Violin Lessons in Portage Bay, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

 It will be my pleasure to work with you. *SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MISS ALLIE ON PIANO! Allie has shown an exceeding amount of progress with each lesson. I am proud to call her my student. She is always prepared, and eager to show me her progress for the week. I am delightfully pleased to see how well she has applied our preceding lesson to her week's practice. Allie is quick to fix a mistake. Read More

Instruments: Violin

In order to enjoy playing our instruments for many years to come, I emphasize the importance of healthy technique in order to prevent injury. Through the process of learning scales and pieces, I make sure to incorporate a focus on correct posture, a relaxed left hand, and healthy bow arm so that playing the violin is a positive experience for each student. I use a wide range of materials depending on a student's interests and background - I often teach music reading to students who are reading for the first time, and for students who are already able to read music I modify our lesson materials to reflect this. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin

For all beginner students, I begin with the Essential Elements books. Once fingering and bowing have been introduced, I begin incorporating level-appropriate scales. These etudes and scales are vital for learning the technique necessary for more advanced pieces. Once the student has completed the first Essential Elements book, we then select a piece for them to play, and keep this as our main focus while continuing to work on scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I know each student is different in terms of learning style and musical goals. I make it a priority to keep the student's best interest in mind when giving assignments and setting weekly goals for practicing. The most important thing I want to leave the student with is a sense of fascination and appreciation for music. Whether an interest in classical or country music, I can transform any material into a learning opportunity that is fun, educational, and progressive for the student's musical and technical development. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach using a combination of the Pascale Method (a very good set of pre-written lessons for the very young student), I Can Read Music's rhythm exercises (goes along with the Suzuki books), Strings Fun and Easy, and Suzuki. In addition, I now start students in third position, which has proven to be so very beneficial to my students. During lessons, students should expect to receive a very firm foundation on which to lay their more advanced skills. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I also place an emphasis on learning what I can about my students in non musical settings so I can best learn how to communicate with them so they feel comfortable and successful. Many students feel comfortable talking through concepts and techniques while others prefer detailed written instructions in a take home journal. I give all my students the opportunity to work on new and difficult things in the safe atmosphere of a lesson to ease potential frustration in their in home practicing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

And What are you doing really well or have accomplished in this past week? In my experience, people learn best when they enjoy the music they're learning and become aware of their progress and accomplishments. I encourage my students to be patient when learning a difficult piece or gaining new skills. Like anythings progress takes a little time and hard work, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun along the way! Read More