I am most comfortable with this age group:
All Ages
Preferred Virtual Platform:
Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, Skype, Microsoft Teams
Bio
Hello! I am a compassionate and dedicated violin instructor with over 15 years of experience playing the violin. My teaching style is a perfect blend of practice and strategy, utilizing a vast collection of teaching materials tailored for each academic level. I focus on making learning engaging, fun, and motivating, ensuring that every student enjoys mastering their instrument. As a professional violin instructor, I have performed in various ensembles, including choir, chorale, orchestra, and chamber strings, which has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of music performance. My unique ability to work with students one-on-one enables me to connect with each individual and adapt my teaching methods to best suit their learning styles. My patience and passion for teaching set me apart from other teachers, and I take great pride in guiding my students to success in their academic goals. I truly love each and every one of my students and go above and beyond to make sure they achieve absolute success. When you book lessons with me, I will assess your needs and create a strong learning plan that helps you gain the high-level mastery you desire. As a patient instructor, I will walk you through problems at your pace until you understand everything clearly. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to unlock your true potential on the violin! Take the first step towards mastering the violin and sign up for lessons today! Some of my professional experiences include: Professional Violin Instructor & Music Secretary at Falls Baptist Music School (Menomonee Falls, WI) from 2019 to 2022 Developed a strategic violin pedagogical progression for training beginners in key violin techniques and skills Created attractive, fun-to-use, detailed "practice charts" to help students triple their practice times Pioneered a "practice lab" concept for young students to focus on practice after-school Coordinated guest lectures, special workshops, and organized music library for the high school and college levels
Music Education:
My teaching experience has shown me that every student is unique, and I strive to cater to their individual needs and preferences. From ages 4 and up, I aim to make lessons enjoyable and engaging, while also focusing on proper technique and posture. I believe that it's essential to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and asking for help when needed. I teach not only classical music but also current popular music that's played on the radio. By incorporating songs that students can recognize and are excited about, I encourage their enthusiasm and motivation to learn. In my lessons, students develop their musicality, technical proficiency, and disciplined practicing, all within a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. I also believe that fostering a strong student-teacher relationship is crucial in helping students reach their full potential. By respecting and appreciating each student's individuality, I strive to be a guide and mentor, passing down the legacy of music and helping them become confident, skilled musicians who can impact the lives of others through their artistry.
Teaching Experience:
I am a passionate music educator who believes that music is an essential aspect of being human. My teaching philosophy revolves around providing a comprehensive music education for students of all ages, levels, and styles. I strive to create customized lesson plans that cater to each student's unique needs, taking into account their age, experience, learning style, and individual goals. I adhere to the principle that music education should be both enjoyable and stress-free. My goal is to help students feel at ease while gaining confidence in their abilities. As a patient and encouraging instructor, I pride myself on my ability to connect with each student, helping them to reach their full potential. With over 4+ years of experience teaching private music lessons, I have honed my skills in various methods and continue to study new teaching styles to help my students meet their goals. While primarily focusing on classical music, I also incorporate modern music and exercises to support techniques in any genre. As a musician with a wide range of talents, I am dedicated to playing and teaching various styles of music. My primary instruments are the viola and violin, but my musical abilities extend far beyond these two instruments. Performing in chamber ensembles, symphony orchestras, and composing my own music allows me to stay up-to-date with music theory and maintain my proficiency in other instruments such as piano. The qualities that set the best music teachers apart include consistency, commitment, communication, connection, and capability. I strive to embody these qualities in my teaching, ensuring that each student receives a valuable and transformative music education. So, if you're ready to embark on an exciting musical journey, let's begin! Together, we'll explore the world of music, fostering a lifelong love and appreciation for the art. Let your musical adventure start today!
