Viola Lessons in Toluca Lake, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I think it is important to have a strong foundation when you're learning to play an instrument. And what is absolutely essential is scales. If you can play scales well, then you're off to a good start! You may very well be able to learn new music faster and play the pieces better! However, I do not believe that scales should dominate the lesson because that is not fun for the student or the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have extensive experience as a teacher as well as a performer. I bring these two accomplishments together to provide a well rounded experience for my students.  In High School, I performed with the Kansas City Youth Symphony for 8 years, the Kansas City Cello Choir for eight years, the Missouri All-State for three years, and various other honor orchestras throughout her career. While still attending Drake University, I played in the Drake Symphony Orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony and the Encore String Trio. Read More

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

Traditional. Classical: Suzuki Jazz: Mel Bay Modern Guitar and Mickey Baker. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I like to involve the student in any way I can and make sure they have an interest in the subject matter. I stress the importance of practicing and enjoyment of music. I believe music is a universal language and I approach lessons with an intuitive understanding of musical elements as well as traditional study of theory and craft. 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: Violin Viola

For young students, I use a Suzuki Method hybrid, meaning I incorporate additional note-reading and music theory elements while using the Suzuki Violin books and Suzuki's core values of imitation and ear training. I also supplement with many pieces outside of the Suzuki Method, including folk, blues, fiddle, and other styles. As students progress I include traditional etudes, technique studies and scales. My ultimate goal is to give my students all the tools they need to play and learn pieces on their own, and to that end I ensure they fully comprehend and master each step of learning before introducing new concepts. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I became the musician I am today because I was privileged to have many mentors who not only provided me with excellent technical training and numerous rare opportunities, but also with strong motivation and clear emotional guidance. Now I strive to be that kind of mentor and teacher for my students, engaging each one on a personal level, and providing the kind of opportunities for growth that my teachers provided for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

I received my Bachelors of Music in violin performance from the University of Redlands. I will be starting school in July to receive my Masters in music education from Longy School of music. I have always wanted to teach and it is important for my students to enjoy the love of music. I feel it is important to perform as well so they understand that I still need to work hard to stay a strong musician. Read More