tricky passages, adjust playback speed, use a metronome, and more.
I also leave feedback through Soundslice during the week, so students have guidance as they practice. This makes learning more engaging, effective, and fun—helping students build confidence and progress more quickly.