Viola Lessons in Riverdale, GA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I am a performer, & teacher. My goals are to give my students the education I received at the foot of my teachers. I see it as a mission to invite people of many backgrounds to learn and enjoy bowed stringed instruments. I attended Valdosta State University where i found myself to be the only bass student for 2 years. It was this that gave me the" grit" needed to survive in the constantly evolving music industry. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

While teaching I emphasize relaxation. Our goal is to achieve the best results with the least amount of effort. This emphasis also prevents injuries, and I've found it always improves the speed at which we learn. My teaching style is always relaxed. Gradually, as the student advances I learn how much I should expect from them and gently push them to expecting more from themselves over time. I am certainly more hard on students aiming to become professionals and play their instrument as a profession than I am on those seeking just to enjoy it as a hobby, but all of these students eventually can play the highest level of music, at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard

My lessons are tailored to every individual client, company, organization, mission statement, etc. I customize all methods and teaching styles based on clients needs. It is wonderful to be adaptive to the student due to the fact that it makes it more current with the needs at that present time and I can always teach the student on a case-by-case scenario as they need. Most students love the fact that I can teach them based on competition material, upcoming auditions, theatre production show material, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

I love seeing my students get excited when they play a song perfectly for a performance, and I understand that there is a long road to get them to that point. I am a firm believer in using encouraging words over disciplinary actions when a student does something incorrectly. I have first hand seen the difference between the two and I have a history of my students always being excited to continue learning when they are encouraged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Flute Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Music Keyboard

For beginner strings I use several method books (elementary and 6th students can come with prescribed method books from their public school teacher) such as Essential Elements, Orchestra Expressions, String Essentials. If parents would like to use solo books, I use Suzuki Method Books (not necessarily the method of only learning by ear) in conjunction with note reading workbooks. As they age I use other method books (violin, viola, cello. double bass) such as Wohlfahrt, Mazas, Kreutzer, Flesch, Schradieck, Dont, Bach Sonatas and Partitas, Rick Mooney's shifting and thump position book series, Klengel, Bach Cello Suites, Popper, PIatti, Smandl Method, Fischer, and of course as they advance any standard sonatas and concerti, such as Mozart 5 in AM, Mendelssohn in em, Hadyn Concerto in CM, anything from the Baroque, classical, and romantic era. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beguiner I like to start the with Essential Elements for Strings , a comprehensive string method by Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie Pamela Tellejohn , Afterthat book I combine Suzuki books 1, 2, 3 Studios Wolfarht,some Russian methods,(I have learned with most of them) Some scales books Grigorian, etc. for more advanced student i use to teache with Mazas, Kreutzer, Fiorillo, Rode, Dont, studios, and I combine the lessons focused in the princeipal golas for right or left hands.I like to start with left hands, focused in the fingrs positions and distances between each and other, entonation,at first in pizzicatto style, and then the bowl and the right hand. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

While I do like to use method books and curriculum such as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings and Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, I also recognize that every student is unique. That's why I work hard to get to know each of my students and figure out what their strengths and needs are. Then I can tailor a path that is personal to each student and keeps them excited and engaged while moving towards their individual goals. Read More