Violin Lessons in Winnetka, IL

Instruments: Violin

I have been instructing students from kindergarten to high-school all over the Chicago area for the past thirteen years. My highest accomplisment is having a high-school sophomore student playing second chair first violin in Chamber Orchestra and third chair first violin in Symphonic Orchestra at Maine Township, Park Ridge, Illinois. Other accomplishments are having students prepared for Granquist Memorial Music Competition, Geneva Illinois. Since 2015 I am a member of the Northwest Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I believe music is unique because of individuality. I make lesson plans depending on each student's interests and learning progress. For young beginners, I encourage lots of participation from parents because it helps children feel supportive and it is always nice to see how much they grow. I like advanced students to express their ideas about the needs and wants as well as musical ideas. Different opinions would make lessons more interesting and inspiring. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Piano students: For younger beginners, I like to use the Alfred series. These are the books that I grew up on and I have used them in my own teaching. I like their use of multiple companion books throughout each and every level. For adult beginners, I like to use Alfred's All-In-One adult books, as they feature all of the key elements of the series for younger beginners, simply geared to a more mature learner. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

In 2010, I graduated from VanderCook College of Music with a Bachelor's in Music Education. I have played in a variety of instrumental ensembles on different instruments, from euphonium, trombone, marimba and drum-set to name a few. I am motivated to helping people accomplish their goal of learning their instrument. I teach music for Chicago Public Schools and have started a music program at my school teaching, marching band, guitar, choir, drum-line and orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I love using the Suzuki method for skill building, but I also believe that students should be musically literate! I utilize supplemental books, such as "I Can Read Music," Essential Elements, and other sight-reading materials to encourage note-reading from the get-go. All of my students, including those who are 4 years old read notes. I emphasize etudes (studies), scales, warm-ups, physical stretches, and favorite songs of my students as part of a balanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching style is based off of my experiences with 10+ teachers I worked with in my history of violin playing (25 years!). I had a lot of fabulous teachers in my life, but the ones I remember and am truly grateful for are the ones who inspired me to be a better musician and ones who taught me how to teach myself. Those are my two goals for my student, find out what would inspire students to want to get better and then teaching them how to practice so that they can get better. Read More