Violin Lessons in La Palma, CA

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For beginning piano students, I love using Alfred lesson books. I like focusing on scales and using proper technique. For violin, I like using Suzuki, but I dont use Suzuki method. Focus is on scales and simple solo rep. I encourage composition at all ages and love finding a system that works for the individual student. Regular practice is encouraged. I am big on positive reinforcement and will be my students biggest cheerleader, even when I need to get firm about techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I stress the basics: scales, arpeggios and chords for piano and scales and double stops for violin. In regard to the piano, I have students practice each hand alone before combining them. Generally two pieces are assigned for students to work on and that work is continued for several weeks. I emphasize sight reading and rhythm. These are two aspects of music that are difficult for many. In regard to reading, the names and purposes of the various signs and symbols must be learned. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Violin Method (Viola version available) with occasional ear training with the piano with the Kodaly method. For intermediate and advanced students, I introduce a variety of etudes, scale books, and solo repertoire, e.g. Carl Flesch, Kreutzer, Mazas, Dont, Dounis, and Unaccompanied Bach, etc. For viola students or violinists who are looking into doubling the viola, I introduce many techniques including Karen Tuttle and Primrose Scales to help along with the transition. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My approach to violin pedagogy is to learn through creating an environment of joy. I find that students become inspired and motivated when they find out that music is not only fun, but that they have the tools within themselves to be their own artists and to accomplish short and long term goals. As your teacher my hope is to be your guide to help unlock you or your child’s full and undeniable potential with their instrument and musical voice. 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: Violin Cello Viola

In my lessons, I take an integrated approach to music education, drawing connections between music of practically any style, genre, or tradition; between musical technique, analysis, and expression; and between music as an abstract entity (e.g., a score, an acoustic phenomenon) and the cultural and historical context in which it is both composed and performed. I work on music not only from the Western classical tradition, but also from pop, rock, jazz, and folk music from around the world, as I believe all musical styles are worthy of exploration and consideration. 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