Viola Lessons in Walnut Creek, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

I eventually earned a degree in Fine Arts and German language from the University of Texas at Austin. To this day, I use what I have learned to teach the future generations how to make beautiful music. Back in Texas I ran a private music studio where I would take on students in the San Antonio area. As I accumulated more and more students, I noticed most suffered from some sort of mental disability. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginners, we'll start with the ABCs of Viola, and Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings, along with Suzuki, Vol 1. We'll work on developing skills as a soloist, and simple duets that the student and I can play together. For intermediate students, we'll go further into the Hal Leonard books, and the Suzuki series, 2 octave scales, double stops, vibrato, musical phrasing. It's very important to enjoy the process of learning the viola, so I always want to make it fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

For the Advanced Beginner to Intermediate students (both adults and children) I use a mix of the higher level of all series listed above and a series of pieces that will challenge my students to explore their musicality, expression, awareness, and technical skills. For Cello Students: My beginner to intermediate cello students are taught using a combination the the following method books: All for Strings, Belwin Course for Strings, The ABC's of Cello, and Strictly Strings. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

The approach to the violin with the orthodox method can be particularly frustrating. The technique is important but equally important is to develop the ability and taste of playing together right away. For this reason, regardless of the styles you want to deepen, I play as much as possible together with the student whether it is classical duets, folk songs or jazz. For the more advanced students a part of the study of the accompaniment is reserved as well as for soloists Calibrating the objectives based on the abilities of the age and the talent of the students is an attention that can avoid frustrations and lead everyone to the common goal of the musicians: to express and continuously improve. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

As a violin instructor going into my fifth year of teaching,I seek to help my students learn to become sensitive and versatile musicians, as well as instilling in them a love of music for the rest of their lives. Having recently earned a bachelor's degree in violin performance from UC Santa Cruz, under the tutelage of the concertmaster of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, I can offer you much knowledge in the way of Galamian bowing technique, effective practice habits, targeted technical exercises, a large library of exercises, etudes and methods to choose from, and guidance in creating musical phrasing and expression. Read More