Viola Lessons in Woodside, CA

Instruments: Viola

For beginners, we'll start with the ABCs of Viola, and Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for Strings, along with Suzuki, Vol 1. We'll work on developing skills as a soloist, and simple duets that the student and I can play together. For intermediate students, we'll go further into the Hal Leonard books, and the Suzuki series, 2 octave scales, double stops, vibrato, musical phrasing. It's very important to enjoy the process of learning the viola, so I always want to make it fun! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I began teaching private violin and viola lessons in 2012, and I greatly enjoy working with my students. They range in age from 3 1/2 to adult, and each one has been unique. After beginning lessons with my first student, teaching a semester of music theory, and teaching a summer camp, I became interested in Suzuki methodology and pedagogy. I find that for younger students especially, this method allows for more parent involvement at an age when many parents want to be more involved, and many children equally appreciate this involvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love seeing my students grow in their knowledge and appreciation of music! Excellence is rewarding, and I teach the process to get there from whatever level we begin. I use positive reinforcement and notice what the student is doing right. Then, I give critique and an action plan to improve performance. It feels good for the student and teacher when they learn the methods to break down what is currently difficult into smaller pieces so that it is both manageable and possible to go further than they thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I typically perform an assessment with every individual during the first lesson. Depending on goals, I will recommend curriculum to achieve the desired results. If a classical approach is desired, I use the Alfred's Basic Piano series and the Hal Leonard method for guitar, along with scale and chord theory literature depending on the level of the student. I also teach jazz/pop accompaniment style improv playing so I print music out from various sources. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

As a violin instructor going into my fifth year of teaching,I seek to help my students learn to become sensitive and versatile musicians, as well as instilling in them a love of music for the rest of their lives. Having recently earned a bachelor's degree in violin performance from UC Santa Cruz, under the tutelage of the concertmaster of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, I can offer you much knowledge in the way of Galamian bowing technique, effective practice habits, targeted technical exercises, a large library of exercises, etudes and methods to choose from, and guidance in creating musical phrasing and expression. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I used to use the Suzuki method but mostly I used formal classical method. Although, I always fit my lessons depending of each student's needs and/or requests. Personally I like the classical method because I also teach my students music theory if needed as well as historical facts to understand the music better. I have also thaught the El Sistema method from Venezuela which basically teaches students the feeling of playing music phisically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Ukulele Electric Violin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar

Music is something that takes time to understand. It clicks in some students, but most kids take a while to develop musically. Patience is the most pronounced characteristic in my teaching style. It's easy to tell the student what they're doing wrong and what to correct, but that doesn't mean it's the most effective practice. Some kids will get nervous and make the same mistake over and over again. This is where it's important to use positive reinforcement and give the student time and space to be able to understand their mistake and fix it. Read More