Violin Lessons in Jefferson, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I find the learning process to be so fun as an educator, as I believe we learn life skills through challenge, goal setting, and accomplishments. What better way to learn how we are motivated and how we build work ethic than through a difficult instrument! To me, I understand every student is unique and so I don't just have 1 way of teaching. Each lesson is tailored to my individual student and I help them progress at his or her own pace. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. After graduating from NYU in 2004 with an MA in music performance, I became an active freelance musician where I played orchestral concerts in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Orchestras I've played include the orchestra of St Luke's, the American Composer's Orchestra, the Harribsurg Symphony, the York Symphony, the Elgin Symphony, and the Rockford Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Playing an instrument is almost like training for an athletic sport; it is important that the body is properly engaged safely in order to produce a beautiful sound and prevent injury. Injury has been a concern amongst string players, and tension tends to develop in the body in ways we don't even realize until something goes wrong. With this in mind as well as my teaching method, I encourage my students to develop an awareness of the body as well as good thinking processes to ensure that they have a healthy perspective on their own progress and relieve any tension that could possibly manifest in the body. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

During my undergrad, I have consistently taught private lessons as a part time violin instructor. After I moved to Madison, I had the chance to teach college students violin lessons and coach chamber groups in high schools through the outreach program at school. I strongly recommend students to practice every day even though it is only short amount of time. I have found if students get familiar with the instrument and learning materials, as a result, they would make good progress, feel motivate to continue to learn and enjoy playing the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

Because music is an integral part of the performance arts. I believe that to keep a student focused, they must be constantly motivated to have a desire to play and develop. Participation in events, concerts and competitions is a great motivation for the professional growth of students. I try to build a diverse program in order to develop the student both technically and artistically, so that the performed pieces are interesting and bring joy. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Piano students: For younger beginners, I like to use the Alfred series. These are the books that I grew up on and I have used them in my own teaching. I like their use of multiple companion books throughout each and every level. For adult beginners, I like to use Alfred's All-In-One adult books, as they feature all of the key elements of the series for younger beginners, simply geared to a more mature learner. Read More