Viola Lessons West

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Piano Adventures by Nancy Faber. I introduce rhythm reading, music composition, and basic music theory in the first year. I focus on effective practice techniques. My students learn the skills of practice routine that build measurable and gratifying progress from week to week. For advanced students and adults, we explore what the students are interested in. I design my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging in fun no matter the ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Fiddle

Kathleen has served as concertmaster and soloist for the Chehalem Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Miami Symphony Orchestra, Fort Smith Symphony, Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, and Reno Chamber Orchestra. She has over twenty years of teaching experience, including Indiana University, Davis & Elkins College, and George Fox University. Kathleen is also a Fulbright Scholar who completed dissertation research on Celtic fiddling in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola, Mandolin, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass

I am an Italian violinist with more than twenty years of concert music experience in Europe, the United States and Latin America. I trained from classical music, but soon I started my journey through folk and etnic music, starting from the music of the mountains of my region to get to Balkan and gypsy music. I have recorded 4 albums and countless tours with Italian French and Mexican international bands (Taluna, Guajiro Calentano, Circo Zoé .. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Viola, Bass Guitar, Organ, Ukulele, Electric Violin, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar

Music is something that takes time to understand. It clicks in some students, but most kids take a while to develop musically. Patience is the most pronounced characteristic in my teaching style. It's easy to tell the student what they're doing wrong and what to correct, but that doesn't mean it's the most effective practice. Some kids will get nervous and make the same mistake over and over again. This is where it's important to use positive reinforcement and give the student time and space to be able to understand their mistake and fix it. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Drums, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Electric Guitar, Djembe, Acoustic Guitar

I am motivated to keep students constantly engaged and passionate about their instrument! As a multi-instrumentalist I always play different instruments with students to give them a sense of playing in a group, which is what music should be all about! I also do my best to acknowledge the students strengths and weaknesses and take some time aside in class to speak to them about them. I believe it is important to have positive feedback but also to recognizes areas in which students can improve. Read More