Styles Taught:
As a versatile and experienced violin teacher, I am skilled in teaching a wide range of music styles to cater to the diverse interests of my students. Some of the music styles I teach include: Classical: This style forms the foundation of violin playing and is essential for developing proper technique, tone, and musicality. I teach students to interpret and perform pieces from various periods, such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary, exposing them to composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and more. Personal Performance Pieces: I believe it is essential for students to develop a personal connection with the music they play. To foster this, I help my students pieces that are assigned to them by their teachers as well as pieces that will help them grow in their stage of technique development. Orchestra and Chamber Music: I highly encourage my students to participate in orchestras and chamber music ensembles, as these experiences enhance their musicianship, teamwork, and listening skills. In these settings, students learn to blend and communicate effectively within a group, whether it be a duet, trio, quartet, or larger ensemble. I will make sure to enable students to master their pieces that they play in their group through coaching in private lessons. Jazz: For students interested in exploring the world of jazz, I provide instruction in improvisation, rhythm, and phrasing, drawing inspiration from jazz legends like Stéphane Grappelli and Regina Carter. Fiddle/Folk: For those passionate about fiddle and folk music, I teach traditional tunes from various cultures, such as Irish, Scottish, Bluegrass, Old-Time, and more. Students will learn techniques specific to these styles, including ornamentation and bowing patterns. Pop: For students interested in playing popular and rock music, I teach them to perform contemporary songs and explore the use of the violin in different genres. I also focus on techniques like playing by ear and improvisation. By offering instruction in various music styles, I aim to provide a well-rounded and engaging learning experience for my students, allowing them to explore their interests and grow as musicians.
Methods Taught:
As an experienced violin teacher, I am well-versed in various teaching methods and philosophies that have been developed by some of the top violin pedagogues. I tailor my instruction to each student's individual needs, drawing from these approaches to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Some of the key methods and philosophies I incorporate into my teaching include:
1. Shinichi Suzuki: Suzuki Method or Talent Education
2. Key takeaways: I believe that every child has the potential to develop musical ability, and I emphasize learning music by ear before reading. I also advocate for parental involvement in the learning process, fostering a supportive environment for the student.
3. Stanley Fletcher: New Tunes for Strings
4. Key takeaways: I focus on building a strong foundation in technique and provide interesting and engaging repertoire for beginners. I also emphasize the importance of ensemble playing and collaboration.
5. Paul Rolland: The Teaching of Action in String Playing
6. Key takeaways: In my teaching, I stress the importance of physical movement and body awareness, advocating for a problem-solving approach to teaching. I incorporate movement-based exercises to promote healthy playing habits.
7. Mimi Zweig: Balanced playing and a healthy technique
8. Key takeaways: I encourage the development of a balanced and tension-free technique, emphasizing the importance of understanding the body's natural movements. I also strive to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for my students.
9. Zoltán Kodály: Kodály Method
10. Key takeaways: I believe in the importance of music education for all children, emphasizing singing and ear training as a foundation for instrumental learning. I also incorporate folk music and solfege in the learning process.
11. Géza Szilvay: Colourstrings Method
12. Key takeaways: I employ a child-centered approach to violin pedagogy, using color-coded strings and visual aids to simplify learning. I also encourage a holistic approach to music education, focusing on the development of musicianship as a whole.
13. Dorothy DeLay: Individualized and nurturing teaching approach
14. Key takeaways: I believe in the importance of understanding each student's unique needs and abilities, encouraging students to analyze and solve problems independently. I also foster a supportive and encouraging learning environment that helps students thrive.
15. Ivan Galamian: Systematic approach to violin technique
16. Key takeaways: I focus on the development of a solid technical foundation through scales, etudes, and exercises. I emphasize the importance of efficient practice and advocate for a balanced approach to teaching, combining tradition and innovation.
17. Josef Gingold: The art of violin playing and teaching
18. Key takeaways: I believe in the importance of developing a deep understanding of the music, emphasizing the value of musical expression and communication. I encourage a high level of technical and artistic mastery in my students, helping them become well-rounded musicians.
