Violin Lessons in Nicasio, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I used to use the Suzuki method but mostly I used formal classical method. Although, I always fit my lessons depending of each student's needs and/or requests. Personally I like the classical method because I also teach my students music theory if needed as well as historical facts to understand the music better. I have also thaught the El Sistema method from Venezuela which basically teaches students the feeling of playing music phisically. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For my beginning students, I start out with a mixture of my own exercises, as well as basic songs using open strings, string crossings and rhythms, before moving to songs with basic fingerwork on one string (scale plus rhythm based). I usually supplement this beginning process with Essential Elements, before intruducing the Suzuki Method Book 1, Doflein Method Book 1, and rhythmic exercises from the Kodaly method. For my intermediate students, I use a mixture of Galamian bowing technique, emphasis on etudes and position work, Suzuki method, Barbara Barber scales and rep. books, and level-appropriate classical literature, combined with solo repetoire of the student's interest/choosing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm an experienced and caring instructor who loves to see students empowered in their own creativity and excellence. I received my Bachelor's in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1988. I have recorded and released three projects so far that have received radio play internationally and been on the charts on college public radio. My travels performing music in the U.S. and beyond have enriched my life immeasurably and I love sharing the spark of imagination with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard

I am a very patient, knowledgeable and experienced music instructor who loves working with students of all ages. I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and a lifetime California state teaching credential. I also graduated from the Naval School of Music with top honors and I served in the Marine Corps as a bandsman playing the French Horn. I have taught music in many public, private and charter schools in California for over 30 years and am now retired. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

Normally with very young students I start with the parallel study of written music, basic technique and music learned by imitation. It is a question of repeating short fragments of melody and then composing the whole piece piece by piece. This practice is widely used in many musical traditions and leads the student to develop the ear and the memory, that is the main elements of the musical practice. This practice can be applied to all levels from the most basic to the most advanced. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, we always start with how to hold the instrument, parts of the instrument and string names, and then begin playing open strings. This may take a few lessons. Placing the left hand fingers is usually the last step before playing an A scale and then Twinkle. Setting a foundation is more important than going quickly, so many of my students spend a number of months on Twinkle before starting to move more quickly with Lightly Row. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

From experience, these are all the basic tools a student needs to work on their fundamentals before diving into full fledged solo pieces for competitions. Beginning students have to start from the bottom. These students will start by learning how to hold the violin and the bow, for example, and slowly but surely get into reading music and eventually playing simple scales and melodies from an elementary book. Some adults, however, may be interested in learning an instrument because they want to play a song they love. Read More