Violin Lessons West

Instruments: Violin

Proper technique is most important. A solid foundation is key. Without proper technique, you lack the ability to produce a pleasing sound. Advancing on the instrument will also be much more difficult. First, my students learn to hold the violin and bow properly, as well as resting and playing positions. If you'd like to follow a specified course of study, we begin the first steps of that method. Otherwise, we will follow the Suzuki method until the student reaches a level of expansion. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, English Horn, Acoustic Guitar

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola

Each of my students is an individual with specific needs. I learn from all of them to help me be a better teacher, but keep in mind that they will have different strengths and proceed at different rates - and that's okay! I also believe that learning the violin is not a race to the end of book 10, but rather a journey, and that each student's place along that journey comes in many shades of grey. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Flute, Drums, Bass Guitar, Organ, Electric Violin, Double Bass

I have an interactive yet focused style of teaching. I can(but don't recommend) to use the Suzuki method. I feel that all aspects related to the instruments weigh much importance in teaching the student. However, with the Suzuki method, the student's primary focus is to learn pieces rapidly and climb the level of difficulty as fast as possible. This prevents him/her to fully understand and analyze the piece and lesson and it can also turn the student away from pursuing the instrument further.  Read More

Instruments: Violin

Avonlea is a violinist and music educator based in Olympia, Washington. She began her violin instruction at a young age and has become a successful performer of solo, chamber, and orchestral literature. She has been an active violin instructor and performer since 2012. Avonlea received her degree in Music Education from Florida State University, one of the most prestigious universities for music educators. She studied education under well-known contributors to the field such as Clifford Madsen, Alice-Ann Darrow, and Kasia Bugaj, and studied performance under Shannon Thomas. Read More