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I took lessons from Mr. Hedman for ten years as a child and I am lucky that my two daughters (ages 6 and 9) can now benefit from his instruction. My children have very different personalities and he works well with both of them. He is an encouraging and challenging teacher who truly cares about each student.
- Dana Meyer
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My 13 year old son, Duncan, has taken violin lessons from Paul since he was five years old. During those 8 years, Paul has encouraged, disciplined, and inspired Duncan to live up to his potential as a musician. As a result, Duncan has been a member of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra for the past 4 years, and will be a member during the upcoming season as well. Duncan enjoys practicing his violin (most of the time anyway), as well as, teaching himself to play the songs he learns from Paul on the piano and the guitar.
Yesterday I asked Duncan what he enjoyed the most about his lessons from "Mr. Paul". His response was that Mr. Paul did not just teach by the book, but was always putting his own touches on a song.
The lessons. recitals, and concerts that Paul provides his students go far beyond teaching them how to read and play music. He has also teaches them discipline, stamina, and the art of public performance.
- Diane Noel
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My daughter Sarah has been taking violin lessons for the last four years with Mr. Paul Hedman. Mr. Hedman not only has helped Sarah to improve and advance her musical technique with the violin but has enabled Sarah to achieve confidence through musical performances. He always gives very constructive feedback to his students in such a positive way and supports their musical artistry. It has been a pleasure for Sarah and our entire family being a part of Mr. Hedman’s Studio.
- Ann Dominguez
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Paul Hedman is an amazing teacher. He thoroughly understands how to teach children of every age and ability. We started violin when our son was 3 1/2 years old and added two daughters when they each became 3 1/2. He worked with them for 14 years, instilling a love of the violin along with incredible discipline and concentration. Even when they were very young, I marveled at his ability to keep them focused on every instruction. Our family was very lucky to have found Paul Hedman.
- Joanna Burdell
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Our two daughters have been taking private lessons from Paul Hedman from the beginning of their musical instruction. Our 15-year-old started at age 4, and our 10-year-old started at age 6. We think Mr. Hedman is a wonderful teacher! He is friendly, positive and never negative - he’s great at encouraging students and helping them through more difficult pieces of music. Plus he’s a very talented musician himself!
These lessons have been great at building confidence. Both daughters enjoy performing in public and in front of peers. Mr. Hedman’s students have two recitals per year where they can showcase their talents & abilities for family, friends and each other. All the students are very encouraging of each other and it’s wonderful to see the progression over the years in all the students. Once a year the students play a Christmas show at the Town Center Mall and are always warmly received by the mall patrons.
Our older daughter was accepted by the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) in 5th grade at age 10 and Mr. Hedman was instrumental in preparing her for the audition. She has auditioned and been accepted every year thereafter, moving up to the next orchestra level as her skill improved. This year she has been accepted in GYSO’s Philharmonia orchestra. Additionally, he helped her prepare for her school audition at KMHS and as a freshman she was placed into the school’s advanced orchestra. Our younger daughter will audition for GYSO next year and already she is working on her scales and more difficult pieces of music in preparation.
Both girls have added other musical instruments to their repertoire (guitar, ukulele, piano) and we can definitely say that their early years with violin instruction helped them master other instruments.
- Lisa & Steve B.
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I decided to sign my daughter up for violin lessons after reading about the benefits of teaching music to young children but I had trouble finding a teacher who would take a three year old. We were very fortunate to have come across Mr. Hedman. He has proved very skillful in teaching the techniques necessary to a child so young and his patience and enthusiasm seem without limits. When I signed my daughter up for lessons I thought she would simply learn music and do better in school but the best benefit has been the bonding that has happened with my child and learning what methods she responds to. You can always sign up a child for music lessons, but without a teacher who makes it fun, it just becomes another chore. Mr Hedman has made our lessons a time that my daughter and I both look forward to.
- Dragos Nour
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Signing up our children to take violin lessons with Mr. Hedman has proved to be an excellent decision. Not only is Mr. Hedman a talented musician, he is also a wonderful teacher. The lessons that he has imparted to our children continue to exceed our expectations. In addition to learning to play the violin, they have learned to follow directions carefully, concentrate on the tasks at hand and persevere when things are difficult. Our four children and our entire family have been blessed by our participation at Paul Hedman Suzuki Violin Studio.
- Lance and Georgia McKinnon
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My two sons have taken private violin lessons from Paul Hedman for over a decade. It has been an invaluable experience, shaping them as musicians and as human beings. When my husband and I began our initial search for a violin teacher, Paul Hedman was recommended repeatedly as the best in the area. His instruction reflects that rare combination of extensive knowledge and experience with an ability to relate to his students in a way that engenders a dedication to the high standards which he sets. From the very young toddlers to the accomplished teenagers, Paul Hedman gets remarkable results from his students. Working with Paul through the years has been one of the consistent pleasures of my children's education.
- Cindy Ragozzine
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Paul Hedman is an excellent violin teacher of all ages. My son began taking lessons with Mr. Hedman when he was eight years old. Mr. Hedman patiently works one on one with his students of all ages and teaches them skills that provide a strong foundation. In addition to the one on one session, he provides a group setting for students to play together. In December, Mr. Hedman has a unique way of combining all the students, at different skill levels, to play traditional Christmas songs. This is one of my son’s favorite activities. In the spring, Mr. Hedman offers a recital for all the students to show their skills learned. It is beautiful to see how the students grow in their talent each year. As a parent, I love to see the relationship between student and teacher and truly can see that Mr. Hedman enjoys teaching. My son has learned so many things from this program. His skill and confidence continues to grow and Mr. Hedman is one of his favorite teachers.
