Violin Lessons in Marine On Saint Croix, MN

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

THE DOUNIS METHOD - The secret of being a truly great string player is to make the instrument an extension of the body not vice versa. This is accomplished by using your native instincts which are strongest when you are a child, but can be rediscovered later. When all technique is based on these instinctive movements then the expression is released. Your creative potential is unlocked. This kind of playing conveys a natural musical authority because it is completely based on your own musical impulses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle Keyboard

I am familiar with all teaching methods, both American and European. I use the combination of both. In general I teach scales, reading music, learning to sight read, metronme training, along with muscle development and strengthening. I teach all styles of music for both strings and piano and have had very successful students young and old. Specifically for violin, I teach the Dounis method for more advanced students preparing for auditions, scholarships etc. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginners, particularly children, I use the Suzuki method due to the emphasis on learning the instrument before learning how to read notes. I do this in part because, regardless of method, listening to experts play pieces that you are working on is a big part of string playing, and the Suzuki method has become standardized enough that the beginner and intermediate pieces have readily available recordings. Once a baseline of the instrument is established, I add outside repertoire and workbooks. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I use a variety of books for teaching, and prefer to not use just one. It is essential for students to study scales and arpeggios, so a scale book, typically the Flesch Scale book is required. Other books I use are -Suzuki -Solos for Young Violinists/Violists -For Strings (Though I use Suzuki books, I do NOT teach the Suzuki method. I strong emphasize music reading literacy, and this requires the ability to understand by reading, and not by hearing alone). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is based on each student's needs. Some students like to learn at a fast pace and others like to go slower. I listen carefully and ask questions, basing instruction on what creates success. My approach is to make learning fun. I bring markers and stickers and other visual aids to create a unique learning process. I like to use games and sayings to help remember things, many of which I've developed over the years. Read More