Violin Lessons in San Jose, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Since I was in elementary school, all I could think about was playing music. I wasn't very good at school because of that, I didn't have a motivation for that so as soon as I finished middle school I went to college for music.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
Every instrument is very special in its own way and I wish I have the time to learn to play all of them. So far I have learn how to play Violin, Viola, Piano (I learned in college), Guitar, Drums, Bass, Sax, Trombone.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Playing J. S. Bach is a very relaxed experience for me.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would probably be a pilot or a Luthier (instrument maker).

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I like many, Classical, pop, rock, jazz, folk.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Master Degree in Music Performance. Music is my life and I always like learning more stuff about it. The music world is huge and there is so much to learn.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
For me, I have to have a spot where I feel confortable. I set up a chair, music stand, water to drink and enough light to see my music. As every athlete, you always need to stretch before working out, so I have some stretches that I like to do for about 2-5min. Then I start warming up by playing scales and exercises for abou 30min. Then I take a Break for about 2 min before starting with repertoire for about 2 and a half hours, taking brakes as needed.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have made hundreds of friends and trips through music, it is always a very special experience and it is always fun!

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Feeling confortable with it and been able to make a good sound out of it.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
Nothing very specific. I used the Suzuki method for public schools for group lessons but I preffer the personalized method.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
As the majority of the Violists (A musician that plays Viola), I have started learning the violin. Then, I was introduced to the Viola by my former teacher and I fell in love with it. It has some of the characteristics from the violin and cello with a more sensitive tone and deeper feeling.

When will I start to see results?
If all the instructions are followed correctly, after each lesson!

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Whereas there is no age for a kid to start training for music, learning an instrument depends of the phisical development of each kid. Also, for me is very important that every student is willing to spend time on learning an instrument. It is not an easy task and someone that does not like it enough will find it even more difficult.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Be patient. Playing an instrument requires hours and hours of practice time. Be smart and know how long your body can handle a practice session (playing with pain is really bad so you should stop inmediately at first sign of it)

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
All musicians have a roll model. We all had/have a phase where we tried to copy another musician's playing. Although one always try to develop a personal way to play music.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My dad and his brother are musicians. They did't study music formally but they made part of their living by playing music. My dad was an elementary school teacher.

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