Violin Lessons in Alpharetta, GA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I am not a method Nazi. I teach what the student needs. If i am teaching a student bass, but they need the agility of a cellist, then I find material suitable to gain that outcome. However, I do understand that students and parents need track-able goals to perceive progress. I am always happy to discuss what method may be best used after I have observed the students aptitude and desired outcome. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe lessons should be fun. Yes, learning music can and should be challenging. But it also needs to be fun. I am a very performance-oriented teacher. So, once I get to know a student, we begin preparing to perform. If we are having fun while we work, we don't even realize we are working. Giving students really solid practice skills they can do on their own keeps them engaged. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started playing the cello in 5th grade after attending a Middle School showcase where they showed off all their clubs to rising 6th grade students. I ran away from my mother after seeing the Cellist play and went to talk to him. She found me an hour later in the Orchestra room playing with the instrument. Like the great mother she is, she took me to a local music store and had me playing shortly afterwards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

I generally will start off students with the Hal Leonard Essential Elements books 1 and 2. Once the fundamentals from those books have been understood, I will start the students on repertoire that is appropriate for their level. I generally will start off on Classical music, but if the student has a request I will help them work on that song unless I know that their skill level isn't at the point where they can perform that song. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I enjoy teaching all ages, and the most rewarding thing about it is when my students show improvement, take initiative to enter into the larger community (through a recital, stage performance, competition, or other activity), and achieve their goals! To inspire this I teach students at his or her own pace. With each lesson, we identify what needs work, work together on the rough spots, and determine what to practice- and how- so as that these things are no longer difficult. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For all beginner students I like to start with Essential Elements 2000 for violin. I find it is a great way to introduce reading music notation for students who havent learned yet. Once the student has a good grasp on reading music and playing in upright position, I like to introduce introductory solo repertoire with Suzuki Violin School. I find this is a great way to introduce violin techniques like tone development along with performance elements. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Flute Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Music Keyboard

For beginner strings I use several method books (elementary and 6th students can come with prescribed method books from their public school teacher) such as Essential Elements, Orchestra Expressions, String Essentials. If parents would like to use solo books, I use Suzuki Method Books (not necessarily the method of only learning by ear) in conjunction with note reading workbooks. As they age I use other method books (violin, viola, cello. double bass) such as Wohlfahrt, Mazas, Kreutzer, Flesch, Schradieck, Dont, Bach Sonatas and Partitas, Rick Mooney's shifting and thump position book series, Klengel, Bach Cello Suites, Popper, PIatti, Smandl Method, Fischer, and of course as they advance any standard sonatas and concerti, such as Mozart 5 in AM, Mendelssohn in em, Hadyn Concerto in CM, anything from the Baroque, classical, and romantic era. Read More