Violin Lessons in Kansas City, MO

Instruments: Violin Viola

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
The most important practice advice is to practice consistently. I always send my students home with notes in their music on what to practice, and in some cases, I ask them to bring notebooks. Daily review of these notes prior to practice sessions will make the session largely effective.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child is interested in music, they are ready to start lessons. Any issues with concentration, coordination, or behavior can be addressed in a music lesson -- I believe that is a big part of the purpose of taking music lessons.

When will I start to see results?
I think results can be seen on a weekly basis. If you are ever feeling stuck, adjustments should be made in how you are being taught. Regular practice sessions are also crucial to improvement. This is the most important habit to build!

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
My students regularly compete successfully at all-district and all-state solo and ensemble competitions. I also have students that pass auditions at the all-district and all-state level.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I mainly teach using Suzuki books. I was taught using Suzuki books, but not with the Suzuki method. I've met many musicians and music students who learned from various styles, and I have developed a method using bits and pieces from various pre-existing methods.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
I begin my practice by running through a set of scales and etudes to work on various technical elements. Then, I work on whatever repertoire I might be currently learning.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My degree is in violin performance, because performing has always been one of my favorite parts about playing music. Performing is about sharing and communicating without words, and I think this is what makes music so special.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
This is a difficult question...! I think I would be some sort of grahic designer...definitely I would be doing something in the arts.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I grew up studying classical music, so this will always be my favorite. However, I also enjoy folk music and fiddle music!

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started playing piano when I was ten, because I thought it would be a useful skill to have as a musician. I started playing viola when I was 15, because their was always a shortage of violists at my music school.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I come from a very musical family -- we used to have a family string quartet that would travel around the state and perform. We even performed for the governor's inauguration once! My oldest brother has a degree in Organ performance, and he also studied piano and viola. My three other brothers played violin, cello, and viola. My mother played piano when she was young, and my grandpa is obsessed with opera.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I've wanted to be a violinist since I first picked up the violin! I've dreamt of being a professional violinist since I was a small child, and each step I've taken towards that goal has been incredibly exciting.

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