Viola Lessons West

Instruments: Violin, Viola, Fiddle

I began my work as a teacher in college at UCLA and at Cazadero Music Camp in Northern California, both as a private instructor and group instructor in violin and viola. After 10 years of classical study and performance I decided to pursue a degree in Ethnomusicology, and direct my studies specifically toward American folk fiddling. While studying under fiddler Richard Greene, I discovered a love for playing and passing down folk music in the oral tradition, and saw the benefits of a multi-genre musical education first hand. Read More

Instruments: Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than to see a students passion and love for music grow as they see and hear their skills evolve. I encourage students to progress in their skills/techniques/musical knowledge at their own pace. I hope to pass on my passion and love for music onto my students by setting realistic goals catered to each student, starting with their very first lesson. I love to acknowledge their accomplishments along the way and push them to want to be the best musician they can be. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola, Electric Violin, Fiddle

I approach each student as an individual. Some students take things slow and steady, while others I can barely fit enough into their weekly lessons to keep them happy, and either way is just fine. My ultimate goal as a teacher is to make myself obsolete - I aim to teach my students how to learn, how to be critics of themselves for more effective practice time, and eventually, how to either need a teacher that can take them to more advanced levels, or to play without a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Ukulele, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

You become great by how much effort you put into the application of my guidance through your own practice." I cannot make you the performer you want to be. I can only guide you through the process. This is why I am always excited to bring on a new student. Each student I have worked with holds a special place with me. I strive for those key moments when my student comes to a new musical understanding. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola

My method varies from student to student - It really depends on the students level. For a beginner student, I would focus giving the basic music foundation for violin: posture and bow hold, solid intonation and tone, and good sense of rhythm. More importantly, I teach the student to be aware of how to create a beautiful sound versus a bad sound. Furthermore, I use Hirmaly Violin Scale book for technique and Suzuki Book for the music pieces for beginner students. Read More