Viola Lessons in San Mateo, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I graduated with honors from the Masters degree in Music Performance at San Francisco State University under the instruction of Paul Yarborough and the Alexander String Quartet. On my graduation, I was selected to receive the Distinguished Achievement Award for Academic Excellence at the Graduate Recognition Ceremony on May 22nd, 2018. I am currently working with Maestro Urs Steiner and Golden Gate Symphony as Principal Violist and musicians recruiter, substitute for Academy Orchestra, Santa Cruz Symphony, Merced Symphony, and Solano Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I'm very passionate about music, and I love teaching and sharing my love of music! I have been studying music since I was very young--piano, violin, F horn, trumpet, baritone, but my true love is the viola. My viola teacher attended New England Conservatory of Music, and I have learned a lot from her, and as an advanced player, I'm still learning! I play with the Kensington Symphony Orchestra, and actively participate in the CMNC and Crowden Adult Chamber Music programs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Music is something that takes time to understand. It clicks in some students, but most kids take a while to develop musically. Patience is the most pronounced characteristic in my teaching style. It's easy to tell the student what they're doing wrong and what to correct, but that doesn't mean it's the most effective practice. Some kids will get nervous and make the same mistake over and over again. This is where it's important to use positive reinforcement and give the student time and space to be able to understand their mistake and fix it. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Ukulele Recorder Music Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience comes from my experiences and lessons from my previous private teachers. During my 10 years of lessons I learned that importance of a regularly maintained practice schedule leads to the most effective practice sessions. I try to encourage students of all ages to seek out music that they find enjoyable and I do what i can to shape my lessons to make learning the music exciting. I try to anticipate a students need. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For my beginning students, I start out with a mixture of my own exercises, as well as basic songs using open strings, string crossings and rhythms, before moving to songs with basic fingerwork on one string (scale plus rhythm based). I usually supplement this beginning process with Essential Elements, before intruducing the Suzuki Method Book 1, Doflein Method Book 1, and rhythmic exercises from the Kodaly method. For my intermediate students, I use a mixture of Galamian bowing technique, emphasis on etudes and position work, Suzuki method, Barbara Barber scales and rep. books, and level-appropriate classical literature, combined with solo repetoire of the student's interest/choosing. Read More