Viola Lessons in Denny Blaine, WA

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

My teaching experience varies for each of the instruments I instruct. I began teaching private lessons for guitar in 2004. My voice instruction began in 2009, and the rest of the listed instruments I began to teach in 2012. I believe consistent daily practice is essential for improvement in my students, and encourage my students to log their practice time. In the words of my professor Todd Woodbury, "You do not become a master from what you do within these lessons. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I have taught for four years primarily using the Tuttle System and the Suzuki method. I am patient with my students and believe that anyone can become a great violist. I understand that it is difficult in the beginning and progress can be slow, but I encourage my students to keep chugging along. There is nothing more rewarding than accomplishing something as difficult as playing the viola. First and foremost, I prioritize establishing a strong foundation of technical skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I have other very child-friendly books for young beginners and use Fiddle Magic and String Rhythms bySally O'Reilly as fun ways to reinforce rhythm and technique. I introduce solos from a variety of sources progressively that complement what is being learned. I try to integrate scales, etudes, and solos for maximum understanding and match the assignments to specific interests and technical needs. I foster and encourage participation in chamber music, group recitals, and school and youth orchestras. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am not Suzuki certified but I utilize the early Suzuki violin books for repertoire; that being said, I always take the requests of students into account meaning it is important to me that students are learning music they are excited about learning. For beginners who are new to music as a whole, I employ volumes 1 and 2 of "I Can Read Music" to get students learning both pitch and rhythm in easy, digestible, sections. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach using a combination of the Pascale Method (a very good set of pre-written lessons for the very young student), I Can Read Music's rhythm exercises (goes along with the Suzuki books), Strings Fun and Easy, and Suzuki. In addition, I now start students in third position, which has proven to be so very beneficial to my students. During lessons, students should expect to receive a very firm foundation on which to lay their more advanced skills. Read More