Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
Bachelor Degree: Guilford College, Graduate Degree: Berklee College of Music
I am passionate about teaching music, and believe any student can learn. I boarded and studied at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for high school and graduated from Guilford College with a Bachelor of Arts in Viola performance. I am currently obtaining my Masters from Berklee School of Music. I have played in dynamic bands of multiple genre and in symphonies as well. I am new to the Bay Area from Greensboro, NC, where I was born and raised. My main instrument is Viola, however I do teach violin and beginner-intermediate cello.
I have been teaching private lessons for 12 years or so! I encourage students to take weekly lessons, practice daily and participate in competitions and recitals within school and outside of school! I also teach students of all ages. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring on new students of all ages!
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Any learning repertoire can be incorporated into lessons depending on the students playing level.
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.. My teaching style is implicated theories I have learned in music school such as western theology, aural skills and music history.