Viola Lessons in Riverside, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

My main goal is to give each student the tools to be successful on their own. This is important because most progress is made outside of the lesson. This includes music reading and general knowledge of the music. I feel that success comes from the student feeling that THEY have accomplished something. Read More

Instruments: Viola

“Talent” is a widely misunderstood concept. As a teacher, I don't believe talent is born. Talent is developed as an artful skill. This skill is made through practice: concentrated sessions of self awareness, mindful repetition, and craft. Anyone can learn how to play an instrument with the right mindset and the right instruction. My lesson plans are based on what goals and interests the student has, while also keeping in mind long term progress in technique for bodily ease. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I am a professional musician and violin, cello, and viola teacher with over 25 years of experience in Europe and the United States. I am including some background information about my training and professional experiences: I graduated from the University of Tirana in 1992 with a Bachelor Degree in Music, where I majored in Violin, Viola Performance and Music Education. Shortly after completing my studies, I performed as a principal second and first violin section player in the University of Tirana Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

My methods depend on my students' ages, experience, and instruments. I incorporate books from Full Voice, Suzuki, Schradiek, Piano Pronto, Bastien, and more! I ensure that my students are getting the essential education that will help them grow and succeed as a musician. In addition to teaching exercises, technic, warmups, scales, chords, arpeggios (and more), I also ensure that students are applying these things to pieces that are important to learn through lesson books and with songs that my students want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

I always knew I wanted to study music, and chose Illinois State to do so. While there, I participated in musicals, as well as concert choir and the women's elite chorus "Belle Voix." Since college, I have been writing original cabarets and performing live around the city of Chicago. It's my philosophy that one should never stop learning, so I study regularly with my voice teacher of eight years, Sandra DeAthos, take class at the Bloom School of Jazz (vocal performance and jazz piano), and with the Second City Music Conservatory. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have 17 years of teaching experience starting while I was still in graduate school. My main focus is having students practice regularly, like the piece they are playing, and gain a passion for their instrument. I always play with my students in order for them to gain experience in chamber music as well as to make sure they know their parts well. My students are always encouraged to audition for local youth orchestras, join chamber music groups, and are given opportunities to give recitals. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I prefer to start young beginners with the Suzuki method. I feel it's the best method for not only instilling the correct posture and tone production, but also a great method for instilling a passion for the instrument. Students learn songs by rote in a lesson, and then practice at home along with a recording in order to train the ear. Once students have a good foundation, I add in I Can Read Music and use it as a supplement to continued Suzuki practice to begin developing music reading skills. Read More