Viola Lessons in Playa, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola

With consistent practice and lessons I’ve had success with having some of my youngest students start with Mozarts twinkle little star and in 2-3 years play at a very high level with skill, artistry and reading abilities in Suzuki books 4/5 Vivaldi Concertos. Students start off with a box violin to focus on posture and ear training right away. Once some of the fine motor skills are established, we transfer these skills directly to the violin, and begin create sound on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Creating a non-judgemental atmosphere, where students are free to experiment, make mistakes, and try again, is crucial for learning an instrument such as the violin. With this instrument, repeptition is key to learning. I also strive to set very clear, manageble goals, so students feel a sense of accomplishment at each stage. This sense of accomplishment is motivating to the student as well as the teacher! I often let students have a choice of which solo piece they get to play, as I have witnessed many past students rise to the ocassional to learn a piece they are passionate about! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning string student's, I use Essential Elements for Strings and Schroeder method books. Once the student has grasped the basic fundamentals and note reading, I begin to introduce solo repertoire from the Suzuki String method. Along with technical studies and solo repertoire, the student will learn scales ranging from one to four octaves. For beginning piano student's, I use the Bastein Piano series. This method is complete with a method book, solo repertoire, theory studies and scales. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

At Richland, I was the lead instructor in the areas of string performance and music theory, as well as director of the Richland String Orchestra and the Richland Chamber Strings. Highlights of my performing career have included performances of the Kabalevsky and Shostakovich concertos with the Clear Lake Symphony, the Fort Bend Symphony, and the Houston Youth Symphony. I served as principal cellist of the Henry Mancini Festival Orchestra, performed live with the Danielle Georgiou Dance Group, recorded with the hard rock band Our Last Night (check out the music video below!), and played for several years as part of a Persian-Flamenco fusion band. Read More

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: Violin Viola Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Violin Method (Viola version available) with occasional ear training with the piano with the Kodaly method. For intermediate and advanced students, I introduce a variety of etudes, scale books, and solo repertoire, e.g. Carl Flesch, Kreutzer, Mazas, Dont, Dounis, and Unaccompanied Bach, etc. For viola students or violinists who are looking into doubling the viola, I introduce many techniques including Karen Tuttle and Primrose Scales to help along with the transition. Read More