Violin Lessons in Castaic, 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

I always make sure my students and their parents have realistic expectations when they start taking music lessons. For instance, violin is a difficult instrument to play and it can take months of practice to play a simple tune. However, it can be fun and enjoyable as long as it is understood that these simple accomplishments in playing the violin are in fact rather big ones. I request the parents of young (5-7 years old) students to be present during the lesson as often as possible. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My methods as a teacher begin primarily with emphasis on fundamentals, i.e Bow hand position, violin position. I emphasize the need to practice on a consistent basis. As in any walk of life, there will be little to no improvement unless you do so. I also believe in treating each student differently, however, as there are some who simply want to have fun and learn something new. I like to set goals and time markers so as to make sure students are progressing in a healthy manner. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I love introducing children to new musical concepts and coming alongside them on this often life-long musical journey. There is unique relationship that forms during private music lessons, one that can have a large impact on the student, and I take that responsibility very seriously. That said, I like to make learning to play the violin as fun and easy as possible without sacrificing fundamental technique. I have had great sucess with various practice stragegies and find my students are highly motivated by these. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students that have already been studying through a school program or are already working with instructional material, I am more than happy to jump in and tailor my instruction accordingly. For students that have no musical background whatsoever, I can supply materials as I see fit, given the disposition of the student. Also, I am happy to create custom lesson plans (etudes and short studies) to meet the specific needs of novice students in an effort to increase the enjoyment and efficiency of the learning process. 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: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

I earned a BM degree in Music Therapy with specialized studies in Oboe Performance at Florida State University in 2014 and an MFA in Instrumental Arts from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 2017. My principal teachers have included Dr. Eric Ohlsson and Dr. Allan Vogel. In addition, I've studied English horn with Carolyn Hove, baroque oboe with Gonzalo Ruiz, jazz improvisation with Paul Novros, free improvisation with Vinny Golia, and North Indian music/improvisation with Ashish Khan. Read More