Violin Lessons in Smithville, TX

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

Darrell worked at the primary, secondary/preparatory, and tertiary levels at some of the top-rated private schools in New York, conducting and directing since 1986.  He has been a professional producer, director, performer and private instructor/mentor in Austin, Texas since 2009. Performing since 1980, Darrell has worked with all levels of musicians, from beginners to professionals in a wide variety of genres in many facets of music production, from center stage to backstage and in the recording studio. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I began teaching students while still in high school. I continued teaching students in college with the University of Texas String Project. Upon graduation, I taught programs in both public and private schools, while developing a studio of private students at our home. I have taught private students for most of the past 35 years, teaching all ages from 6 yrs. and up, beginning to advanced. I encourage regular practice for steady improvement and also instruct my students in how to practice in order to make the best progress. 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 Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always tailor my lessons to my students needs and desires and never waste time. Nothing is more important than a students progress and growth so I weed out all the irrelevant or potentially boring information in music lessons and cut straight to the chase of what is going to help the student learn and enjoy their progress. I encourage consistent feedback and communication so that I may know I am succeeding in navigating the students musical experience. 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