Violin Lessons in Minnetonka, MN

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 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: 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: 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

I began teaching private lessons in 1989. My focus is to understand what learning style my students have and base my teaching methods on their individual needs. In college I studied pedagogies (teaching methods) for band, orchestra and majored in vocal and classroom education. Since achieving my degree in teaching kindergarten through 12th grade education, I have worked in Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, and High School settings as well with the elderly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello

Guitar: For children, I prefer the FJH Young Beginner Guitar method, but for adults I would prefer Hal Leonard if the student is looking to learn both chords and melody using folk music. I could also teach guitar based on gospel and Christian praise music if the student prefers. I have taught students with an interest in rock music, but only to give them the basic foundation skills of chords and notes to build on with another teacher who has more of a rock music speciality. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

Ever since I met the great string teacher George Neikrug, I've been inspired to share all his knowledge about Dounis (the world's greatest string teacher). This information is the most exciting way to learn cello, violin, or viola. It's all about using your "native instincts" instead of conditioned reflexes. All the knowledge given me by this great teacher, plus the experience of playing concerts in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and around the world with the world's best artists is mygreat joy to pass on. Read More