Violin Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Fiddle

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Essential Element's for Strings or Beth Lavender's A Better Beginning. These books introduce the fundamental position and note reading techniques in a logical progression. After the student has grasped the fundamentals, they are welcome to bring in contemporary songs. I find that a mixture of fundamentals and fun recognizable songs keeps students both progressing technically and connected to the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Trumpet

I have been around music practically since I was born, as my parents were both professional musicians and our house was constantly filled with the sounds of Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. I initially decided to study piano and violin performance but changed my focus to education and teaching. As a passionate musician, I have enjoyed playing in symphony orchestras through the years, and I've found that being part of a group of people whose purpose is to produce a beautiful work of art is one of the most enjoyable experiences one can have. Read More

Instruments: Violin Bass Guitar

I try to keep my students engaged by making games for them to play while practicing. I also like to keep my students set on a goal for a given period, I believe this motivates them to push themselves. I try to be understanding of every students circumstances, so I'm understanding if a student doesn't practice for a given week. While I would like all my students to practice, I first and foremost believe consistency is important so just keeping them on the right track is often satisfactory to me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin

For my beginning students, I typically start with either Essential Elements 2000 for strings or Sound Innovations. Both books give younger students a grasp on the fundamentals of technique. As they grow I then introduce solo repertoire by using the Suzuki Books but also like to add a fiddle book. Sometimes students gradually go either to fiddle or to classical. I try and encourage what they are more comfortable with. For adults, I try to find out what genre of music they enjoy and try to gauge their ability level with a couple playing evaluations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Fiddle

For beginners, I typically start students off with the suzuki books to build technique, but I teach them from the classical perspective rather than the suzuki method. With intermediate and advanced students, i will introduce solo repertoire appropriate for recital performance and/or a commercial piece (fiddle tunes, pop songs, etc) that the student is interested in learning. Fiddle is my specialty, but I also teach classical violin and even my fiddle students will learn classical technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Viola, Cello, Bass Ensemble InstructorJun 2014 - Jul 2014 Pennsbury School District Summer Camp This summer camp met for the month of July, and the students attended Monday-Thursday. Each day we would focus on learning Viola, Cello, and Bass ensemble repertoire and showcased our accomplishments in the final concert. I was also responsible for teaching private cello and bass lessons each week. We focused on building technique and musicality. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My teaching style is pretty simple...Teach for enjoyment! I use the Suzuki method for classical teaching. Beginners will have fun learning correct posture and technique. For intermediate level students, I build on what they already know as well as improve basic skills that may have been overlooked. For those who already play at a high level, I use coaching techniques to help make the sound more musical and enjoyable for the listener. Read More