Violin Lessons in Saint Paul, TX

Instruments: Violin

I like to tailor my teaching methods to each individual student. I know from taking lessons myself that no two violinist are alike, and it would be silly to teach as if they were. For my younger students, I really like to focus on the fundamentals of violin technique so that they can have a firm foundation on which they can improve. I also try to include music theory and music history into my lessons so that a student leaves each lesson not only as a better violinist, but as a better overall musician. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I start beginning students who are children with instruction in the basics of playing the instrument, helping them to play their first couple of pieces before reading music. I follow this as quickly as possible with Samuel Applebaum's String Builder. I find this particular method the simplest and quickest way to learn reading music on the instrument. I then transfer into other method books (including the Suzuki materials) to guide the student through the levels of playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Saxophone Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

For beginning students who have no experience on their instrument, I usually spend a fair chunk of time working on basic technique using books like the Essential Elements series or Greg Horne's similar books for folk instruments. I usually combine the book material with other songs/pieces relevant to each student's interests. For more advanced students, I usually find a mix of repetoire relevant to their interests and technical exercises for them to refine and develop technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with either Music for Little Mozarts Series or Piano Adventure Series with essential music theory related piano. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoires appropriate for their performance levels. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in first, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Drums

To be successful at an instrument, it's important for a student to have something that drives their motivation. Playing an instrument is fun, but is also a lot of work and takes practice, perseverance, and patience. I strive to make lessons fun and to help the student find what encourages them to persevere. Music is a language: you must learn to speak, listen to, read and write a language to be fluent. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students of all ages, I start with a small book focusing on the essential elements of the instrument while teaching them something fun and recognizable. As basic techniques are acquired and musical concepts are grasped, I tailor the lesson to what the students long term goals are. An example would be a 12 year old on violin wants to excel in his or her orchestra program, so I pick certain pieces, books, and techniques to teach that will help them accomplish this. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I strongly encourage the student and parent to be methodic and consciensious about learning the basic technique for the instrument before he/she starts to play differnt repertoire. Nevertheless I try to introduce simple tunes and songs to encourage the student to progress rapidly and get a love for the instrument. Read More