I have been taking first my granddaughter then my grandson to Mrs Painter for violin lessons for the last 5 years, since each of them was 4 years old. They have enjoyed her warmth, encouragement, excellent teaching and her understanding of, and rapport with, young children. Once she responded to one child’s progress over the week by saying, “I’m gobsmacked!”. Whereupon he tried every week to master the task she had set to gobsmacking level.
Citizens of Kingston, be aware that a teacher of Suzuki violin has arrived in your area. The Suzuki method is wonderfully suited to children, who learn to listen well, to work systematically through carefully-developed steps to increasing mastery of their instrument. Individual lessons are supplemented by group lessons and concerts where children can interact and perform with other children. Alice Painter is a Suzuki-trained teacher of gentle disposition, skilled interaction with both young children and older players, of experience in providing fun ways to approach difficult steps in learning.
- Jean, grandmother
The qualities that come across most are her quietness and lucidity about what she is doing, and her sense of purpose and persistence in doing it. She is also a very gentle person, with an understanding of, and appreciation for, a child’s point of view and experience.
- Cliff, grandfather
There’s a nice balance between being very encouraging with kids and being gently persistent with technique.
- Claire, parent
Mrs Painter is cool. She is patient and kind and makes lessons fun.
- Ursula, 9
She’s a great teacher, a great friend and very good violin teacher.
- Arthur, 7
The thing that really stands out for me with Alice's lessons has been how gentle and patient she is with my daughter while still maintaining high standards.
She has a wealth of ideas to keep children engaged and a sure hold of the steps they need to make beautiful sounds.
- Veronica, parent
