Viola Lessons West

Instruments: Violin, Viola, Fiddle

I began my work as a teacher in college at UCLA and at Cazadero Music Camp in Northern California, both as a private instructor and group instructor in violin and viola. After 10 years of classical study and performance I decided to pursue a degree in Ethnomusicology, and direct my studies specifically toward American folk fiddling. While studying under fiddler Richard Greene, I discovered a love for playing and passing down folk music in the oral tradition, and saw the benefits of a multi-genre musical education first hand. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Cello, Viola

As a cello instructor, my students have been accepted into several top music programs including the University of North Texas, the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, Sam Houston State University, and the University of Texas at Arlington. Several have gone on to become teachers themselves. I have taught students of all age levels and experience, from beginners both young and old, to conservatory level; from basic setup and posture, to advanced left hand and bowing technique. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola, Electric Violin, Fiddle

For my beginning students, I start out with a mixture of my own exercises, as well as basic songs using open strings, string crossings and rhythms, before moving to songs with basic fingerwork on one string (scale plus rhythm based). I usually supplement this beginning process with Essential Elements, before intruducing the Suzuki Method Book 1, Doflein Method Book 1, and rhythmic exercises from the Kodaly method. For my intermediate students, I use a mixture of Galamian bowing technique, emphasis on etudes and position work, Suzuki method, Barbara Barber scales and rep. books, and level-appropriate classical literature, combined with solo repetoire of the student's interest/choosing. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola

I know each student is different in terms of learning style and musical goals. I make it a priority to keep the student's best interest in mind when giving assignments and setting weekly goals for practicing. The most important thing I want to leave the student with is a sense of fascination and appreciation for music. Whether an interest in classical or country music, I can transform any material into a learning opportunity that is fun, educational, and progressive for the student's musical and technical development. 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