Rebecca D  
Instruments: Piano, Violin, Cello, Viola, Double Bass
Styles: Classical

  I began giving private and group music lessons soon after graduation from high school in 2002, and quickly learned to love it.  During college, I took on some new students and continued to gain experience in a variety of instruments as I took classes and taught not only cello, but also piano and violin.  Within months of my college graduation, I became involved with a mission school in the Dominican Republic, where I taught music theory, history, chorale, and private lessons -- all in the Spanish language.  As the only music teacher, my job was to provide instruction in vocal techniques, piano, cello, violin, and viola.  Soon, there was student pianist and a small string ensemble.  Now, back in the United States with my little family, I have a home music studio where I continue to offer music lessons.  I love watching students become musicians as their love and knowledge of music grows.    

  For students interested in studying stringed instruments, I have found that the Suzuki method is a very effective curriculum for young children who cannot yet read well, yet engaging enough for older students if supplemented with note-reading and technique exercises. Hal Leonard's “Essential Elements” and Robert Frost's “All for Strings” are two other proven methods that work well for almost any age. Young piano students do very well with Alfred's “Basic Piano Course” or Faber “Piano Adventures” methods, and Bastien and Alfred both have methods for adults that seem to promote quick learning. For a serious piano student who feels the need to go at a faster pace, the John W. Schaum Piano Course will give them the challenge they desire. Any given method for any instrument will be supplemented with theory and technique, which are key to becoming a musician.