- Jenni Martin
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Our daughter Harini is truly blessed to be able to learn violin from Paul who is a wonderful musician. Instead of looking for a teacher nearby, we found Paul to be an awesome teacher and approached him in spite of the distance. I am glad he agreed to take on! We had a minimum one hour drive each way for violin lessons but every moment spent was well worth it. With his unique way of teaching, her love & passion for music grew and so did her skills & ability. He has been playing an integral part in Harini’s life not only as a teacher but also as a great friend, mentor and a role model. With his training, encouragement & support she was able to take up many opportunities and has grown into a confident aspiring young musician. I feel he has a great knack of bringing the best out of children of all ages and it is always such a treat to watch his students perform at the recitals showcasing his remarkable work. As a parent I am very grateful for the wonderful learning experience he has given Harini and hoping he continues to give his guidance throughout her life.
- Gayathri Indrakrishnan
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I developed an ability to read music at a young age. Because of this strong foundation for reading music, beginning my journey with the violin became almost natural. Throughout middle school, I took first chair in orchestra and never found music to be challenging to me. In an effort to challenge my abilities, I began private lessons with my first private lesson teacher. However, I soon quit due to my need for more challenging music. I happened upon Paul through the GYSO program at Kennesaw State University. The first day I met Paul, I knew that I would finally be challenged. He pushed me harder when I wanted to give up, he saw talent in me that I had never seen before, and he taught me to play with emotion, discipline, and heart. I never imagined I would be playing Fitz Kreisler's Praeludium and Allegro at my hour long senior recital, or accepted with scholarship into the University of Samford's music program. Not only did Paul challenge my abilities, but he also taught me strength and motivation that I continue to exemplify each day. I look forward to the transformations Paul makes in the lives of other students.
- Tatum Loo
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Paul has been Nico's violin teacher for six years. When we moved to this area in 2008, we looked for a Suzuki violin teacher who also provided a regular group lesson and Paul Hedman was it. I think it is very beneficial for Nico to have an opportunity to work with his studio peers during these group lessons. One crucial aspect of choosing a teacher and sticking with him is the student-teacher rapport. Nico admires Mr. Hedman very much, respects his authority and expertise, and enjoys their conversations of a wide range of topics. We enjoy watching Paul, Nico, and his peers perform at their annual fall and spring recitals and the Christmas concert at the Town Center Mall. I love it that Paul encourages and hones his students to be versatile performers, not only in his studio, but also in other venues like the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Honor Orchestra, All-State Orchestra, and school orchestras. I know that when Nico graduates in two years, it will be a bitter-sweet moment for him because he will miss his most favorite teacher in the world.
- Rica M., mom of Nico age 16
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Katherine asked Santa for a violin when she was 6 years old. Santa delivered and Mr. Hedman was recommended as a teacher. She couldn't have been happier or in better hands. Now five years later, she has developed a sincere love for music and continues to enjoy her weekly lessons. Mr. Hedman organizes two recitals a year and a Christmas concert at the Town Center mall. You sit in awe at his recitals at the talent he draws out of these students. With Paul's encouragement, Katherine auditioned and was selected for the last two years to perform with the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra. I have highly recommend Mr. Hedman to any parent looking for a teacher for their child.
- Bill and Jackie Garvin
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Paul Hedman is simply one of the finest music teachers in the Atlanta area. If any of you have been around the Atlanta music scene for a while, I would compared his music instruction and care of the child to the late Mrs. Bernice Blair. Our children have been under his instruction for over 12 years. One of my sons recently received a four year university scholarship to study music. If you decide to start your children in violin lessons with Mr. Hedman you will receive quality musical training for your child but more importantly you will also receive support as a parent for the real life training up of your child into the fine person that you want them to be. Your children will receive the skills they need to succeed in life. Your children will learn that they can develop discipline and endurance. They will learn that they are beautiful and strong. They will learn that they can do something that is difficult and be successful. They will learn that sense of nobility, pride and purity of mind and heart that is so necessary for the teen years. Don’t wait, get the children started out young and most importantly stick with it. You will be richly rewarded.
- Kim and Lonnie Roberts
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Isabel has taken lessons with Paul Hedman since she was 4 years old. That was almost 12 years ago. Isabel always enjoyed playing the violin and learning new skills under Paul's guidance. Paul has helped her to grow her confidence and self esteem from the beginning by encouraging her to play in many group concerts and recitals.
She especially enjoys playing together with her father when he accompanies her on his piano. We hope she will continue to play the violin for many years to come.
Paul certainly has taken a great part in growing her love for music.
- Dörte
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Playing violin has become passion for Riya – violin is now part of her life, which she enjoys very much every day. Rahul has also started his music learning, following his sister, and enjoying his violin lessons every week. Not only is Paul Hedman a great violin teacher, he has been a wonderful life mentor for Riya for many years. Musicianship, sensitivity, enthusiasm, excitement, ethic, poise, good judgment and an unparalleled commitment to excellence are few hallmarks of Paul’s teaching. We truly appreciate the well-rounded music education Paul has given to our kids over past many years.
- Ritu and Rakesh Mehta