Violin Lessons Mountain

Instruments: Violin

I try to understand the needs of my student; musical, technical, personal. We are all different, so we start from different points. There are no superior and inferior starting points, for we never know where the shortest paths lie. The following are the bare necessities: 1) Realistic Goals. Reaching those goals will give the student satisfaction and encouragement to proceed further. 2) Making Progress, no matter how small, every lesson. A journey is movement. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet

My teaching experience began in Webster, South Dakota as their high school band director for 11 years. I was then invited to move back to my college town of Brookings, South Dakota to be their middle school band director. I moved to Sioux Falls and taught in the Catholic School System for a number of years. Then I was fortunate to teach my last 11 years in beautiful southern California where I taught instrumental music at elementary to high school levels. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola

Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Mexico, Melissa Escobar brings an international perspective to her flourishing career as a violist and an educator. As a performer, Melissa has showcased her talents across a range of ensembles, from symphonic orchestras to opera settings, baroque practice, and has collaborated with fellow musicians on modern contemporary projects. Her musical journey includes notable achievements, such as being selected for the Texas All-State Philharmonic Orchestra, participating in the Taller International Viola América in Mexico, and gracing the stage at the prestigious John F. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin

I like to use Essential Elements for beginners, especially children. It's also helpful to use if the children are in an orchestra. I also like to work with the Suzuki method for those who are interested in doing it. It's important that I help beginners in how to get the best resonance and basic techniques to build confidence for performance or specific goal they have in mind. I also create flash cards and games to help in understanding theory and notation. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola

The most important thing for me, is to see my students find joy in playing the violin. If they don't enjoy it, then I am not doing my job! I like to set goals for my students, and provide a reward that gets them excited about meeting that goal. I like to acknowledge my students success and progress, which is why I do different challenges and goal setting with my students. Read More