Benjamin G
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk
Benjamin G
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Folk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Online
Ages Taught: 10-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
Bachelor Degree: University of Northern Colorado, Master Degree: University of Oregon
Overview:
Ben Gardner initially wanted to play the cello, but instead chose the violin to make the walk to school easier. He quickly fell in love with the instrument, and 16 years later he holds 2 degrees in Violin Performance and has appeared as a soloist and ensemble member across the Western United States in both Classical ensembles and in orchestras specializing in Historical Performance Practice, playing on historically authentic instruments.
Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Recently, he has performed in groups such as the Pacific Artist’s Collective, Sinfonia Spirituosa, Orchestra NEXT, and the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado, and has taught in the University of Oregon Community Teaching Institute.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching violin and viola lessons while pursuing his bachelor's degree in Colorado and instantly fell in love. I have been teaching consistently for the past five years.
I encourage a consistent practice session as a key point for students of any ability level, as this helps students progress at a fast rate. I like to keep a balance of teaching classical repertoire to promote technical improvement, as well as music that may be more relevant to my students' lives, such as folk or pop, to keep lessons and the violin fun.
My students have achieved a high rate of acceptance into all-state and youth orchestras.
METHODS USED
During my masters degree I studied Suzuki pedagogy. While I don't follow the method exactly, I do incorporate much of the philosophy into my own teaching. With beginners, I prefer to teach the violin by ear so that my students can focus on their technique rather than reading music, while developing strong listening skills that are important for playing any instrument in any style.
Once a student has grasped the fundamentals of violin, I begin to introduce music reading and solo repertoire appropriate to their level.
For younger students, I encourage parent involvement in lessons and home practice sessions, as it helps the student to establish good habits in practice, although I do not require it.
LESSON STYLE
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.
I also strongly encourage my students to play with other musicians of a similar level. Playing with other musicians is a wonderfully rewarding and effective way to learn an instrument.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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