Violin Lessons in San Diego, CA

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Within me, I always had the desire to perform for people, this has turned into the many shows and performances I do with the violin. It was not until I was older that I decided the most fulfilling career would be to teach violin as a profession, in my opinion.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Teaching anything else!

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
classical and alternative; they both correspond into the playing that I write on my own.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
No it does not, this is why I feel the violin was a gift from a young age!

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
A piece that I write and master to perform in India for the women learning music and have the desire to play music there.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Music, I chose this degree to help me further every part of my music skill sets, teaching and performing.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Review of lesson plan from the week before, going over any missed work or misunderstandings of the lesson plan, working on current Suzuki song, learning a new bow or violin technique that plays a role into the current song work, etudes and scales, fun or free play, and working on anything the student or parent has concerns about.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Almost everything has technicalities that make it all difficult, but this makes every process extremely rewarding.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Suzuki, I believe it is the best training to receive appropriate ear training, sight reading, and skill set to succeed in violin.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes, many of my students receive awards for their playing and skill level through their schools and other orchestras. My private lessons are to correct imperfect technique, build musical ability and ear training so I do not provide awards through my own programs.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
My ability to play on any stage with or without practice, being a successful violin teacher, but also knowing that I would not have any accomplishment without grace and the lessons taught to me by those around me who have taken time to teach me over the past 18 years.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
When I was four years old, there was something inside of me that wouldn't stop asking my parents to let me play the violin. They said no for a year and finally when I would not stop asking we got a violin and I haven't stopped playing since.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, my teacher was the best violinist I knew growing up and she always accepted me as a child with my quirks and questions, she inspired me to perfect my instrument and play classical songs that brought people to tears through her playing ability.

When will I start to see results?
This differs through every student and depends on the exact results you are looking for. Every student succeeds in new areas when I teach them and it is truly a blessing to see every kid go home knowing their instrument better and better each week.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
A one time trial lesson is the best way to incorporate a student into the atmosphere of music. If the student has even asked one time, the desire that they have to play music is a real desire and I highly encourage any student to as least try! No matter the skill level or age.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Rewards, to an extent, are an effective way to build up a child into being responsibly and efficient in their practicing. As a teacher, I always ensure my students thoroughly understand their lesson plans for the week and know that I am available over the phone for any questions they may have about practice.

Read More