Violin Lessons in Cottonwood Forest, NM

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Music

I have have an extremely demanding position with APS, including working with the Mentoring Program where I guided new teachers through their first year, but now, after COVID, I want to focus on rebuilding my private lesson community. I usually have at least a few students who meet me at my home during the week or on weekends. I strive to make the lessons fun and creative, and rewarding while addressing the needs of each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

I like to create lessons in which students learn to read traditional music notation, develop technique, and play familiar tunes. I use musictheory.net to help student practice reading note names. The faster a student can read musical notation, the faster the student can pick up new pieces. To develop technique, I want students to lean scales and arpeggios. Sometimes, we use a technique book to develop muscle memory, and other times technical exercises are created based on the tricky musical passages of solo or ensemble pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Harp Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Music Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I start by gathering information about a student's goals and inspirations, and prior knowledge/experience. From there, we develop a plan for warmup exercises, technical exercises, literature, sight-reading, ear-training and listening excerpts to be studied. I determine whether the student needs to begin learning primarily by ear or using some kind of written notation. We find a schedule that will work with both of us. Most students have a regular weekly time, but some students need a variable time due to their individual schedule so we work that out in advance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola

I adapt to all learning styles and necessary modifications/accommodations they might have in a classroom. I encourage all students to explore and discover their own learning styles and I never use shame or comparison as a motivator. My lessons are always fun and upbeat, with lots of healthy celebration of progress! My students have a practice requirement to pass of any given song, depending on their piece and their level of playing. Read More