Violin Lessons in Mercer Island, WA

Instruments: Voice Violin

For all beginner students, I begin with the Essential Elements books. Once fingering and bowing have been introduced, I begin incorporating level-appropriate scales. These etudes and scales are vital for learning the technique necessary for more advanced pieces. Once the student has completed the first Essential Elements book, we then select a piece for them to play, and keep this as our main focus while continuing to work on scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

My teaching experience dates back to high school, when I began giving private violin and piano lessons part time 8 years ago. Since that time I've continued to teach in the Puyallup area as well as in Bellingham and Mt Vernon. Ive used many teaching models over the years on students of all ages from very diverse backgrounds. I did most of this through trial and error; learning that very young children do best with short structured and repetative lessons, while teenagers can benefit more from targeted lessons that switch focus every week, and what to do when a student struggles because of stress in their home. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach using a combination of the Pascale Method (a very good set of pre-written lessons for the very young student), I Can Read Music's rhythm exercises (goes along with the Suzuki books), Strings Fun and Easy, and Suzuki. In addition, I now start students in third position, which has proven to be so very beneficial to my students. During lessons, students should expect to receive a very firm foundation on which to lay their more advanced skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My motto is my students create their own lesson. I formulate lesson plans off of the styles of music you are most interested in. If my student has a more "just for fun" attitude, the lesson will inevitably be a more light hearted feel. If the student would like to focus on more technicalities, that as well is a different approach. However, I do have a more structured plan for younger students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a lifelong musician and grew up playing piano with my grandparents, who are both concert pianists and taught me how to play. I have my A.A. in music from Mt. San Jacinto C.C. and have studied under a number of great professional artists. I have been in a ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin tribute band, as well as a 00's and 10's rock cover band. I've participated in a number of students bands and accompanied violinists and singers during recitals and events. Read More