Violin Lessons in Merrionette Park, IL

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

My teaching philosophy is that of encouraging and inspiring my students to do their personal best in a creative, positive and enriching learning environment. I teach students of all ages using various teaching materials, focusing on the individual student’s learning style. I enjoy teaching students at various stages in their development whether they are preparing for University auditions, studying for their own enjoyment or preparing to join a local community string ensemble or orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My own: a combination of traditional, Suzuki and what appeals/worksfor the individual student Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I encourage a parent/guardian to be involved in helping students build a practice pattern. My philosophy is that students need to practice every day, even if its only 5-10 minutes they have time for. Practicing a little bit each day is more effective than cramming practice into the day before the lesson. I want to be a team, making sure students and guardians feel comfortable communicating their needs as the lessons take off! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching style is based off of my experiences with 10+ teachers I worked with in my history of violin playing (25 years!). I had a lot of fabulous teachers in my life, but the ones I remember and am truly grateful for are the ones who inspired me to be a better musician and ones who taught me how to teach myself. Those are my two goals for my student, find out what would inspire students to want to get better and then teaching them how to practice so that they can get better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

My methods depend on my students' ages, experience, and instruments. I incorporate books from Full Voice, Suzuki, Schradiek, Piano Pronto, Bastien, and more! I ensure that my students are getting the essential education that will help them grow and succeed as a musician. In addition to teaching exercises, technic, warmups, scales, chords, arpeggios (and more), I also ensure that students are applying these things to pieces that are important to learn through lesson books and with songs that my students want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Suzuki instructional books and supplemented by traditional methodology for reading the various clefs: treble, alto, tenor, and bass. In addition, historical and theoretical subjects are introduced appropriately to keep the student engaged no matter their current abilities. We also have at least two public performances a year at a venue which has a high quality grand piano so the students can get used to the notion that every piano will be different and performing scales before playing their chosen repertoire will help them immensely. 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