Violin Lessons in Fort Sheridan, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

I was known as the "Music Mentor" and would help those graffiti writing kids who wanted to funnel their creativity into a positive musical outlet. Also, I founded an arts start-up five years ago that creates opportunities and a platform for independent artists. So, in short, I am very passionate about helping the struggling young musician get to the next level, and this is why I talk about providing advice on the other aspects of becoming a musical artist, if needed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I do this myself without straining the student. Gradually, the student begins to naturally hold the instrument. From this point on, we gradually begin to play songs on our own. Children are eager to play because it is easy and interesting for them. With older children who are already playing, there are other tasks. I work on the technique of playing the instrument, while motivating them in various ways so that it is interesting for them to do routine work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

I am a Suzuki teacher. I love this method because it places emphasis on the skills learned, which can transfer over into any piece, rather than just learning the notes of a piece. I do think it is important to learn to recognize what you hear and play by ear, but I will not let my students fall behind with note reading. I typically begin basic note reading in the middle of book 1. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students (pre-Suzuki), I like to take material from different method books and even write my own songs. This way, each student has their own, individualized curriculum to help with technique or material that they find to be difficult. Once the student has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I like to use Suzuki books. I like to use the Suzuki method for younger beginners because it can be more challenging to learn to read notes, but I encourage note reading for older students. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Hi! My name is Martina and I am a classically trained violist. In May of 2013 I received a Master of Music from Roosevelt University, where I studied with Lawrence Neuman of the Chicago Symphony. I received an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin with Sally Chisholm of the Pro Arte quartet. The only thing I love more than playing viola is sharing the joy of music with others! I've received training on violin and viola and can't wait to start teaching you or your child. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have loved music for as long as I can remember. At three years old I was dancing around my dad’s office as he played Stevie Ray Vaughn. At four I was begging my older brothers to teach me something on their guitars. By eight I was teaching myself “I Want It That Way” on my MIDI keyboard and by nine I finally decided to play the violin through my school orchestra program. Read More