Violin Lessons in Thonotosassa, FL

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

Four years ago I had my first experience as a teacher in Cuba. It was with only 3 students in an Elementary school. I have to tell that in the beginning I was so nervous because each student was different, had different goals, styles and ability to learn. I develop during my classes with my first students the ability to have patient with my students and to make them feel that in my class they can have fun and also learn something different each class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

I begin with developing sheet music literacy in my students right off the bat if they have no experience in reading music. I believe music literacy is one of the most important aspects of learning an instrument. I've always said, "not being able to read sheet music is like trying to be a writer who can't read, it makes no sense". I also begin with teaching proper form. Meaning how to hold the instrument and how to use proper technique. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I finally signed up for professional guitar lessons, I found that there were not just many things to learn, but many things to unlearn. I went back to school to study music at Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida where I learned Voice and String Pedagogy. After graduating, I taught in the public school system for several years and left to establish my own private studio where I had almost 30 students at one time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning cello students of all ages, I normally use one of my teacher's method books: Cellocity by Helga Winold of Indiana University. As my cello students progress, I slowly introduce smaller pieces that can normally be found in Suzuki method books. After my cello students have advanced significantly, I begin to introduce more complex pieces that are found in the standard cello repertoire. Eventually, my students reach a level where they gain the ability to gauge their experience level and select their own pieces with my approval. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Flute

I try to have a very positive approach to teaching. I believe that if a student is told what they are doing wrong constantly, they will feel like they aren't good enough for the instrument, or they will lose interest. I instead focus on telling them what they are doing right, and offer suggestions on what they need to improve on. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Fiddle Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Regardless of which instrument(s) my student is learning, I generally teach at the pace of the student. I never rush a student, and I keep with a scenario that is COMFORTABLE for both of us. Being relaxed is important to learning, and I always stress having students' hands relatively loose while holding and playing their instrument. I have lesson plans that I devise myself, while referring slightly to instructional videos and books also. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I find that the key to enjoyable lessons is to discover just the right sort of pieces a student likes to play. No one likes having to practice something they think is boring. It is with this in mind that I also incorporate games and flash cards and activities involving action for the little ones who can't sit long on a piano bench. I make sure we use ALL the keys of a piano from one end to the other, and the black ones too. Read More