Viola Lessons in Mettawa, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have over 12 years of teaching orchestra at a high school level and over 20 years of private lesson teaching instruction. I know that everyone has enough "talent" to play a musical instrument; I provide the precise instruction on how to approach violin/viola in order to grow your talent. I am comfortable communicating with children just learning to play and very much enjoy teaching adult beginners also. My joy is watching the eyes of a student as they realize that they are playing music... and it wasn't really all the hard, after all. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I tailor my approach to each student to make sure that:1.) The student is getting exactly what he/she wants out of the lessons.2.) The lessons are an appropriate difficulty for the student.3.) A student's strengths and weaknesses are being addressed with a tailor-made lesson plan and long-term goals Depending on the student's level, I utilize Suzuki materials in a way that is tailored to the childs abilities and needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I love using the Suzuki method for skill building, but I also believe that students should be musically literate! I utilize supplemental books, such as "I Can Read Music," Essential Elements, and other sight-reading materials to encourage note-reading from the get-go. All of my students, including those who are 4 years old read notes. I emphasize etudes (studies), scales, warm-ups, physical stretches, and favorite songs of my students as part of a balanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

My methods depend on my students' ages, experience, and instruments. I incorporate books from Full Voice, Suzuki, Schradiek, Piano Pronto, Bastien, and more! I ensure that my students are getting the essential education that will help them grow and succeed as a musician. In addition to teaching exercises, technic, warmups, scales, chords, arpeggios (and more), I also ensure that students are applying these things to pieces that are important to learn through lesson books and with songs that my students want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Viola

“Talent” is a widely misunderstood concept. As a teacher, I don't believe talent is born. Talent is developed as an artful skill. This skill is made through practice: concentrated sessions of self awareness, mindful repetition, and craft. Anyone can learn how to play an instrument with the right mindset and the right instruction. My lesson plans are based on what goals and interests the student has, while also keeping in mind long term progress in technique for bodily ease. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

For piano I use the Alfred series, and for violin and viola I use a combination of Essential Elements and Suzuki books.  As students advance I introduce additional solo repertoire.  My voice students learn from a variety of sources.  I usually start with a song they know well and work from there.  Students also learn a variety of warm-ups and sight-singing techniques.   Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola

As well as 14 years of classroom music education teaching spanning grades K-12 in choir, general music, and orchestra...I have over 18 years of experience in teaching private music lessons in piano, viola, and voice. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know students from all walks of life with unique interests as well as unique goals. From learning how to simply count and name notes to learning the hardest viola concerto, I am there every step of the way for my students. Read More