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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Violin lessons in Irvine . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Violin
I began teaching violin at age 15 to young beginners and also developed a small studio class while I was in high school. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching children "the basics" of the instrument and the fun of making music. Over the next several years and through college I would begin accepting advanced students, until my studio class had reached a level that could compete with the likes of Southern California's best young violinists. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin
I use different book series, depending on the age and level of the student. For young students, I start with the little Mozarts book series, lesson books, and workbooks. For older students, I will either use Bastien or Alfreds lesson and workbooks. This is mixed with a classical and folk book. We also work on theory, and making sure we know our intervals. Students also learn about key signatures and recognizing sharps and flats. Read More
Instruments: Violin
I currently work as the violin instructor and coordinator for Pacific Symphony's Santa Ana Strings. have taught students from the ages of five to adults. My students hold a busy schedule with violin recitals and are also given the opportunity to participate in master classes. In addition, they are involved in their school orchestras, have toured Europe, been members of OCYSO, and my former student now teaches along side with me at Pacific Symphony's Santa Ana Strings. Read More
Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass
I was a featured soloist at the First World Violoncello Congress in Washington, D.C in 1988 and in a featured faculty trio for the World College Chamber Music Conference in Berlin in 1995. Two of my cello solo recitals were recorded and released in 1981 by Hong Kong Audio Production LTD. MAJOR PROFESSORS Janos Starker, Distinguished Professor of Cello, Indiana University School of Music Chi-wen Szeto, Professor of Cello, President of Cello Society of China Peter Spurbeck, Professor of Cello, University of Memphis TEACHING EXPERIENCE Music Faculty, Charis Conservatory (Yamaha Music School), Cerritos, CA 2003 to present Music Faculty, Arroyo Pacific Academy, Arcadia, CA 2003 to 2007 String Instructor, Mississippi Symphony Outreach Program - Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, MS, 1987-2002 Music Faculty, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, 2000-2002 Assistant Professor of Music, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 1988-1998 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE Director of Music Programs, Arroyo Pacific Academy, Arcadia, CA, 2003-2007 Director, Waltrips Music School, Arcadia, CA, 2002-2003 Music Director and Conductor, Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jackson, MS, 1993-2002 Guest Music Clinician for youth music programs in Mississippi and other Southeastern States, 1987-2002 Music Counselor, Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts, Murfreesboro, TN, 1985 ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE Assistant Principal Cellist, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Jackson, MS, 1987-2002 Cellist, North Carolina Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Festival, Bonne, NC 1987-1991 Principal Cellist, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Meridian, MS, 1992-1996 Associate Principal Cellist, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Sioux Falls, SD, 1987 Principal Cellist, Germantown Symphony Orchestra, Germantown, TN, 1985-1987 Cellist, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis, TN, 1984-1987 Principal Cellist, Tupelo Symphony Orchestra, Tupelo, MS, 1985 Cellist, Symphony Orchestra of National Ballet Theater, Beijing, China, 1968-1980 Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Traditional. Classical: Suzuki Jazz: Mel Bay Modern Guitar and Mickey Baker. Styles and lesson books used varied depending upon student and school. I like to involve the student in any way I can and make sure they have an interest in the subject matter. I stress the importance of practicing and enjoyment of music. I believe music is a universal language and I approach lessons with an intuitive understanding of musical elements as well as traditional study of theory and craft. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar
I use a wide variety of methods depending on the student's current ability level, musical preferences, and goals. I'm also willing to work with a method or book that a student is currently using. Generally, my students have a varying ratio of technique/scale study to work on the foundations, an etude/short piece study to help connect musical ideas and teach expression, and a solo piece that is prepared over a long period of time, most likely for a future recital. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola
I believe that every student has their own learning style and I strive to teach to the student. Therefore, every student is taught differently, according to what works for them, and how the student is comfortable being taught. Student's will learn at their own pace while being encouraged to go beyond what they believe they are capable. Students will be given playing opportunities in an annual rectial, and semi annual group performances. Read More
Instruments: Violin
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started on the piano. I am happy I did because it taught me the very basics of music which helped me transfer that to violin very easily. I still play piano and teach piano as well.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I am one of 14 children (yes, you read right!). All of my siblings have some musicality in them - some more than others. I am the only professional musician in the family however.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I knew from the moment I picked up the violin. I can't explain it except that something in my body and mind knew this is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Classical - I enjoy how all of these moving parts work together in a piece by Beethoven or Brahms. I have played many other genres and enjoy all of them from fiddle to movie music, rock to modern.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I enjoy hiking and coffee, as well as talking about pretty much anything with just about everybody. I believe I would be involved in television either as an actor or as a talk show host.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have three Music Performance degrees from three different schools. I love performing and want to be the very best that I can be on my instrument.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal practice session looks different depending on what I have coming up on a concert schedule. In addition to scales, I usually practice a movement of a Bach sonata or partita because Bach's music demands purity of tone and rhythm. I will move on to a concerto that I am working on and then I will follow that up with chamber work such as a trio or duo that I will perform later that week/month.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I would love to perform all six sonatas and partitas by Bach in one recital. These works are staples of the repertoire and of the Western Music canon. It would be a dream come true to do this.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Suzuki method. They are simply the best method to use in my opinion. The repertoire is fantastic and the way that the method focuses on mastery of tone at such a young age is paramount.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I believe that consistency is the hardest thing to achieve on one's instrument. Consistency of tone and pitch is the ultimate in any musician's journey. It is always something that has to be kept in check and to continue to strive for.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
One of the things I'm most proud of is being a part of the Aspen Music Festival's Orchestral Leadership Fellowship Program. I have been chosen as one of nine mentors to take care of and mentor an orchestra at the esteemed festival. My first year as part of the fellowship, I was partnered with one of my closest friends and we were able to mentor young people on how best to play together. Truly a life changing thing it is to help create excitement in a lasting way in people's lives.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I had a friend that I didn't really like that played the violin and I thought to myself, "Hey, I can do that better than him!" That's how I started. Don't worry, he's one of my closest friends to this day.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes I did. My first Suzuki teacher was phenomenal. She was caring and gentle whilst being disciplined and motivating. Those things are often hard to achieve together, yet she did it all with grace and inspired me to be the very best I could. Without her, I would not be playing today.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Generally I start teaching at age 5. Each child is different, but if they love music and are big enough to hold things without dropping them, then they are set. That age varies and depends completely on what the parent feels is best.
When will I start to see results?
Over time - Each day is a journey and just like in all good things, it takes time but it happens. Even to this day, after year and years of practice, I will feel like I'm not advancing and then one day I'll go back and listen to a recording I did a bit ago and see the progress. It's hard to see the forest through the trees but it's great to step back and get a big picture view often.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Always have a plan and stick to it. A little progress each day is better than one big chunk on one day of the week. A great piece of advice is to anly practice on the days you eat!
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Violin lessons in Irvine to students of all ages and abilities.
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