Viola Lessons in Mchenry, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have 17 years of teaching experience starting while I was still in graduate school. My main focus is having students practice regularly, like the piece they are playing, and gain a passion for their instrument. I always play with my students in order for them to gain experience in chamber music as well as to make sure they know their parts well. My students are always encouraged to audition for local youth orchestras, join chamber music groups, and are given opportunities to give recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

From the very beginning of my work, I believe in positive reinforcement because I find that we all need our hopes and beliefs in our ability to accomplish something to be nurtured before we take on any challenge, objective or goal. This is very important because I also believe that presenting students with challenges and goals allows them to experience adventure, fun, and rewards- particularly in the context of music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students (pre-Suzuki), I like to take material from different method books and even write my own songs. This way, each student has their own, individualized curriculum to help with technique or material that they find to be difficult. Once the student has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I like to use Suzuki books. I like to use the Suzuki method for younger beginners because it can be more challenging to learn to read notes, but I encourage note reading for older students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

30 minutes private lessons unless student is motivate to practice more; then longer lesson times are appropriate Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Suzuki instructional books and supplemented by traditional methodology for reading the various clefs: treble, alto, tenor, and bass. In addition, historical and theoretical subjects are introduced appropriately to keep the student engaged no matter their current abilities. We also have at least two public performances a year at a venue which has a high quality grand piano so the students can get used to the notion that every piano will be different and performing scales before playing their chosen repertoire will help them immensely. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginning students, I primarily use scale cycle, and some of Suzuki Music to start with the ear opening to how the sound or melody work can be done and see how it can be applied from the scale work we do on the technical practice. I try to find what student want from the overall lesson time because that set up the different goal for different student. When the student enters in the intermediate level, I try to find a little longer literature for student to learn in long term goal, and expanding students music literature. Read More