Violin Lessons in Saint Paul, TX

Instruments: Violin

I am a passionate teacher who likes to have fun in lessons! My main goal as a teacher is to inspire my students to be the best they can be. I have found that the teachers that inspire me the most are the ones that I can laugh with or ask questions without the feeling of being talked down to. I want my students to ask musical questions and search for answers so that we can have active musical dialogue in our lessons. 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 Drums

The following are books that I start my lessons with. In addition, I supplement with materials that my students are interested in learning. If there is a particular song or style that they would like to learn(and is reasonably within their ability level or I am able to modify), I work to teach it to them. Drums: ***The book chosen depends on a student's level and personal goals, but these are great books to start with: Drumset For Preschoolers by Andy Ziker(for students ages 2-6, or students that would benefit from a color-coded system initially) The Drumset Musician By Rod Morgenstein and Rick Mattingly(great for beginning drum beats!) Alfred's Drum Method(for learning rhythms and rudiments) A Fresh Approach to the Drumset by Mark Wessels with Stanton Moore(teaches an intro to a variety of styles, including rock, samba, jazz, etc.) Piano: Alfred's All-in-One Course This book has simple, child-centered lessons that are reasonably paced, teaches beginning music theory, and allows students the opportunity to write. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I start the student first by using The Mastery book by William Dick and Laurie Scott to learn the basic technique of the instrument. As soon as I think the student is ready I start teaching simple songs by rote. Eventually I introduce to the student to String Explorer to teach music reading and emphasize the techniques already explored in the Mastery Book and learn by rote. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with Leonards Essential Elements. Once my student understands the fundamentals I will begin to introduce scales, etudes, and solo pieces that are appropriate for their level. I also love to throw in a fun piece (a favorite song or something from the radio) at the end of my lessons. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and focus on those areas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My process is based on (but does not adhere strictly to) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory.  In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment.  All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I love to play the instrument and want my students to develop that love as well. I use a carefully explained, step by step approach that is tailored to each student's personality and ability. My goal is for the student to feel as quickly as possible that he or she is really playing! I am very encouraging about accomplishments, as well as explaining clearly the particular elements that the student needs to work on to improve. Read More