Viola Lessons in Covina, CA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

Tien S. Li. Studied with world renowned distinguished professor Janos Starker and received Master of Music degree in 1984 from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. I was a member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and a doctoral candidate at the University of Memphis. I worked with South Dakota Symphony, Tupelo Symphony and North Carolina Symphony. I become assistant principal cellist in the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in 1987 and as Assistant Professor of Music joined faculty member at the University of Mississippi in 1988. Read More

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

For stringed instruments, I uses the Suzuki method for teaching the basic repertory of the instruments. This method is an ear training method in which the student plays by ear. It starts out very simple so students of all ages can learn and progress very quickly. For learning to read music I use one of the method books like "A Tune a day" or Strictly Strings which teach the fundamentals of read music and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I teach a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods. I grew up as a Suzuki student, but in my professional teaching life have learned to add additional methods into lessons to supplement training. For young, beginner students, I start them off with a method book like "All for Strings," which teaches first by rote. Not long after the students achieve the basic skills of the violin, we incorporate the Suzuki method and note reading. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have also excelled as both a teacher and a tutor. In 2011, I began my own business teaching piano, strings, composition/music theory and electronic music production. Additionally, I have set up sound and instrumentation for orchestras and bands including Trey Anastasio of Phish and The National Chorale at Lincoln Center and has performed at Carnegie Hall. I also do string-instrument repair and maintenance. While working as an administrator at the NJ Workshop for the Arts, I was given many opportunities to step into leadership roles, both as administrator and educator. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For young students, I use a Suzuki Method hybrid, meaning I incorporate additional note-reading and music theory elements while using the Suzuki Violin books and Suzuki's core values of imitation and ear training. I also supplement with many pieces outside of the Suzuki Method, including folk, blues, fiddle, and other styles. As students progress I include traditional etudes, technique studies and scales. My ultimate goal is to give my students all the tools they need to play and learn pieces on their own, and to that end I ensure they fully comprehend and master each step of learning before introducing new concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Mandolin Keyboard

I also have great expertise working with retired active senior citizens. I headed up the gerontology arts division for Orange Coast College/Coastline College and taught music/acting at active senior sites for over 14 years. Many of my current students are retired seniors. I have written several text books on jazz theory, jazz piano, jazz vocal and musicology subjects that are used by schools and universities. As a professor of University of West London: London College of Music (US rep), I am able to offer internationally accredited music performance grades (1-8) for piano (classical, jazz pop), digital keyboard (pop, music industry), voice (musical theatre, opera/classical, pop, rock, jazz). Read More