Viola Lessons in Yountville, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching methods are based off of the Franco-Belgian school founded by Vieutemps, Beriot, and Ysaye to name a few. i am also inspired by the methods of Ivan Galamian and his teaching style. For beginners, I will start with basic elements such as the proper way of holding the instrument; this is crucial for later violin development so it must be mastered first. I will also provide lessons on basic Music Theory essential to understanding rhythm, pitch, and reading music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

The approach to the violin with the orthodox method can be particularly frustrating. The technique is important but equally important is to develop the ability and taste of playing together right away. For this reason, regardless of the styles you want to deepen, I play as much as possible together with the student whether it is classical duets, folk songs or jazz. For the more advanced students a part of the study of the accompaniment is reserved as well as for soloists Calibrating the objectives based on the abilities of the age and the talent of the students is an attention that can avoid frustrations and lead everyone to the common goal of the musicians: to express and continuously improve. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Music

Despite being familiar with so many fruitful and different methodologies, my search for freedom of expression found its way just when my need of feeling completely comfortable with the violin was finally satisfied. Though, I've developed my own methodology, combining the means offered by the finest violin schools and all the alternative, related disciplines such as Alexander Technique, Yoga, and Meditation working all together towards the importance of knowledge of our body, awareness of the self, need for enjoyment and educational relationship centered on student needs. Read More

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

Each student learns at their own pace and it's important to understand that not everybody learns the same. Setting both short and long term goals with the student helps me understand what they want out of lessons. This makes it easier for me to engage with them and bring it back to something relevant to them at the end of the day. For example, no child understands advanced rhythm unless you disguise it in familiar terms e.g. using the phrase "run po-ny run" to describe two eighth notes sandwiched in between to quarter notes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My biggest hope for my students is that they come away from lessons with a love for music. Every student is a unique player with their own pace, set of hurdles, focus, and interests, and I am committed to tailoring my teaching approach to each individual student. It is important to me that each student progresses at a realistic pace for themselves, tries their best, and has fun with the music they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginners, we'll start with the ABCs of Viola, and Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings, along with Suzuki, Vol 1. We'll work on developing skills as a soloist, and simple duets that the student and I can play together. For intermediate students, we'll go further into the Hal Leonard books, and the Suzuki series, 2 octave scales, double stops, vibrato, musical phrasing. It's very important to enjoy the process of learning the viola, so I always want to make it fun! Read More