Viola Lessons in Smithville, MO

Instruments: Violin Viola

When I am working with students with no experience or beginners I like to focus on the enjoyment and less explanation of technical matters. I like to work with students on learning to play a tune first so they feel more accomplished and dont lose the excitement due to the repetitive nature of learning a new skill. When I am working with students that are more advanced, I would do more listening and focus on technical skills. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

I aim to motivate students through encouragement and enthusiasm. I believe it is important to keep lessons fun and engaging while maintaining focus on technique. During each lesson, I always find something to compliment the student on because I believe it is important that the student recognizes their improvement. I do set weekly goals for my students. They include practice time, a new technique, and memorization of music. It is very rewarding to see my students excitement when they have finally developed a new technique or learned a piece of music they have been excited about. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Clarinet

I have been teaching lessons since High School. Back then, I mostly taught beginner students on the Piano. Since College, I have expanded my teaching repertoir to include Piano, Organ, Violin, and Viola. For the past 7 years, I have been teaching and instructing my students on the best practices as blossoming musicians. Nothing can make you a better musician than practice and consistency. No matter what genre of music you are interested in, you must practice.There will always be times were you have toforce yourself to practice (because it won't always be fun), but the gains are never dull.It has been my experience that those students who apply themselves diligently, love to play the songs that they have mastered over and over again. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Karla received her Music Educators license in Instrumental Music from William Jewell College in 2005. Instrumental Conducting, Secondary Music Methods, Instrumental Techniques, and Educational Psychology were some of the courses that prepared her to become a more knowledgeable teacher. She started private teaching violin and viola lessons in 2002 at REW Band and Orchestra. From there she went to Northland Cathedral School of music in 2006 before starting her own studio in 2010.   Currently, Karla plays 4th chair viola with the St. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I adjust my teaching style to compliment each student individually. My goal is for each student to enjoy playing their instrument, but I believe that the personal improvement of each student is vital for their continued interest and passion. I take it upon myself to make sure that my teaching is resulting in personal enjoyment and improvement! I also believe that studying a musical instrument is useful for developing things like problem solving skills, perseverance, building good habits, having a good work ethic, and being responsible. Read More