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Bachelor Degree, Loyola University Chicago, Music
2013 - Graduated from Loyola University Chicago
2011 - Studied music history, music theory, and violin performance in Vienna, Austria
2010 - Began performing with the Fox Valley Orchestra
I am a passionate and driven violinist who enjoys enriching the lives of others with the joy of music. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. I began performing with the Fox Valley Orchestra during my second year of university and continue to perform with them today. On top of that, I also teach violin at a Chicago Public School through an El Sistema program.
My teaching experience first began with myself when I had to relearn how to play the violin. With years of bad technique and no discipline, I learned I had to find a new approach to violin playing. With the help of a great teacher, I was able to transform every poor habit into a great one. After going through the process myself I decided I want to give to students what my teacher gave to me: a refined and specific approach to violin playing. For the past three years I have been teaching privately and in schools. I encourage my students to practice regularly and to focus on details as well as the big picture. With the understanding that playing the violin can be quite difficult, I find simplyfying complex ideas can acheive great results with no stress. At the end of the day, playing music should be enjoyable and fun. My goal with all my students is to show them the fun side of playing!
For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). For my young-adult and adult students, I use Sevcik Violin Studies for technique and Hrimaly's Scale Studie. Reperoire will be chosed based off of the student's interest and playing ability.
The best feeling is watching a student progress week by week. By opening up their minds to the world of music, I believe a student can learn more about themselves and the world around them. I always encourage of art of listening with my students. Whether it be a specfic sonata or just a classical music and/or jazz mix tape. When a student knows the potential for talent that exists, it makes the desire to be a good musician even bigger. In order to acheive a high level, I always set goals for my students (long and short term). I also give my students tools that go hand-in-hang with what they are learning (recordings, articles, music websites, etc). Finally, I will always acknowledge their accomplishments and cheer them on! There is nothing more rewarding than a happy student who looks forward to practicing. I will always recognize their hard work.