Hannah D
5.0
(5)
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles: Classical
Hannah D
5.0
(5)
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Doctoral Degree: Rutgers University, Master Degree: University of Maryland, Bachelor Degree: Oberlin Conservatory
2017 Smith Scholarship recipient
2015 and 2016 Oberlin Honors Recital winner
Principal viola on a Grammy nominated recording for Naxos with the NOI Philharmonic
I began playing viola in the 4th grade in school orchestra. I didn't have a regular private teacher until I was 14, which is a bit later than many students. I wasn't always motivated to practice, but when I saw my progress I began to work harder and decided to major in music! I've had opportunities to perform in some pretty cool places and also teach students from different backgrounds ranging in age from 7 to 65. My students have won Regionals and All-State Orchestra auditions. Lessons with me will include technical exercises and scales with a focus on proper bow arm and left hand posture as well as learning to play musical pieces and learning about the history behind them. Proper posture in the beginning stages is crucial to set up a solid foundation so that the student can learn advanced technical playing and play harder pieces. With intermediate to advanced students, I also like to talk about the history of the piece and the composer, which places the music in its context and gives the student a story behind the music.
I have taken string pedagogy classes during my undergrad at Oberlin Conservatory and my master's degree at University of Maryland. I have been teaching privately since 2016. I have taught students from ages 7 to 65. I find that my teaching style is particularly suited for older kids to adults, though I have taught several students below the age of 12. My students have won auditions for their Regionals Orchestra and All-State Orchestra. My students have also performed solo pieces on my violin and viola studio recital at the end of the school year. I have taught primarily in-person lessons and occasional online lessons. I offer in-person lessons at my location in Greenville, SC.
I have used many different method books with my students. I always choose one scale book or technique book, and one book with solo pieces. For students with no music background, I will often use a workbook that teaches note names and rhythms. If an intermediate or advanced student already has music books that they've been using, I can often continue use the books they are familiar with. I often show my student short exercises they can do to help their bow hold and their left hand frame. My favorite scale or technique books for beginning violinists include Harvey Whistler's One Position Scales and Introducing the Positions, Barbara Barber's Scales for Young Violinists and Essential Elements. My favorite music books with pieces for beginning violinists include Whistler's Solos for Strings books, Suzuki Books 1-3, and Barbara Barber's Solos for Young Violinists. For more advanced students, I like to use technique books including Kreutzer Etudes, Wohlfahrt Etudes, Melodious Double-Stops by Josephine Trott, Galamian Scales, and Barber's Scales for Advanced Violinists. For solo pieces I sometimes use the later Suzuki books, Barber's solo book, or I search for individual pieces myself that I feel would be a good fit for the student.
My teaching style is centered on good posture for a solid physical foundation. There is so much to learn and explore physically when learning to play the violin and viola. With younger students, I like to have them repeat after me when playing scales. I will teach them different rhythms that I play and they can repeat on their own at home. I will sometimes record my own playing so that the student can hear and see how to play correctly. I also believe that the performer should be informed on the music theory and music history behind the piece. With more advanced students, I go in depth on the specific composer or piece of music and I encourage them to do their own research.
MT
Since the spring of 2023, Ms. Hannah was my violin teacher. Her kind manner and constructive teaching methods helped me to become a better player. She introduced me to some new practicing techniques which I still use and are very effective. Overall, I enjoyed having her as my teacher.
Aahana
Ms. Hannah is an amazing viola teacher. She helped me make a lot of progress and I improved so much as a musician with her teaching. She taught me everything from posture, bow hold, and shifting, to articulation and musicality. Without her, I wouldn't have been able to make it into All State Orchestra. Not only that, but Ms. Hannah is also a very kind and caring person. She always has a smile on her face. She helped me a lot even outside the classroom, such as suggesting which books to buy. Even after she moved away and my classes with her ended, she kept in touch and recommended new teachers to continue my journey.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.