Courtney M
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Showtunes, Swing
Courtney M
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Showtunes, Swing
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 6-80
Bachelor Degree: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master Degree: Boston University
I am a passionate musician and teacher with 11 years experience teaching orchestra grades 4-12 in PA public schools. I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008 with a B.S. in Music Education and an emphasis on violin, and from Boston University Online in 2012 with a Master's in Music Education. I have performed in various ensembles all over Central PA, on both violin and viola and I am a violinist in the West Shore Symphony Orchestra. I have experience playing in both large groups, and small groups (wedding quartets, duos, solos as well as pit orchestras, string ensembles, and symphonic orchestras). Performing and teaching are two of my greatest passions in life.
I taught private violin lessons in college through the IUP String Project, where I learned a lot about the Suzuki Method of teaching. I have 11 years of experience directing orchestra and teaching lessons to students in grades 4-12. I have taught beginning students all the way up to advanced, and many of my students have advanced to PMEA District and Region orchestra festivals. I am most comfortable teaching the western method of music (learning to read music right away), but I am a firm believer in tailoring my teaching style to meet the needs of the students. I think there should be a balance between technical scales, exercises, and etudes, as well as practicing fun music that is relevant to the interest of the students. I encourage my students to participate in extra-curricular groups such as youth orchestras and other ensembles.
I am comfortable teaching out of various method books. I have primarily used Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings, as well as Alfred's Sound Innovations for Strings. I have also used All for Strings and Artistry in Strings. If a student has a method book already, then I will work with them out of that book. If not, then I like to start with my own supplemental activities (flash cards, worksheets, playing by rote, etc) and build up to using a book. At that point, I will see what method best fits the student. In addition to method books, I like to supplement with Suzuki Books, duet books, solos, and other materials that will help engage and advance the student.
I like to start by finding out the goals that a student has and wants to achieve in their lessons, and then coming up with ways to achieve those goals. While I expect students to work hard and put in practice time, I also realize that students have busy lives outside of their music lessons. My expectations are realistic. As long as you are showing progress between each lesson, I consider that a success! I think it's important that students learn the basic fundamentals such as scales, intonation, shifting, vibrato, tone production, etc. before diving into the more fun music.
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