I am a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. The viola is often considered the overlooked stepchild of the orchestra’s string section. So I enjoy teaching this unique instrument with those who are looking for something different and outside of the norm. The viola is an instrument with is own flavor and style! I encourage people who are trying a stringed instrument for the very first time to try the viola and it will open doors for them for other stringed instruments if they so choose!
EXPERIENCE
I have played the viola at different gatherings, wedding, and talent shows, as well school performances from middle school through college. I love teaching. I encourage regular practice on a consistent schedule as of the key points for beginners. It is also important to me that students have fun while learning. If a student does not have fun while learning, then that means I am not doing my job correctly! I would like to encourage students to enter competitions and recitals--as well as work on composing their own original material so that they can feel great about their own personal accomplishments.
METHODS USED
For beginners, I would start with basic fundamentals such as naming the strings and the notes on each string. Next I would move to scales, chords, and arpeggios. After that is established, I would focus on different bow movements such as staccato and pizzicato. The next focalization would be on shifting from first position to third position on the viola. I would also introduce vibrato during this time as vibrato adds so much life and texture to the music. My philosophy is focus more on progression than perfection. !
LESSON STYLE
My teaching style is hands on! I would bring my viola and the student(s) and I would play the notes or songs together--separately so the student can hear how it is supposed to sound, and then together so the student can hear the intonation of her or his notes when compared to notes played from my viola. At the commencement and finale of each session, I would encourage the student to review and set goals. Having a chart of goals physically written down for the student would help the student chart his or her own progress in real time.