Viola Lessons in Mount Wilson, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

Creating a non-judgemental atmosphere, where students are free to experiment, make mistakes, and try again, is crucial for learning an instrument such as the violin. With this instrument, repeptition is key to learning. I also strive to set very clear, manageble goals, so students feel a sense of accomplishment at each stage. This sense of accomplishment is motivating to the student as well as the teacher! I often let students have a choice of which solo piece they get to play, as I have witnessed many past students rise to the ocassional to learn a piece they are passionate about! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

I have taught in the classroom and privately for over 10 years. When students start on their instrument I encourage the parents to be part of the lesson so they can help and encourage practicing at home. When the students are at a beginning stage I have them practice about 20-30 minutes a day. At the beginning the student is getting adjusted to the instrument and I don't want to push them too much. 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 Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When receiving a student I first like to get to know the student by friending them. Asking question as to what their likes are and just getting to know them. For the beginner we start of with a Method book that fits their age and personaity and go from there. For the student that already has had past music experience I like to hear them play at first and see at what level they are to be able to place them on the correct method. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Violin Method (Viola version available) with occasional ear training with the piano with the Kodaly method. For intermediate and advanced students, I introduce a variety of etudes, scale books, and solo repertoire, e.g. Carl Flesch, Kreutzer, Mazas, Dont, Dounis, and Unaccompanied Bach, etc. For viola students or violinists who are looking into doubling the viola, I introduce many techniques including Karen Tuttle and Primrose Scales to help along with the transition. Read More