Violin Lessons in Payne Phalen, MN

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been playing violin and viola for over fifteen years, and over the course of that time I have studied piano and theory as well. My piano background has helped immensely in teaching strings, and I highly recommend piano experience for any musician, though I don't require it. I have been teaching for over three years and have greatly enjoyed sharing my passion with students. A consistent practice schedule and help from parents is essential to the success of any musician, especially young musicians, and I highly encourage this. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle Keyboard

My musical life has been extraordinary. Born in Mpls. MN, I attended the Aspen Musical Festival before my departure to Vienna Austria for Master studies in Violin/viola and piano. Scholarship intended for one year ended up a 25 year tenure, teaching, performing in Vienna and raising a family. I returned to the US to become executive director of a music school in MN. I was able to start new after school music programs for elementary schools throughout the district, start an orchestra program and open a theater program for kids. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My first priority is creating a safe and fun environment where students can ask questions, and set goals that are realistic to their needs. We work together to find imagery and methods of practice that work for each individual student, and make weekly notes in a "lesson plan" notebook. By helping students identify and set their own goals and helping them identify their own understanding of the practice methods, I am encouraging critical thinking and practice discipline, which I find more efficient long-term than enforcing my own home-practice techniques and goals. 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

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 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