Viola Lessons in North Hollywood, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

Hi there! My name is Brandon Encinas, violinist and violist living in the Los Angeles area! I’ve been playing violin for 23 years and work as a performing and recording artist. I’ve had the joy of sending some of my students to top university’s and music schools across the country over the last decade. I also record with studios across Los Angeles, and some of my favorite projects are done at home from my home recording set up, where I can work with composers and artists from all over the world. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am a professional violinist and instructor with experience teaching students of all ages. I graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit in 2014 completing my Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Violin Performance. During my education, I was selected to be a String Project Instructor, a 4 year teaching internship for violin and orchestra classes. I have performed at numerous orchestral and chamber music festivals around the world including Bowdoin International Music Festival in Maine, Zephyr International Chamber Music Festival in Italy, and National Music Festival in Virginia and Maryland. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For young students, I use a Suzuki Method hybrid, meaning I incorporate additional note-reading and music theory elements while using the Suzuki Violin books and Suzuki's core values of imitation and ear training. I also supplement with many pieces outside of the Suzuki Method, including folk, blues, fiddle, and other styles. As students progress I include traditional etudes, technique studies and scales. My ultimate goal is to give my students all the tools they need to play and learn pieces on their own, and to that end I ensure they fully comprehend and master each step of learning before introducing new concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

Teaching is my passion. I started playing the violin at the age of 6 years old. Music gave me confidence in school and in my life. When I was in elementary school I found out that reading comprehension was difficult for me and so I had to get tutoring. I was very strong in music and that boosted my confidence in school. I have a lot of patience because of this but I also have high standards because I know what my students are capable of doing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I start with Gerald E. Anderson and Robert S. Frost's All for Strings. Once the students made progression in basic fundamentals, I use the Suzuki Methods Books and Solo for Young Violinists by Barbara Barber. Along with that, I introduce the students to the chamber music so that the students learn to play with others. For adults, I try to provide the students in their interested music so that, playing music is fun and entertaining to them. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I am extremely passionate about music and playing my instrument. I received my BA in Viola Performance in 2018 and have been an incredibly active performer and teacher since then. In 2019 I had the pleasure of playing in three different orchestras in Europe and also performed in an intensive summer music festival in Prague, playing in such venues as the Estates Theater and the Rudolfinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic. I currently teach viola/violin at my old high school every week and I absolutely love doing it. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

As a student I had many teachers who made me achieve at their pace and with their understanding of what the violin required. Ultimately the classical route did not give me enough freedom to play the way I wanted to. In my work as a teacher I have found that the pursuit of an instrument, though hard work, should fundamentally be enjoyable for the student. Whether it is finding the music that resonates deeply with you, or constructing practice assignments that are clear and achievable within a week, I want to connect with each student I teach and help them to find a regular rhythm in their lessons that keeps them feeling productive. Read More