Viola Lessons in Driftwood, TX

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have various methods. Really it depends on age when it comes to piano. 4-5 year olds I use Music For Little Mozarts or the Alfred Series. When teaching violin, viola, and cello I use Essential Elements for Strings and also the Suzuki books Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

I like to pull ideas from different schools of thought. I would much rather paint a canvas with many colors than just a few. Some schools you may be familiar with are Suzuki, Czerny, Galamian, Flesch, Hanon, Mayron Cole, and many others. I tailor my lessons to fit the current needs of every student. This may be the use of one main school or a mixture of all depending on the technical and artistic needs of the student. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Recorder Fiddle

My goal is for students to love playing their instrument so much after every lesson that they are motivated to keep working on concepts outside of their lesson time. Thus far, all of my private lesson students practice outside of their lessons, and I hope to keep it that way! I believe that all students are capable of learning music regardless of preconceived notions about talent level. I understand that people have busy schedules, but I expect them to make some time to practice outside of lessons even if it is only for 10 or 20 minutes per day. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I began teaching students while still in high school. I continued teaching students in college with the University of Texas String Project. Upon graduation, I taught programs in both public and private schools, while developing a studio of private students at our home. I have taught private students for most of the past 35 years, teaching all ages from 6 yrs. and up, beginning to advanced. I encourage regular practice for steady improvement and also instruct my students in how to practice in order to make the best progress. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

There are usually two reasons for taking private lessons. Either an individual has expressed an interest for the instrument or a parent wishes for their child to have a musical experience. Whichever the case may be, I see lessons as an opportunity to open a window into creativity and expression. Depending upon the age of the student, my approach is very different. For students of ages 5-12, I evaluate their learning processes and their comfort in analyzing patterns and symbols. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Fiddle Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student has a different learning style and learns at their own pace. I myself am a tactile kinesthetic learner and tend to teach this way. For example, I enjoy using colored pencils to highlight articulation and dynamics. If a student is younger, I use stickers to help students keep track of where they are in the piece. I tailor my instruction to what each of my students needs and want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I start the student first by using The Mastery book by William Dick and Laurie Scott to learn the basic technique of the instrument. As soon as I think the student is ready I start teaching simple songs by rote. Eventually I introduce to the student to String Explorer to teach music reading and emphasize the techniques already explored in the Mastery Book and learn by rote. Read More