Violin Lessons in Westlake, WA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

My studio is in Olympia, and I travel to students' homes in the Seattle area including Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. I am a member of the Musicians' Association of Seattle and the American String Teachers' Association. Music has played a vital, formative role in my life for as long as I can remember. My parents are both excellent musicians. I started piano lessons at the age of 5 and began studying violin when I was nine. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

Although I have a classically trained background, I understand that some students don't respond well to the traditional" Suzuki style learning. So, I like to assess a student before recommending books and or repertoire for them or their parents to purchase. I plan unique lesson plans for each student based on several determining factors including level of playing, age, learning curves, learning styles, what their goals for lessons are, and how much practice time they want to commit to per week (which is usually a different number to students than it is to parents). 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 also work as a vocal performer and have sung classically in many choral ensembles and churches. I worked at the University of South Carolina String Project and have taught elementary and middle school orchestra. My greatest passion remains sharing my love of violin with private students who are excited to learn - many of my students have made all state orchestra, gained acceptance into youth orchestras, and won music scholarships for college. 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: Piano Violin Viola

For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More