Violin Lessons in La Canada, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

Hi there! My name is Brandon Encinas, violinist and violist living in the Los Angeles area! I’ve been playing violin for 23 years and work as a performing and recording artist. I’ve had the joy of sending some of my students to top university’s and music schools across the country over the last decade. I also record with studios across Los Angeles, and some of my favorite projects are done at home from my home recording set up, where I can work with composers and artists from all over the world. Read More

Instruments: Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

If a student has never played violin before, I usually start out with a combination of the Suzuki method, the American Fiddle Method, and Jazz Fiddle Wizard to develop a holistic approach, comfortable with playing multiple styles, improvising, and playing both from sheet music and by ear from the very begginning.  After the fundamentals are grasped, I ask the student what he or she really wants to play, and we develop technique and theory based on his or her favorite songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I am an active member of Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). My students take the Certificate of Merit (CM) test annually in performance, theory, sight-reading and ear training. Taking the CM test is optional but highly recommended. I also make sure my students have plenty of chances at performing on stage at recitals by organizing my own recitals or joining forces with other MTAC teachers. Having a recital to practice for is a great motivation for students to practice daily and gives the parents the chance to see their children's accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Piccolo Oboe English Horn Keyboard

I teach combination of the Suzuki method and the Hungarian style (stressing the natural, comfortable, painless, tension free method). For young students, the Suzuki method is great, since the repertoire is all fun! Also the CD that comes with every level is vital! Children enjoy and benefit from that. I am an audiophile, so I can set up students with a quality hifi system on the cheap - this is so vital in Suzuki method, as he stated in his book, Nurtured With Love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I know everyone learns  at different speeds so making sure they are comfortable yet challenging is important to me.Being able to know when the student is enjoying and not making it a chore is a key to helping and encouraging a student learn. Watching them progress in their insturment is rewarding in of itself and nothing is more satisfying. As the student starts to see him or herself accomplish each lesson I like to praise, push and encourage to keep on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

I love helping my students develop their music talents and skills! At each weekly lesson, students learn new concepts, materials, and songs. Goals are set with the student at these lessons. I make sure each student is excited about and engaged by finding songs that they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Therefore, it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what truly inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and the needs. Read More