Viola Lessons Southwest

Instruments: Violin, Viola

Through my years of experience studying and teaching music to people of all ages, one of the things I feel the most important to accomplish is transmitting the idea that music is the most natural language of human beings. We might not develop the same skills in terms of rhythm, harmony, etc. but everyone should feel they are able to use whatever tools they have to express and speak that universal language. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Recorder, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Oboe, Bassoon

After over7+ years of teaching and over 20+ years of musical expereince, I have combined the use of numerous books into my own method. Much of what I have learned also comes from personal expereince. I use audio tracks I record in my studio to give students the experience of playing with other musicians. They practice with their instrument in the track, and I also give them a track without their instrument so they get the feel of being the drummer, or the keyboard player, or the guitarist. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Cello, Viola, Double Bass

I also ask students what goals they have in learning the instrument, what they would like to be able to do in 6 months to a year. Based on that information, I move forward with music notation and performance. For this age group, I believe acknowledging their progress and achievement is critical. Smaller acknowledgements could be presented during a semester. Larger acknowledgements, such as a recital and reception, certainly can encourage a student to move forward. Read More

Instruments: Cello, Viola, Music

If the student has never read sheet music, we will first do worksheets to learn how to read bass clef. If the student has taken another instrument, such as piano, there are some transferrable skills that will allow us to go through this process much faster. As we learn to read bass clef, we will explore the instrument, learn where notes are, and begin making sounds. I use a combination of Suzuki and Essential Elements Technique for exercises and beginner pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola

I began teaching private lesson while in high school. It was during that time that I developed a love and passion for teaching music. Over the years, I have learned that each student is unique in how they learn and what they need. So I like to help each student learn in ways that are meaningful for them. Usually that means I take slightly different approach to teaching concepts to each student. Read More