Violin Lessons in Cascade, WA

Instruments: Voice Violin

I always make sure the student has a proper say in all of the proceedings. I want to make sure that the student enjoys the piece that they are working on, and that it challenges their skill levels while still being able to be performed by them. I also make sure that their personal tastes are reflected in the pieces selected, and make sure they listen to performances of the piece before it is selected. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My motto is my students create their own lesson. I formulate lesson plans off of the styles of music you are most interested in. If my student has a more "just for fun" attitude, the lesson will inevitably be a more light hearted feel. If the student would like to focus on more technicalities, that as well is a different approach. However, I do have a more structured plan for younger students. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Essential Elements method book, which introduces the fundamentals in a way that is friendly to all learners, easy to understand, and interesting. Once the students has an understanding of the fundamentals, we will typically move on to Suzuki Book One, supplemented with various other exercises. At this stage, the student is able to give their first recital performance. For intermediate or more experienced students, I will typically find out what the student is interested in and provide solo repertoire based on their interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started driving to my students' homes, and that was when I finally fell in love with teaching! That was in 2008, and since then, my teaching has grown and changed so very much, using different method books, teaching at 2 different studio locations, until finally settling in to teach out of my home and with my current method. I especially love teaching the brand new beginner, but I have also had students go on to win college scholarships, and even play beside me in the symphony orchestra! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I also place an emphasis on learning what I can about my students in non musical settings so I can best learn how to communicate with them so they feel comfortable and successful. Many students feel comfortable talking through concepts and techniques while others prefer detailed written instructions in a take home journal. I give all my students the opportunity to work on new and difficult things in the safe atmosphere of a lesson to ease potential frustration in their in home practicing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching violin for 30 years, starting as a bluegrass and Irish fiddle teacher in a folk music store run by a family of performers who were related to the von Trapps of The Sound of Musicfame. Since then, I have tried to continually grow as a performer, musician, and teacher. I have collected a vast amount of muic and resource materials along the way, so I am able to meet each student's needs--from child-friendly beginning repertoire, holiday music, fiddle tunes and jazz standards, to concertos and orchestral excerpts for youth and college orchestra auditions and beyond! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

And What are you doing really well or have accomplished in this past week? In my experience, people learn best when they enjoy the music they're learning and become aware of their progress and accomplishments. I encourage my students to be patient when learning a difficult piece or gaining new skills. Like anythings progress takes a little time and hard work, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun along the way! Read More