Viola Lessons in Claremont, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, i like to start with the Essential Elements method book. The pieces in this method book are good for beginners because they are short and simple. For more advanced students, I like to delve into the Suzuki method books and then into more advanced solo repertoire from there. However, each student is different, so each student's lesson may look different. I also like to see what pieces or scales the student is interested in learning and incorporate that into the lesson plan. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginning students I like to begin with learning scales, becoming aware of the circle of fifths, introducing different types of bow strokes, bow control, and other essentials along with simple Suzuki book solo pieces. Once the student has progressed a little further, I will introduce more difficult solo repertoire that I feel will help the students techniques while also showcasing their abilities. For adults, I will try to find out what music the student is interested in and work with them in that way, in order to keep them engaged and enjoy playing music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Flute Drums Bass Guitar Organ Electric Violin Double Bass

I have been insfluenced and surrounded with music since childhood. I have experience in multiple aspects of music from performance to teaching and just about everything in between. I love working with students to achieve their goals. The most rewarding feeling for me is when my student feels they've accomplished a technique or method on their respective instrument. I strive to keep lessons joyous yet keep the student motivated to practice at home. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Hi there! My name is Brandon Encinas, violinist and violist living in the Los Angeles area! I’ve been playing violin for 23 years and work as a performing and recording artist. I’ve had the joy of sending some of my students to top university’s and music schools across the country over the last decade. I also record with studios across Los Angeles, and some of my favorite projects are done at home from my home recording set up, where I can work with composers and artists from all over the world. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I teach a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods. I grew up as a Suzuki student, but in my professional teaching life have learned to add additional methods into lessons to supplement training. For young, beginner students, I start them off with a method book like "All for Strings," which teaches first by rote. Not long after the students achieve the basic skills of the violin, we incorporate the Suzuki method and note reading. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Fiddle French Horn Piccolo Oboe

My approach to learning an instruments is to have the students learn to play by ear first before they can start learning to read music. I find that most students are able to progress quickly because it frees them to focus on the playing the instruments rather than reading notes. I consider reading music like different subject that they learn later. Learning music is like learning to speak. First we learn to talk and then we learn to read and write. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

 I've been actively teaching for nearly 35 years. Teaching children as well as adults. I graduated from Drake University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education. While in college I played professionally in the Des Moines Symphony and was the winner of the Young Artist Contest which afforded me the privilege of featured soloist with the Drake Symphony Orchestra. I've travelled Europe performing in America's Youth in Concert and have played at Carnegie Hall, Notre Dame. Read More