Kristina Z  

5

  5.0 (13)

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country

I have been playing violin, viola, and piano for over 15 years. I began teaching as an assistant for CIM's Preparatory Orchestra Department, a position I held for four years while earning my Bachelors. As part of my minor, I also spent one year student teaching for CIM's Preparatory Eurhythmics Department and as a tutor for the conservatory. I moved to Tennessee in the fall of 2017 to earn my graduate degree as a Teaching Assistant for the school of music at UT, where I had the opportunity to teach private lessons and group classes to undergraduate viola majors and minors. I have also maintained a private studio of violin, viola, and piano students since 2012. I enjoy teaching a wide range of genres and styles, and have experience with students ranging from 4 to 64 years old. I welcome any student from beginner to advanced, as well as students with special needs.

I typically start my students by learning the basics of the instrument (i.e. how it is made, basic care, how to hold, etc.). For younger students, or those who are not experienced with reading music, I start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. If they are learning their instrument in school as well, I like to work through any music given by their teacher. As my students progress, I like to supplement with music from various methods, or with any songs/pieces that they wish to learn. I also like to encourage my students to improvise and learn music by ear as well as using sheet music. I do this through games and other fun activities in each of my lessons, as I feel that this creativity is so important for musical growth and confidence. Since performing is such an important aspect of music, I encourage my students to find opportunities to perform for others, be it for family and friends, studio recitals, nursing homes, church, etc.