Viola Lessons in San Marcos, TX

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am a instructor that is conscious about the importance of good sound technique and instilling in the student the passion in music. I graduated from California State University with a Bachelors in Music performance, viola being my main instrument. I received a Masters degree in Church Music and pursued more studies in children's music pedagogy. I went through the Kodaly certification at Texas State University. I have been teaching children since 2000 on a formal basis. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Recorder Fiddle

For beginning students, I start by teaching them how to hold the instrument. Violinists and violists would learn how to pluck, and a beginning recorder student would learn how to blow air correctly into the instrument. I also teach all students correct left hand position. If students do not know how to read music, I teach them how to read the notes using words and phrases they would remember (ex. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I usually start with Leonards Essential Elements. Once my student understands the fundamentals I will begin to introduce scales, etudes, and solo pieces that are appropriate for their level. I also love to throw in a fun piece (a favorite song or something from the radio) at the end of my lessons. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and focus on those areas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Fiddle Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For violin I usually use Suzuki Method and will introduce etudes like Wohlfahrt or Kreutzer. I also have fun with Christmas music, pop and fiddle. If they are young children aged 4-6, I will use the "I Can Read Music" by Joanne Martin. For guitar I use a variety of different classical method and etude books. In addition, I will introduce different genres according to what each student wants to learn, for example, rock, pop, worship, etc. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I start beginning students who are children with instruction in the basics of playing the instrument, helping them to play their first couple of pieces before reading music. I follow this as quickly as possible with Samuel Applebaum's String Builder. I find this particular method the simplest and quickest way to learn reading music on the instrument. I then transfer into other method books (including the Suzuki materials) to guide the student through the levels of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I started teaching back in college. I had a private studio of violin and piano students. I then took on after school strings classes as well as maintaining my studio. I graduated from college in 2006 and then I bagan my career for the next 7 years as an orchestra director in the public school system, which I enjoyed. I realized that my true passion was teaching private lessons and having my own students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I also took piano lessons, played double bass, and played clarinet in band for 4 years. Cello was my calling, and I focused solely on cello from sophomore through senior year in high school. As I entered my first degree program at The University of Memphis, I found myself focused on performance. However, my cello professor noticed my ability to analyze performances and then offer performers encouragement and suggestions. Through his encouragement, I began to view music very differently. Read More