Violin Lessons in Thurmont, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

I started leading choirs as a teenager and have grown from there. I've taught theory and composition internationally (See a final project video on my profile), and taught violin and viola here in the States. I like to emphasize the importance of theory and composition throughout all lessons, as well as learning by play - music is an art of expression first and foremost. Anyone can learn to read music and play it aloud, but it is only those brave enough to relate it to themselves that truly become musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style for young beginners is fun and encouraging. I stay very positive to encourage and motivate them. There is nothing like seeing young students staying focused and playing very confidently and feel good about themselves. That is very rewarding to me. I also show them how to practice with a clear demonstration and I like to build them up with good basics like good intonation, accurate rhythm and counting observing the dynamics and bowings carefully. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I will introduce solo repertoire suited for his or her first recital performance. I introduce etudes to the students after the student demonstrates the ability to play several simple pieces well. For intermediate and advanced students, I typically do not let them play a piece at a certain grade level until they have finished playing one piece one grade level below that. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

I consider myself a versatile educator, adapting my teaching to meet the individual needs and aspirations of each student. I prioritize cultivating musical independence, empowering students to make well-informed decisions in their playing. Drawing on my background studying diverse violin schools, I guide students in gathering a wide range of information and applying it practically. Be it refining technique, interpreting complex compositions, or overcoming performance anxiety, my approach is flexible and tailored. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In my teaching method, I am creating a custom plan for every single student. With beginner students, I am starting from the fundamentals and using books: Essential Elements, Suzuki Book 12, one and two octaves scales and etudes by Kreutzer, Wohlfahrt, and Mazas. For all of my students, I am always trying to find the repertoire that they would enjoy to practice. I encourage my students to share what style or particular piece they like and help them to find the right edition or arrangement and learn it. Read More