Amos F  
Instruments: Violin, Cello, Viola, Fiddle, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde

I started teaching almost 10 years ago as a way to fill my weekly schedule with musical things.  I've always really enjoyed the challenge of teaching, whether it be a musical or personal one.  As a teacher, I draw upon my experiences as a student, thinking what I needed that I didn't get or what I experienced that I didn't like, and vice versa.  As a student, I didn't like to practice, I didn't like to go to concerts, and I didn't think what I did was special.  I wasn't motivated because all I saw was a pile of work in front of me that I couldn't possibly accomplish.  Over time, and after stealing little bits fo information and methods from teachers I never really studied with, I was able to create a practice routine I could do every day, I had enough tools that I could play most anything, and because of that, my enjoyment of music has never been higher.

There is no one size fits all method for teaching anybody. What’s important is to strike a balance of activities that works for the student, engaging their desire to learn while giving them the structure necessary for success. For example, many students want to learn their favorite pop song or the latest hit from their favorite movie. I want to help them not just play those songs, but use that as a way to learn valuable skills for future musical interests. One great thing about the violin is it’s versatility and how it is one of the most accessible instruments for anyone looking to play their favorite music.