Violin Lessons in Palos Heights, IL

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

I am a Suzuki teacher. I love this method because it places emphasis on the skills learned, which can transfer over into any piece, rather than just learning the notes of a piece. I do think it is important to learn to recognize what you hear and play by ear, but I will not let my students fall behind with note reading. I typically begin basic note reading in the middle of book 1. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I enjoy seeing the light in a students eyes when a concept has clicked for them. Each student will progress at their own pace and will set goals with me that are realistic for them. On top of the lesson material, music learning games and choosing a song of the students choice is fun to incorporate in the lessons. If the student is bored, then I will find a solution. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I love using the Suzuki method for skill building, but I also believe that students should be musically literate! I utilize supplemental books, such as "I Can Read Music," Essential Elements, and other sight-reading materials to encourage note-reading from the get-go. All of my students, including those who are 4 years old read notes. I emphasize etudes (studies), scales, warm-ups, physical stretches, and favorite songs of my students as part of a balanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Director, String Ensemble, Guerin Prep HS, River Grove, ILPrivate Violin/viola Instructor, Kagain Gaines Music Company, Forest Park, ILPrivate Violin Instructor, Morton Junior College, Cicero, ILPrivate Violin Instructor, Wheeling HS, Wheeling, ILPrivate Violin/viola Instructor, Holmes Junior High, Wheeling, ILOwner, True Note Music, Lisle, ILAdjucator, IHSA District ContestAdjucator, IMEA District ContestAdjucator, Solo Ensemble Contest, District 5Sectional Instructor, Schaumburg Youth Orchestra, Schaumburg, IL Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My teaching style is a balance of a casual and relaxed attitude, and an environment that nonetheless encourages excellence and achievement to the highest level possible. I like to establish a friendly and fun atmosphere where the student feels at ease, but always help my students set goals, and hold them to standards of excellence. I also recognize and value that importance of a student enjoying lessons, and that may sometimes mean that s/he wishes to learn and play music not covered by the books and materials we use for lessons; thus, I encourage students to share with me any such music they want to work on, and we then incorporate it into our lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). Read More