Violin Lessons in Bastrop, TX

Instruments: Piano Violin Drums

The following are books that I start my lessons with. In addition, I supplement with materials that my students are interested in learning. If there is a particular song or style that they would like to learn(and is reasonably within their ability level or I am able to modify), I work to teach it to them. Drums: ***The book chosen depends on a student's level and personal goals, but these are great books to start with: Drumset For Preschoolers by Andy Ziker(for students ages 2-6, or students that would benefit from a color-coded system initially) The Drumset Musician By Rod Morgenstein and Rick Mattingly(great for beginning drum beats!) Alfred's Drum Method(for learning rhythms and rudiments) A Fresh Approach to the Drumset by Mark Wessels with Stanton Moore(teaches an intro to a variety of styles, including rock, samba, jazz, etc.) Piano: Alfred's All-in-One Course This book has simple, child-centered lessons that are reasonably paced, teaches beginning music theory, and allows students the opportunity to write. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I strongly encourage the student and parent to be methodic and consciensious about learning the basic technique for the instrument before he/she starts to play differnt repertoire. Nevertheless I try to introduce simple tunes and songs to encourage the student to progress rapidly and get a love for the instrument. 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: 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: Guitar Violin Saxophone Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

I allow students to work at their own pace while also setting realistic attainable goals. I want students to feel relaxed during their lessons so I try to establish an atmosphere that's both informal yet studious. One of my top priorities as a teacher is to understand what a student is most interested in and then focus our lessons on what they love. The best way to understand technique and theory is to apply it to something that you enjoy so I always try to attain this! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Darrell worked at the primary, secondary/preparatory, and tertiary levels at some of the top-rated private schools in New York, conducting and directing since 1986.  He has been a professional producer, director, performer and private instructor/mentor in Austin, Texas since 2009. Performing since 1980, Darrell has worked with all levels of musicians, from beginners to professionals in a wide variety of genres in many facets of music production, from center stage to backstage and in the recording studio. Read More