Viola Lessons in Kent, WA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching violin for 30 years, starting as a bluegrass and Irish fiddle teacher in a folk music store run by a family of performers who were related to the von Trapps of The Sound of Musicfame. Since then, I have tried to continually grow as a performer, musician, and teacher. I have collected a vast amount of muic and resource materials along the way, so I am able to meet each student's needs--from child-friendly beginning repertoire, holiday music, fiddle tunes and jazz standards, to concertos and orchestral excerpts for youth and college orchestra auditions and beyond! 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 have been teaching privately part time for the past 4 years working with students in grades K-12. My main goal in lessons is for my students to not only succeed at a new skill once, but to be confident in their ability to repeat their success in practice at home and at our next lessons. I encourage positive feedback and positive "self-talk" as a means of boosting self-efficacy. I think an important part of learning is goal setting and outlining specific, achievable steps to reach that goal so that progress can be tracked and the process of learning can become less ambiguous. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started driving to my students' homes, and that was when I finally fell in love with teaching! That was in 2008, and since then, my teaching has grown and changed so very much, using different method books, teaching at 2 different studio locations, until finally settling in to teach out of my home and with my current method. I especially love teaching the brand new beginner, but I have also had students go on to win college scholarships, and even play beside me in the symphony orchestra! Read More

Instruments: Viola

By understanding their motivations, I can create personalized lesson plans that foster their growth and cultivate their musical identity. Beyond the technical and artistic aspects of teaching the viola, I see myself as a mentor and guide. I strive to instill discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic in my students, values that extend far beyond their musical journey. I aim to foster a lifelong appreciation for music, ensuring that they develop a deep connection with their instrument and continue to pursue their passion in the years to come. Read More

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

I feel each of my students are unique. I love watching my students' level of musical understanding progress. I love seeing the dedication and determination begin to heighten as the lessons progress. Within each lesson I point out areas that need to be worked on as well as areas of improvement. Seeing one's progress is the most important element to me for my students. Therefore, I like to record my students quarterly for a few minutes within a lesson to show the mass amounts of improvement they will accomplish. Read More