Viola Lessons in Castro Valley, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

I am an Italian violinist with more than twenty years of concert music experience in Europe, the United States and Latin America. I trained from classical music, but soon I started my journey through folk and etnic music, starting from the music of the mountains of my region to get to Balkan and gypsy music. I have recorded 4 albums and countless tours with Italian French and Mexican international bands (Taluna, Guajiro Calentano, Circo Zoé .. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, we always start with how to hold the instrument, parts of the instrument and string names, and then begin playing open strings. This may take a few lessons. Placing the left hand fingers is usually the last step before playing an A scale and then Twinkle. Setting a foundation is more important than going quickly, so many of my students spend a number of months on Twinkle before starting to move more quickly with Lightly Row. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For my beginning students, I start out with a mixture of my own exercises, as well as basic songs using open strings, string crossings and rhythms, before moving to songs with basic fingerwork on one string (scale plus rhythm based). I usually supplement this beginning process with Essential Elements, before intruducing the Suzuki Method Book 1, Doflein Method Book 1, and rhythmic exercises from the Kodaly method. For my intermediate students, I use a mixture of Galamian bowing technique, emphasis on etudes and position work, Suzuki method, Barbara Barber scales and rep. books, and level-appropriate classical literature, combined with solo repetoire of the student's interest/choosing. Read More

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

My name is Jorge S. I am a 24 year old artist/composer that recently moved to the Bay Area to nurture my passions in painting and making music. I grew up in Texas where I began my classical music education in the 4th grade. I began taking the violin more seriously as I grew older and eventually studied with two particular members of the San Antonio Symphony, Andrew Small and Emily Freudigman, the former of which was Itzhak Perlman's student for many years. 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 Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

Teaching is a passion of mine that I hope to further expand upon in my post-graduate educational studies. I do my best to provide a personalized lesson that is designed to suit a students playing style.I like to acknowledge a students accomplishments to help encourage their accomplishments. By acknowledging a students accomplishments it helps them thrive and eager to tackle further challenges both in music and their lives. I want my students to enjoy practicing and grow their love for their respective instruments. Read More