Viola Lessons in Dripping Springs, TX

Instruments: Violin Viola

Its very important to me that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I want all of my students to be successful and develop a passion for music! I always want my students to feel comfortable so I play along with my students to help build confidence. I always acknowledge the hard work they are doing and set realistic expectations for practice and performance! The more motivated and inspired my students are the more they will want to practice! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I start beginning students who are children with instruction in the basics of playing the instrument, helping them to play their first couple of pieces before reading music. I follow this as quickly as possible with Samuel Applebaum's String Builder. I find this particular method the simplest and quickest way to learn reading music on the instrument. I then transfer into other method books (including the Suzuki materials) to guide the student through the levels of playing. 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

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

For violin I usually use Suzuki Method and will introduce etudes like Wohlfahrt or Kreutzer. I also have fun with Christmas music, pop and fiddle. If they are young children aged 4-6, I will use the "I Can Read Music" by Joanne Martin. For guitar I use a variety of different classical method and etude books. In addition, I will introduce different genres according to what each student wants to learn, for example, rock, pop, worship, etc. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I also ask students what goals they have in learning the instrument, what they would like to be able to do in 6 months to a year. Based on that information, I move forward with music notation and performance. For this age group, I believe acknowledging their progress and achievement is critical. Smaller acknowledgements could be presented during a semester. Larger acknowledgements, such as a recital and reception, certainly can encourage a student to move forward. Read More