Viola Lessons in Sleepy Valley, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

As a teacher, my main task is to instill a love for music while a student progresses on their musical journey. I am a firm believer on you get what you give in this process. I believe its essential in establishing a daily routine of practicing slowly and efficiently. I will give my students the tools to be successful and thrive. That being said, as a teacher I am energic and direct; Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Violin Method (Viola version available) with occasional ear training with the piano with the Kodaly method. For intermediate and advanced students, I introduce a variety of etudes, scale books, and solo repertoire, e.g. Carl Flesch, Kreutzer, Mazas, Dont, Dounis, and Unaccompanied Bach, etc. For viola students or violinists who are looking into doubling the viola, I introduce many techniques including Karen Tuttle and Primrose Scales to help along with the transition. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My approach to violin pedagogy is to learn through creating an environment of joy. I find that students become inspired and motivated when they find out that music is not only fun, but that they have the tools within themselves to be their own artists and to accomplish short and long term goals. As your teacher my hope is to be your guide to help unlock you or your child’s full and undeniable potential with their instrument and musical voice. 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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonards Essential Elements book, as well a basic understanding of music. Once the student has progressed to have a nice grasp of the fundamentals of music, I usually begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I also believe in the importance of listening to as many professional recordings as possible of the instrument the student is taking lessons on. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

I have taught beginning violin using many different methods and books, including but not limited to the Suzuki Method, Essential Elements for Strings, and All For Strings books. However, I have found that the best way to engage students and maintain progress is not to keep too strictly to any one method, but to find what best suits each individual. I also incorporate a mix of transcribed fiddle tunes and/or popular music pieces to provide variety and keep the material fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I know everyone learns  at different speeds so making sure they are comfortable yet challenging is important to me.Being able to know when the student is enjoying and not making it a chore is a key to helping and encouraging a student learn. Watching them progress in their insturment is rewarding in of itself and nothing is more satisfying. As the student starts to see him or herself accomplish each lesson I like to praise, push and encourage to keep on. Read More