Violin Lessons in Casanova, VA

Instruments: Violin

I think the violin is very special. It’s such a difficult instrument that requires lots of commitment and dedication. I would have never reached my level now if it weren’t for the teachers who were firm and persistent with me. I translate this back to my own teaching methods so I am a firm teacher but at the same time I do my best to make lessons engaging and that my students take pride in their improvements. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I began teaching when I was 3rd grade. My first student was kindergartner who was eager to learn piano but she could not afford to take lessons. She only paid me about 10cents per lesson but I found out teaching was enjoyable and rewarding. My next student was adult. I started having students with all ages. Although I am classically trained musician, I add modern music to help my students enjoy music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Fiddle

When teaching fiddle I teach students starting on simple tunes that we learn by ear and memorize. With a few standard well known tunes down I use those to demonstrate more of the nuances of fiddle performance. The process of learning fiddle is a simultaneous process of learning how to pick up tunes quickly by ear and play them idiomatically so there is not much in the way of text that I use in the actual lessons however I will recommend readings depending on how much the student is interested in that, otherwise we mostly have a fun time playing fiddle Music Theory I teach using the standard AP music theory text and the Kostka Tonal harmony book or other textbooks that the student is using from their classes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

At a first lesson I try to find out what these needs snd wants are snd discuss the various ways of obtaining these goals. If their goals are not reasonable I will discuss this but I will never destroy their hopes. I once had a six year old student who after one lesson wanted her daughter to compete in this world competition. I thought to myself she couldnt never as l after one lesson and the deadline for the competition was in three months, but I did let her know with time and practice such a goal could be possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I attained my M. Ed. in leadership and supervision at Antioch University. There I learned how better apply my teaching methods for more beneficial outcomes.  My most recent employment, with Nashville Public Schools (Music City!!!), afforded me the opportunity to teach modern band. Modern band philosophy combines instruments from various ensembles and allows the students the opportunity to explore and integrate the instrument of their interest into that band.  Modern Band is basically a rock band that is opened to other instruments and ideas that are most times contradictory to a typical rock band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

If a student knows the basic setup of the violin/piano and knows how to read music then I would start them on repertoire fitted to their level. I learned the violin and piano through the Suzuki method and once finished, my teachers gave me repertoire outside of the Suzuki books. Scales and etudes are fundamental to develop the necessary technical skills of the violin and are usually started after learning the basics. Read More