Viola Lessons Tennessee

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Cello, Viola

I like to begin each lesson with a warm up to get the mind and fingers working together. From there we will focus on building technique, musicality, and theory knowledge while focusing on cello repertoire. To end each lesson, we'll break out something fun whether that means learning a new pop song, jazz piece, or playing a cello duet. My lessons can be structured based on the students needs and meeting their long term or short term goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Cello, Viola, Electric Violin

For my beginning students, I typically start with either Essential Elements 2000 for strings or Sound Innovations. Both books give younger students a grasp on the fundamentals of technique. As they grow I then introduce solo repertoire by using the Suzuki Books but also like to add a fiddle book. Sometimes students gradually go either to fiddle or to classical. I try and encourage what they are more comfortable with. For adults, I try to find out what genre of music they enjoy and try to gauge their ability level with a couple playing evaluations. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Viola, Drums, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I first began teachng bass guitar in my early twenties.  Later in life I worked in both Japan and Thailand, where I studied with master drum teachers and also top piano and violin instructors.  After returning to the United States, I entered a program to become a certified guitar instructor, and am the ONLY instructor in my area which has earned these certifications which are specific to several different points of teaching guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Viola, Fiddle

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Essential Element's for Strings or Beth Lavender's A Better Beginning. These books introduce the fundamental position and note reading techniques in a logical progression. After the student has grasped the fundamentals, they are welcome to bring in contemporary songs. I find that a mixture of fundamentals and fun recognizable songs keeps students both progressing technically and connected to the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Trumpet

For students who are serious about learning I believe a goal-oriented approach is the best, having a certain level or certain piece to try to reach by a specific time. Accomplishing this goal and seeing the results from working through the steps needed to learn a piece is very rewarding. This leads to new goals and the motivation to learn and accomplish even more. Once the basic foundation is in place the learning will become easier and the students' enjoyment will increase. Read More