Viola Lessons in Shawnee Mission, KS

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners I use a method book for learning how to read music and learn music theory.  Once the basics are attained I introduce scales and etudes to build on the technical aspects of playing the instrument.  Solo books are also added to the repertoire for the student so that they can use everything they have learned thus far and express that in a piece of music. Younger children will not do as much music reading in the beginning of lessons. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I start with the "I Can Read Music" and Suzuki Book 1. I am not a certified Suzuki teacher, nor do I teach in sync with the Suzuki style, but I do use the Suzuki book repertoire as I like the progression of ideas presented in the series. For middle school and high school students, I often work on all-district and all-state audition repertoire, prepare the students for school orchestra playing exams, or help them with tricky spots in their school orchestra pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

For beginning students on Piano, I like to start with Alfred's Basic Piano Books. For clarinet: H. Klose. For Viola and Violin:Suzuki.There is a small amount of leewayI allot for those students who are exemptional.These booksoffer easy ways for begining students to learn the rudiments and mechanics of their particular instrument.Once progression is being made in the development of rudiments and mechanics, I start to incorporate solo works to spice up the learning experience. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

When I am working with students with no experience or beginners I like to focus on the enjoyment and less explanation of technical matters. I like to work with students on learning to play a tune first so they feel more accomplished and dont lose the excitement due to the repetitive nature of learning a new skill. When I am working with students that are more advanced, I would do more listening and focus on technical skills. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I will give my student a scale, and Etude and a piece from violin repertoire. My essential teaching style is based on the Galamians Principles of Violin Playing Teaching. I believe that starting with fundamentals of violin techniques, left hand and right hand techniques is essential. After mastering the fundamentals, students are able to grow into their own musicalityand find a connection between the techniques and interpretation, where I would teach the importance of musical phrasing and understanding the structure of a piece of music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

Televised broadcasts of my performances include the Fox4 Morning Show, GEB America, and KCPT'S Arts Upload. Radio broadcasts include Ozark Public Radio KSMU, Kansas Public Radio KANU, and Tulsa Public Radio KWTU. In 2008, I won the Oral Roberts University 20th Century Music Competition with Joan Tower's Platinum Spirals. Winning that competition sparked my interest in discovering and performing New Music. Soon after, I premiered works for violin and piano by the Las Angeles based composer Joshua Peterson. Read More