Viola Lessons in Albany, CA

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: 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 Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching methods are based off of the Franco-Belgian school founded by Vieutemps, Beriot, and Ysaye to name a few. i am also inspired by the methods of Ivan Galamian and his teaching style. For beginners, I will start with basic elements such as the proper way of holding the instrument; this is crucial for later violin development so it must be mastered first. I will also provide lessons on basic Music Theory essential to understanding rhythm, pitch, and reading music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass

The approach to the violin with the orthodox method can be particularly frustrating. The technique is important but equally important is to develop the ability and taste of playing together right away. For this reason, regardless of the styles you want to deepen, I play as much as possible together with the student whether it is classical duets, folk songs or jazz. For the more advanced students a part of the study of the accompaniment is reserved as well as for soloists Calibrating the objectives based on the abilities of the age and the talent of the students is an attention that can avoid frustrations and lead everyone to the common goal of the musicians: to express and continuously improve. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginners, we'll start with the ABCs of Viola, and Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings, along with Suzuki, Vol 1. We'll work on developing skills as a soloist, and simple duets that the student and I can play together. For intermediate students, we'll go further into the Hal Leonard books, and the Suzuki series, 2 octave scales, double stops, vibrato, musical phrasing. It's very important to enjoy the process of learning the viola, so I always want to make it fun! 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