Piano Lessons in Independence, MO

Instruments: Violin

When will I start to see results?
There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn an instrument. This varies from student to student and really depends on the individual, how much practicing you do and your age. Playing is a physical skill so it does take repetition to improve. With regular practice a basic level of playing can be accomplished within a few months. Most of my students take lessons on a long term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable. Even if you don't have a musical background you can ask the me for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day the student will progress.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes, in fact I did have a wonderful teacher that inspired me to pursue music as a full time career. I was inspired to play the violin at a pretty young age when I would watch YouTube videos of my favorite songs being played. I remember one day when I was watching videos I saw a person playing the violin, and they were playing my favorite song. At that exact moment I knew I just had to learn to play the violin and make the magical sounds resonate from it like they were doing. Later after I picked up the violin my parents eventually got me a private violin teacher and she made learning the violin very fun for me although on some days they would be pretty serious when I didn't practice. They saw that I started to progress and accomplish many of my goals in school and in finding music jobs in the future and I know they couldn't be more proud of me. I learned a lot and have also passed on the method to my students with my own improvisation and skills of course. I have learned a lot on my music playing and learning journey and I will keep on going.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Something about the sound of the violin makes my heart soar. The violin generally carries the melody, so it is like another voice that is never marred by allergies or laryngitis. When well-played, the sound of the bow on the strings is a perfect medium for emotional expression. I love everything about how the violin makes me feel. I love the required upright posture whether one is sitting or standing- no hunching allowed! The feeling of the strings on my left hand fingers is almost like being in touch with the life pulse of the instrument. The movement of my right arm dragging and pushing the bow back and forth feels like the ebb and flow of life itself. Then there is the vibration that simultaneously travels through the instrument to both your chin and your fingers- seemingly through your very heart. As is the case with many instruments, the violin is capable of several kinds of voice depending on how it is manipulated by the musician. From the double-stops and shuffles of the fiddle, to the clean clear notes of most show tunes, to the airy, almost magical harmonics. And let us not forget the trills, the various styles of vibrato, and the glissando or staccato. Each technique creates its own unique voice within a musical piece.

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