Viola Lessons in Sanford, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

My method varies from student to student - It really depends on the students level. For a beginner student, I would focus giving the basic music foundation for violin: posture and bow hold, solid intonation and tone, and good sense of rhythm. More importantly, I teach the student to be aware of how to create a beautiful sound versus a bad sound. Furthermore, I use Hirmaly Violin Scale book for technique and Suzuki Book for the music pieces for beginner students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

At Richland, I was the lead instructor in the areas of string performance and music theory, as well as director of the Richland String Orchestra and the Richland Chamber Strings. Highlights of my performing career have included performances of the Kabalevsky and Shostakovich concertos with the Clear Lake Symphony, the Fort Bend Symphony, and the Houston Youth Symphony. I served as principal cellist of the Henry Mancini Festival Orchestra, performed live with the Danielle Georgiou Dance Group, recorded with the hard rock band Our Last Night (check out the music video below!), and played for several years as part of a Persian-Flamenco fusion band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, its 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 this makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the students, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. 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

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 Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I have been featured during that time as an on stage soloist and leader of backstage banda groups. I am also associate concertmaster of the California Philharmonic. Now that I am retired from the public schools and soon from the opera orchestra I have more time to teach privately and am looking forward to using my expertise and a performer and teacher to take students to any level they would like to go. Read More

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