Violin Lessons in Rainier Valley, WA

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started violin lessons at age 7, after 2 years of begging my mom! I can still remember that blustery Saturday morning in November when I had my first lesson, and since then, I have learned so much. I joined the studio orchestra after just a year of lessons, then began teacher training and luthier (violin repair) classes in high school. I took a break from teaching while getting my bachelor's degree, but continued while I got my master's. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

To my surprise, everyone, including that 6 year old, had a clear answer. All of them were different reasons and goals. I started writing notes at the end of each lesson on what a student had specifically struggled with, mastered, showed signs of improvement since the previous lesson, what exercises were draining on them, and what exercises they resonated with. I also took note of their mood and energy at the beginning of the lesson compared to the end. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I know each student is different in terms of learning style and musical goals. I make it a priority to keep the student's best interest in mind when giving assignments and setting weekly goals for practicing. The most important thing I want to leave the student with is a sense of fascination and appreciation for music. Whether an interest in classical or country music, I can transform any material into a learning opportunity that is fun, educational, and progressive for the student's musical and technical development. 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

You become great by how much effort you put into the application of my guidance through your own practice." I cannot make you the performer you want to be. I can only guide you through the process. This is why I am always excited to bring on a new student. Each student I have worked with holds a special place with me. I strive for those key moments when my student comes to a new musical understanding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I use Samuel Applebaum's String Builderbooks 1 and 2 as my beginning texts and his Scales for Strings, Early Etudes, and First Position Etudes (especially for viola) before moving into First Etudes by Whistler/Hummel for violin and then the Wohlfahrt/Aiquoni Foundation Studies, books 1 and 2, Mazas, and advanced etudes such as Kreutzer and Campagnoli for both violin and viola. Beginners useConcertTunesbooks 1 and 2 by Dale Brubaker for first (immediate) solosthat reinforce note reading and other instruction. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Essential Elements method book, which introduces the fundamentals in a way that is friendly to all learners, easy to understand, and interesting. Once the students has an understanding of the fundamentals, we will typically move on to Suzuki Book One, supplemented with various other exercises. At this stage, the student is able to give their first recital performance. For intermediate or more experienced students, I will typically find out what the student is interested in and provide solo repertoire based on their interests. Read More