Violin Lessons in Waleska, GA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I teach the basics using a combination of methods, customizing lessons to each student's skill level, ability level, and interest (classical/folk/modern). For beginning students I suggest using the Suzuki Method, or Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once each student is ready to move beyond the fundamentals, I find exercises and solos to best fit and improve their skill level for recital performances, competitions, strings class/orchestra, or other activities. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Teaching strategies and experience ranges differently from each instructor. For beginners, such as children, I would start with the book series 'Essential Elements'. From experience, Leonard provides the most thorough book to grasp the ability to learn violin. Scale practice and listening sessions would also be a consideration for children as repetition is best to help the younger audience learn such an intricate instrument. As for older students, say teens and adults, I would say depending on the student themselves, I am very malleable to understand what the student wants out of 'music lessons'. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Clarinet Keyboard

Music is like learning a new language. Its a completely different concept. For beginning children repetion is the key. Children love repetion so Suzuki is perfect. Dr. Suzuki's idea is the mother and child learn the instrument at the same time so that the child can hear the tunes and can play it on the violin. Its the same idea that the suzuki method comes with a CD that the child can listen to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Flute Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Music Keyboard

Uniquely, I have helped on movie sets to make actors "look" like musicians. I do train stunt-doubles for the accuracy of the filmed scenes. I have played on albums for studio work and have composed my own music, and support improvisation. Up to date, I have over 35 former students who have graduated with a bachelor's and/or master's degree in music education and/or music performance, former students currently enrolled in a university as a music major, and high school students getting ready to audition for All- State Orchestra, Jazz, and Band divisions AND college entrance auditions for in and out of state universities and conservatories. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Following a long, fun and successful 20+ year career as a pro musician, I became a full-time music teacher. I was the founding music teacher at St. Benedict's Episcopal school in Smyrna, GA where I taught music K-8 for seven years. Then I joined The SAE School in Mableton, GA, where for the past three years I have taught K-12 music, creating a new middle school orchestra and high school Project Based Learning curriculum for music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Watching students learn and progress brings me so much joy. For younger students who are energetic, I love to incorporate games and activities to keep them engaged while we continue to learn important aspects on the violin. Encouragement and setting a steady pace is key for all ages and levels. Acknowledging big and small accomplishments keeps the students motivated and proud of their progress. I like to ask each student what their musical interests and goals are so that I can tailor the lesson to their needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My cello instruction is separated by levels and books. Level 0-1 is in Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books 1 and 2. Level 1-2 is Rick Mooney's Position Pieces Book 1, as well as sheet music and books outside of that method book. Level 2-3 is Rick Mooney's Position Pieces Book 2 and sheet music, and 3+ will be Rick Mooney's Thumb Position books. Past this there are a significant number of books all the way until you reach Professional levels. Read More