Violin Lessons in Westlake, WA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

Although I am classically trained and have extensive orchestral experience as a violinist and violist, I was a founding member of an Irish group and several early music ensembles, performed with folk and classical guitarists, and played in a rock and roll nightclub band.I continue to play in many churches and synagogues, do strolling violin work, perform jazz standards, and act as lead violin in an internationally acclaimed big band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My motto is my students create their own lesson. I formulate lesson plans off of the styles of music you are most interested in. If my student has a more "just for fun" attitude, the lesson will inevitably be a more light hearted feel. If the student would like to focus on more technicalities, that as well is a different approach. However, I do have a more structured plan for younger students. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I first began private teaching as a high school student - this allowed me to discover my love for working with students and helping them reach their goals. I attended the University of South Carolina where I took extensive music education coursework alongside my violin performance degree, teaching at the USC String Project and also maintaining my own home studio. After college I moved to the Bay Area and taught at the Bravo Conservatory of Music before moving to Washington state to pursue new opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin

I always make sure the student has a proper say in all of the proceedings. I want to make sure that the student enjoys the piece that they are working on, and that it challenges their skill levels while still being able to be performed by them. I also make sure that their personal tastes are reflected in the pieces selected, and make sure they listen to performances of the piece before it is selected. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I enjoy teaching so much because I am able to watch each student develop a passion for music, work towards rewarding careers, and grow a great sense of curiosity. Watching students work through challenges and become excited about music is very rewarding. Students in my studio are encouraged to take on new challenges, but also to learn at their own pace. Each student works with me individually to set goals at each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I also place an emphasis on learning what I can about my students in non musical settings so I can best learn how to communicate with them so they feel comfortable and successful. Many students feel comfortable talking through concepts and techniques while others prefer detailed written instructions in a take home journal. I give all my students the opportunity to work on new and difficult things in the safe atmosphere of a lesson to ease potential frustration in their in home practicing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I focus on posture, theory, and intonation, and once these basics are mastered, the sky's the limit! I've taught a variety of classical music, fiddle music, popular and Disney music, even rock and roll. The thing to remember is that every musical experience will teach a student something, so once we have the basics down, students really get to choose their music that they want to play. Other advanced techniques that we'll work on include shifting, double stops, vibrato, and more. Read More