Viola Lessons in Albany, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I began teaching private violin and viola lessons in 2012, and I greatly enjoy working with my students. They range in age from 3 1/2 to adult, and each one has been unique. After beginning lessons with my first student, teaching a semester of music theory, and teaching a summer camp, I became interested in Suzuki methodology and pedagogy. I find that for younger students especially, this method allows for more parent involvement at an age when many parents want to be more involved, and many children equally appreciate this involvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style may be very detailed, but I believe that a certain level of firmness, honesty, as well as kindness is needed to provide a successful violin learning experience. I want each student to be able to have fun while also feeling that they are improving as well. Each student progresses at their own pace and I will tailor my teaching according to each students unique learning abilities. I believe that what is most important for a student isn't winning competitions but is finding their own love and inspiration for the music they are creating. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Music

Paper presentation: "Teaching and learning" Workshop and coaching "Technique and interpretation in Tango music" Aug 2016 - Sep 2016 San Francisco Community Center for Music Workshop and coaching "Technique and interpretation in Tango music" Coach: TangoOz-Sydney Youth Orchestras May 2016 - Jun 2016 Sydney Conservatory of Music Workshop and coaching "Technique and interpretation in Tango music" Violin Instructor Sep 2010 - Dec 2013 Private Violin Studio Chicago, IL Violin Instructor Sep 2011 - Dec 2012 Ortegon School of Music, Chicago Il Violin Instructor Sep 2011 - Jun 2012 Community Music Division (CMD) of DePaul University’s School of Music. Read More

Instruments: Viola

Music has been an integral part of my life from a young age. Although I have been studying the viola seriously for some years, I am now picking up college credits in order to get a music degree. Memorably, I just completed a semester at San Francisco State University, working with a coach from the Alexander Quartet alongside music majors at the school. I feel lucky to have excellent teachers, and want to share that knowledge with people who are learning viola for the first time, or at the intermediate level. Read More