Violin Lessons in Sibley, MO

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

It is important to me that each of my students learns to love their instrument. But, even more than the love of their instrument, is the importance of knowing and understanding one's instrument. I offer positive reinforcement, encouraging my student in realistic goals. I acknowledge accomplishments that help fuel mystudent's desires to progress. However, I do not hide from the fact that pursuing music is a discipline. A well structured and commited practice time offers the best benefits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Synthesizer Music Keyboard

Piano lessons should feel challenging, but never like a chore; music is expression and passion, and lessons should cultivate those feelings. I strongly believe that breadth of genre familiarity is what makes a good and flexible musician of any age, so I am willing to work with a student on any style of music they would like to pursue. Music theory, aural skills, and healthy technique are emphasized at each and every lesson, and regular practice, even if for only a short time every day, is required. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students, children and adults, I start out with my own material that I have created over the past five years. I use it to start technique, note reading, and rhythm. Once the student completes the material, I move them to Suzuki books, etudes, and other pieces. I like to get student input when choosing music. I believe that the student will be more engaged in the lessons and practice when they are playing something that they enjoy. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I enjoy teaching because I am sharing my love for music with my students. The most rewarding part of teaching is watching students grow personally as they learn to play and instrument and improve their musical and technical skills. I have taught every age, from 4 year old beginners to adult students. I've worked with college music majors who are looking for an extra bit of help, and high school students preparing for all-state and all-district auditions. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The methods I use for teaching primarly depends on the students' style of learning and the level that they are at musically.  For beginning students I use a lot of visual and aural techniques and for more advanced students I build on what they arleady know and challenge them to go further.  I am also familiar with the suzuki method and pop music styles. For beginner students I use the method book "Essential Elements for Strings". Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The experience I had started with was a community center in an underprivileged area of Kansas city in 1973 as a Senior in High School and extended to many retail establishments of the Kansas city metro and beyond. I have also taught private lessons in my residence and in homes of many students during the pandemic. For nearly 20 years I have taught all ages at the Kansas city strings in Merriam Kansas as independently contracted teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Fiddle

My teaching does not only focus on students' violin playing skills, but also their aural skills and musicianship. I strongly believe that ear training benefits a student's overall musical development. My lessons typically involve listening and singing on top of regular violin playing. I also love playing simple duets with my students during lessons, so that they feel comfortable collaborating with other musicians. For beginners, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings. Read More