Benjamin R  
Instruments: Violin
Styles: Classical

I have been playing the violin for the past nine years and have had four excellent violin instructors, each with different backgrounds and approaches to violin instruction. Because of this, I have had well-rounded education in the violin which is a great benefit in my violin teaching. Up to this point, I have taught violin to six different students and have seen each of them make remarkable progress. Not only have my students enjoyed their time with me, but I have also looked forward to and planned for each of their lessons throughout the week.

Course Materials: I teach classical style music. I use the Suzuki books as repertoire for all students (I do not teach the Suzuki method though) and occasionally use other helpful materials such as Kreuitzer and Trott to teach intermediate students etudes, positions, and technique. Through these materials, I help every one of my students acquire the freedom that comes from a balanced position and relaxed motions. This approach to the violin opens up the student’s awareness of what they can do and gives them the ease in violin playing that is necessary in bringing them to the highest level. The only way of achieving true violin playing success is having an excellent foundation upon which to build. Whether you are a beginner or you have played for a few years, the instruction that I offer you in violin is invaluable because it is centered on establishing a strong foundation in the fundaments of violin technique. Well-organized program: Organization is another key to successful learning. Since the level of success of a child is greatly affected by the assistance they receive from their parents, it is important that parents can understand and monitor their student’s learning. This is made easy through my well laid-out organization of violin instruction and student practice. I have a series of charts by which the student, teacher, and parent (if applicable) can all easily understand, monitor, and assist the learning process. My goal/vision for my students: This summer, I have a definite vision for each of my students. I want each of them to acquire the foundational techniques that every violinist should have and that is lacking in most violin instruction today. That is, the freedom that comes from having a balanced stance and fluent, relaxed motions while playing the violin. I do not just teach to teach nor do I simply encourage students to learn the violin because they should. I want each of my students as they learn, to acquire a vision of how they can use the things that they learn to help others. Learning is ultimately only useful and fulfilling when it can be passed on to others. Therefore, with the firm foundation with which I equip each of my students, they have the tools they need to one day pass on to others their skills and knowledge. Therefore, I take the opportunity of teaching you or your child very seriously because, not only are you important, but the next generation of violinists is too. I also want my students to learn the valuable development skills and character qualities that can be acquired while learning the violin. These including time management, patience, fine motor skills, and relaxation while performing a complicated task.