Violin Lessons in Surfside, CA

Instruments: Violin

Firstly, I think building a good rapport with my students is important in establishing a comfort level that is conducive to learning. I've found that students(especially children) are more engaged, ask more questions, and have more fun in the lesson if the teacher makes an effort to connect with his or her student. Developing good fundamentals is a big part of how I teach, students end up progressing faster with a solid grasp of the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet French Horn Piccolo Oboe

For stringed instruments, I uses the Suzuki method for teaching the basic repertory of the instruments. This method is an ear training method in which the student plays by ear. It starts out very simple so students of all ages can learn and progress very quickly. For learning to read music I use one of the method books like "A Tune a day" or Strictly Strings which teach the fundamentals of read music and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have taught quite literally all ages. 5-75. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I usually taught Suzuki for violin, viola and classical guitar (tend to prefer Scott Tennant Pumping Nylon book for classical guitar though). And usually Faber Piano Adventures for young piano students. Eventually going to Clementi Sonatinas and Chopin Preludes. Also Mel Bay Modern Guitar for beginning rock/jazz guitarists. Then eventually going to Mickey Bakers Jazz Guitar books. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students I do follow the Suzuki Method to an extent, where they learn the main parts of the instrument and bow, how to hold it to prevent as much tension as possible, and some general ear training exercises to help with learning pieces. I have a list of games to do that especially work well with younger beginners, since their attention span is limited and I want to make the lesson time productive but also fun for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

When my students first start I start them on the Suzuki method until they get to book 4. While they are learning from that certain method I do encourage students to tell me what songs they enjoy listening to and we will choose easy versions of the song that keeps them motivated and excited. Once my students pass book 4 of Suzuki we start getting advanced music including scale books, etudes, and concertos. Read More

Instruments: Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

At the core, I believe everyone has a voice, and my job as a music teacher is to help someone realize his or her own voice. The violin is a hard instrument to master, and many people get discouraged when progress doesn't come faster. Thus, I exhibit patience and encouragement, always helping the students feel good about themselves. I try to find out each student's "heart-music," and use the same basic method with whatever style he or she really wants to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Trombone Saxophone Clarinet

All of my students, depending on age, go through my curriculum which not only focuses on solo repertoire but learning how to be an essential part of any ensemble. I make sure I plan individual lessons and create overall schemes of work for my pupils so they can develop knowledge of materials and repertoire for them at different stages of their musical development. I extend my own musical experience by becoming familiar with the music my pupils listen to and music that is assigned from their primary music instructor, as well as have them become familiar with other musical styles and by developing improvisation and vocal skills. Read More