Violin Lessons in Retsil, WA

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: Violin

For all beginner students, I begin with the Essential Elements books. Once fingering and bowing have been introduced, I begin incorporating level-appropriate scales. These etudes and scales are vital for learning the technique necessary for more advanced pieces. Once the student has completed the first Essential Elements book, we then select a piece for them to play, and keep this as our main focus while continuing to work on scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching violin for 30 years, starting as a bluegrass and Irish fiddle teacher in a folk music store run by a family of performers who were related to the von Trapps of The Sound of Musicfame. Since then, I have tried to continually grow as a performer, musician, and teacher. I have collected a vast amount of muic and resource materials along the way, so I am able to meet each student's needs--from child-friendly beginning repertoire, holiday music, fiddle tunes and jazz standards, to concertos and orchestral excerpts for youth and college orchestra auditions and beyond! Read More

Instruments: Violin

I enjoy teaching so much because I am able to watch each student develop a passion for music, work towards rewarding careers, and grow a great sense of curiosity. Watching students work through challenges and become excited about music is very rewarding. Students in my studio are encouraged to take on new challenges, but also to learn at their own pace. Each student works with me individually to set goals at each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My lesson structure is very flexible and has plenty of room for input from the student. My job as your teacher will be to give you technique building excercises and songs that will sharpen the fundamentals of playing your instrument. There are 3 parts to a lesson that I always like to touch on. 1) technique and warmups, 2) assigned material designed to be the stepping stones to your personal goals. 3) something that the student has picked out or has special interest in. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching privately part time for the past 4 years working with students in grades K-12. My main goal in lessons is for my students to not only succeed at a new skill once, but to be confident in their ability to repeat their success in practice at home and at our next lessons. I encourage positive feedback and positive "self-talk" as a means of boosting self-efficacy. I think an important part of learning is goal setting and outlining specific, achievable steps to reach that goal so that progress can be tracked and the process of learning can become less ambiguous. Read More