Violin Lessons in Mettawa, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am goofy kind of gal who is a kid at heart so, while I do not allow the students to goof-off during practice, I definitely encourage the children to have fun and take breaks. Learning a new skill is taxing on the brain so I do enjoy inserting some brain-breaks here and there, when necessary. I'm also a very big sticker advocate! Most children enjoy them, and I love rewarding them after completing a song we've been working on. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I started teaching in high school, with my very own private students, and coached non-music major ensembles during my undergraduate degree in addition to receiving pedagogy training. As many performers do, I began as a reluctant teacher, but quickly realized that teaching is extremely rewarding and fun! I make sure that the students are enjoying the lessons while pushing them to play as well as they can. I find it difficult to suppress my passion for my instrument and for music, and I think that this rubs off on my students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I mainly teach the Suzuki method, especially for beginner/intermediate players. After Book 5, I tend to use conservatory repertoire such as technique books ( Sevcik, Hrimaly), Scale Books, Etudes, and concertos. When it comes to keeping my students interested, I try to find songs that my students are interested in learning. I find those songs according to their level and the technique I want to teach them and then move on from there. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Acoustic Guitar

My music backround goes back to my pre-teen days with a toy guitar and singing in front of my second grade class. Formal training began in junior high with the saxophone which continued through high school and my college years at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I became interested in the guitar and played with many groups and ensambles. Then became interested in the violin and fell in love with it. I have been playing for the past fifteen years and teaching for five. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than when my students leave the lesson more motivated than when they came. I understand that it is a challenge for students to go home and practice, so I address this by setting goals for the student. I want the student to leave the lesson feeling proud of what they accomplished and motivated to continue learning. I want them to be able to apply the techniques they learn in music to other areas of study so that they can explore and be curious about everything. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

For piano I use the Alfred series, and for violin and viola I use a combination of Essential Elements and Suzuki books.  As students advance I introduce additional solo repertoire.  My voice students learn from a variety of sources.  I usually start with a song they know well and work from there.  Students also learn a variety of warm-ups and sight-singing techniques.   Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola

I have been called the female Jack Black by many of my former and current students. So I do believe you could say that I am fun, I make things comfortable and provide a great environment to learn, but then I can also truly be serious and strict when it comes to practicing and performing. Expectations: Practice DAILY. Be ready for each lesson. Be willing to communicate with me about things you do not understand. Read More