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Magic Valley Symphony Youth Soloist Winner
I am a dedicated and passionate teacher who loves working with students to meet their goals. For the last 20 years music and performing has been my life. I began when I was a child studying the violin using the Suzuki method. Since that time I have had an eclectic music education and a variety of teachers that used many different pedagogical studies and theories to help me gain a well-rounded music education. I graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Music Education and a minor in violin performance studying under Dr Hyeri Choi. During my music education I have had the opportunity to perform in many different setting such as quartets, trios, symphonic orchestras as well as being a soloist with the Magic Valley Symphony.
I have been teaching since I was a teenager. I began with young students and would teach them the fundamentals of music. Since that time I have had experiences teaching in a variety of settings. I have taught in schools and built my own string program as well has taught students individually in my studio. With each teaching setting my goal is always the same, to help my students reach their goals. I don't push students to love music or playing but help them see the joy of it for themselves. I strongly encourage my students to practice and study not for my benefit for the benefit they will receive from falling in love with music. I always tell my students that if they are patient with themselves in this process, they will see wonderful things happen.
Because of my eclectic music education I believe that it's important to include many good sources for the best education. I usually start beginning students in the Suzuki books accompanied with Hal Leonards Essential Elements. These two books combine the ear training of Suzuki with the accessibility of the basic fundamentals in Essential Elements. I also have a firm belief that the student needs to be passionate about what they are playing. I get to know my students and what types of music they are interested in to help them feel connected to what they are playing. As the level of difficulty increases, I will add more solo repertoire to challenge the musician.
My philosophy of teaching is that it needs to come from a place of love and patience. I am not a drill sergeant and believe that such teaching is counterproductive to the progression of the individual musician. I believe that each person progresses at their own pace and time. I am here to help my students meet their own goals. I do this by teaching to the specific needs of each student. I also teach techniques for practicing that help the student know how to use their precious practice time wisely. I know that each person has it within them to succeed and I am here to help them get there.