Violin Lessons in Downey, 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: Violin Viola Music

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I maintain an active career as an orchestral, chamber, and freelance musician. In addition to performing regularly as a guest violist at the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and Pacific Symphony, I held a section position in the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and served as principal of the Verbier (Switzerland) and Lake George (New York) Music Festival Orchestras and PRISMA Academy Orchestra (Canada.) As a soloist and an active chamber music artist, I gave a solo viola premier at National Sawdust (Brooklyn, NY), and viola recitals in Manchester Music Festival Winter House Series (Stratton Mountain, VT) Piano on Park (New York), Fordham University Church (Bronx, NY) and Percy Grainger Society (White Plains, NY). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am very flexible with the students I work with. Depending on how you learn best, I will adapt to your needs. I can teach through the use of books (such as the Suzuki Method, John Thompson, etc) but I am also an advocate for learning by ear, transcribing and chord charts. I am also a great transcriber and arranger. With that, I am able to adjust any song to any difficulty for the students I work with. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Im a working composer, hailing from the Pacific Northwest, who is familiar with both the rigors of musicianship and the exploratory nature of creative work. I was awarded a masters degree in 2012 from Western Washington University where I also began a lengthy creative partnership with a non-profit dance company. Additionally, I lent my talents to some of the finest animators in the Seattle area, scoring works appearing at the Sundance Film Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival, nytimes.com, vanityfair.com, and numerous other venues. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For 3-5 year olds on piano I use Wunderkeys and supplement with Bastien Music Tree and music I have written when note reading is introduced. Usually I continue into Faber and Faber but Wunderkeys is adding more method books for beginners 5+ and I may start using that once it is available for purchase. I highly encourage theory and incorporate it into lessons when time. I have use Three Cranky Women theory books and Julie McIntosh Johnson Theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Accordion

I want to figure out what inspires a student. We will hone in on personal goals and use that as a basis for instruction. Motivation is key! I typically use a style of traditional classical instruction. Including scales, studies, and repertoire. I teach sight reading and ear training. I use memorization, and critical listening skills. I can teach from the beginning levels all the way up to concert playing. I can also teach other genres of music if the student desires. 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