Viola Lessons in Bristol, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

Once the student has a clear understanding of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire and etudes. To make the lesson more engaging, I am flexible in regard to choosing music pieces that a student may want to learn or not. I usually ask a student if they have a piece they would like to learn. If yes, then I will teach that piece for my student. If not, then I can find pieces to get the student interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

When my students first start I start them on the Suzuki method until they get to book 4. While they are learning from that certain method I do encourage students to tell me what songs they enjoy listening to and we will choose easy versions of the song that keeps them motivated and excited. Once my students pass book 4 of Suzuki we start getting advanced music including scale books, etudes, and concertos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

 I've been actively teaching for nearly 35 years. Teaching children as well as adults. I graduated from Drake University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education. While in college I played professionally in the Des Moines Symphony and was the winner of the Young Artist Contest which afforded me the privilege of featured soloist with the Drake Symphony Orchestra. I've travelled Europe performing in America's Youth in Concert and have played at Carnegie Hall, Notre Dame. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I like to start out beginning string students with Essential Elements 2000 by the Hal Leonard company. They have a complete system which includes professionally recorded accompaniments which provide a model for the student to hear how to play with good intonation, tone and rhythm which are the most important basics. In addition I recommend other sheet music with piano accompaniment or books with CD accompaniments that can be performed for friends and family. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Fiddle French Horn Piccolo Oboe

My approach to learning an instruments is to have the students learn to play by ear first before they can start learning to read music. I find that most students are able to progress quickly because it frees them to focus on the playing the instruments rather than reading notes. I consider reading music like different subject that they learn later. Learning music is like learning to speak. First we learn to talk and then we learn to read and write. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I am teaching the students by wide range from beginners to most advanced. I use Suzuki method combined with traditional teaching materials and traditional teaching methods for advanced students. For younger students, I mainly use Suzuki teaching method, combined with etudes, like Alwin Schroeder's 170 Foundation Studies. Teaching all age group students with scales as well. For older or advanced students, I teach mainly with traditional method, etudes, like Dotzauer, Franchomme, Merk, Kummer, Gruetzmacher, Piatti and Popper etc. Read More