Violin Lessons in Seahurst, WA

Instruments: Voice 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: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I started student teaching in high school, with no great desire to ever be a teacher, but my teachers said I was going to do the teacher training class, and like a good girl I did as I was told. I enjoyed learning, so learned how to teach for the sake of more learning. It wasn't until after I graduated college and found myself working part time retail, desperate for some means to make ends meet, that I remembered that I could teach. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Avonlea is a violinist and music educator based in Olympia, Washington. She began her violin instruction at a young age and has become a successful performer of solo, chamber, and orchestral literature. She has been an active violin instructor and performer since 2012. Avonlea received her degree in Music Education from Florida State University, one of the most prestigious universities for music educators. She studied education under well-known contributors to the field such as Clifford Madsen, Alice-Ann Darrow, and Kasia Bugaj, and studied performance under Shannon Thomas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I try to teach to the personality, strengths, and needs of each individual student: one size does not fit all when it comes to playing instruments! I stress correct posture and technique as a means to an end, which is the ability to progress and enjoy playing. I have taught many students over a period of years--often between 7 and 10+ years. I try to teach in a progressive way with an end goal in mind, whilekeeping them motivated and engaged andcreating opportunities to perform, succeed, and have fun along the way. 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

Instruments: Piano Violin

And What are you doing really well or have accomplished in this past week? In my experience, people learn best when they enjoy the music they're learning and become aware of their progress and accomplishments. I encourage my students to be patient when learning a difficult piece or gaining new skills. Like anythings progress takes a little time and hard work, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun along the way! Read More